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Bride at Whangatapu
Bride At Whangatapu by Robyn Donald released on Nov 23, 1979 is available now for purchase.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
150 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Donald
448 books146 followersRobyn Elaine Donald was born on 14 August 1940 in Northland, New Zealand. She was the oldest child in her family, and as a child, she thrilled her four sisters and one brother with bloodcurdling adventure tales, usually very like the latest book she'd borrowed from the library.
Robyn owes her writing career to two illnesses. The first was a younger sister's flu. She was living with her husband and Robyn and spent most of that winter acquiring, suffering, and recovering from various infections. One day she croaked that she had read everything on Robyn's bookshelves, so would Robyn please buy her something cheerful and sustaining. Robyn found three paperbacks- one Mills and Boon Modern Romance novel and a couple of other romances. Robyn read them, too, of course, and so enjoyed them she spent the next couple of years hunting down more Mills and Boon books. This was much more difficult then than it is today, so she decided to write her own, and for the following busy 10 years she wrote and hoped that one day she would finish a manuscript good enough that was good enough to send to a publisher.
The second illness was her husband's, and it was bad a heart attack. He was so young it terrified them all. While he was recovering, he suggested that Robyn finish the manuscript she was writing and send it off. It wasn't a perfect manuscript, but the doctor had said to humour her husband, so she finished the manuscript, edited it as best she could, and sent it off. Three months later, she was astounded to read a letter from the editor saying that if She made a few revisions they would buy her novel Bride at Whangatapu.
Published since 1977, Robyn sees her readers as intelligent women who insist on accurate backgrounds, so she spends time researching as well as writing.Robyn Donald sometimes thinks that writing is much like gardening. It's a similar process creating landscapes for the mind and emotions from the seeds of ideas and dreams and images. Both activities can also lead to moments of extreme delight, moments of total despair, and backache.Now Robyn lives in the Bay Islands. She continues writing, and also finds time for a very supportive husband, two adult children and their partners, a granddaughter and her mother, not to mention the member of the family that keeps her fit - a loud, cheerful, and ruthlessly determined "almost" Labradordog.
Robyn owes her writing career to two illnesses. The first was a younger sister's flu. She was living with her husband and Robyn and spent most of that winter acquiring, suffering, and recovering from various infections. One day she croaked that she had read everything on Robyn's bookshelves, so would Robyn please buy her something cheerful and sustaining. Robyn found three paperbacks- one Mills and Boon Modern Romance novel and a couple of other romances. Robyn read them, too, of course, and so enjoyed them she spent the next couple of years hunting down more Mills and Boon books. This was much more difficult then than it is today, so she decided to write her own, and for the following busy 10 years she wrote and hoped that one day she would finish a manuscript good enough that was good enough to send to a publisher.
The second illness was her husband's, and it was bad a heart attack. He was so young it terrified them all. While he was recovering, he suggested that Robyn finish the manuscript she was writing and send it off. It wasn't a perfect manuscript, but the doctor had said to humour her husband, so she finished the manuscript, edited it as best she could, and sent it off. Three months later, she was astounded to read a letter from the editor saying that if She made a few revisions they would buy her novel Bride at Whangatapu.
Published since 1977, Robyn sees her readers as intelligent women who insist on accurate backgrounds, so she spends time researching as well as writing.Robyn Donald sometimes thinks that writing is much like gardening. It's a similar process creating landscapes for the mind and emotions from the seeds of ideas and dreams and images. Both activities can also lead to moments of extreme delight, moments of total despair, and backache.Now Robyn lives in the Bay Islands. She continues writing, and also finds time for a very supportive husband, two adult children and their partners, a granddaughter and her mother, not to mention the member of the family that keeps her fit - a loud, cheerful, and ruthlessly determined "almost" Labradordog.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 1, 2022
If Robyn Donald's stories are your thing, you're gonna love this one. It's a secret baby story. It's a forced marriage story. It's unrequited love on the part of the heroine who was 18 when she hooked up with the 26-year-old hero while on a skiing holiday. Hero was appalled at himself for sleeping with a virgin, so he told her off the next day and that was that. Heroine was so traumatized by this rejection that she didn't realize she was pregnant until she was four months along. Heroine, with the help of her parents, decides to keep the baby.
Fast forward five years. Heroine's parents are dead, but she has secretarial training and she has a good job. She wants to move to the North Island of NZ for her son, who has had a bad bout of bronchitis. The story opens with (suprise!) the hero interviewing her for the position and demanding to know if this four year-old is his child. It is, of course, and hero forces her to marry him. Then we're off the family estate where the heroine has to deal with a wary mother-in-law, a hostile housekeeper, a raving lunatic of an OW and a sometimes cruel, sometimes tender hero.
Allll things I love!
Heroine in this is great. She does not let treacherous body syndrome overcome her - no matter how hard the hero puts the moves on her. She is holding out for love and respect - and by golly she gets it at the end.
The little boy is also great. He's a smart and precocious and while everyone on the farm thinks his independence from his mother is because he doesn't care about his mother, they soon find out he is her fiercest protector and his independence comes from his security with her. There is a lovely scene with the housekeeper which *shows* this and creates sort of a turning point in the story. He would make an awesome next generation hero - he's that cool of a kid.
The hero, in desperation, tries making the heroine jealous with the OW and it backfires on him. (And no - he didn't cheat with the OW. Although he did have lovers after their ONS when he lost track of the heroine for five years.) I don't think he loved the heroine at the time of their ONS, but he was hooked by the middle of this story - poor clueless alpha.
Heroine can play the piano, type up a storm, and knows when to be quiet and when to speak up. (Her scenes with the OW are awesome). Hero is a babe magnet who never had to work at a relationship in his life. What kept this from a five star read is that the H/h met again by chance. Hero hadn't forgotten her, but he was busy with his father's sudden death, being a babe magnet and being one of New Zealand's few millionaires. (That's six zeroes baby!)
I believed in their HEA. For vintage and Robyn Donald fans.
Fast forward five years. Heroine's parents are dead, but she has secretarial training and she has a good job. She wants to move to the North Island of NZ for her son, who has had a bad bout of bronchitis. The story opens with (suprise!) the hero interviewing her for the position and demanding to know if this four year-old is his child. It is, of course, and hero forces her to marry him. Then we're off the family estate where the heroine has to deal with a wary mother-in-law, a hostile housekeeper, a raving lunatic of an OW and a sometimes cruel, sometimes tender hero.
Allll things I love!
Heroine in this is great. She does not let treacherous body syndrome overcome her - no matter how hard the hero puts the moves on her. She is holding out for love and respect - and by golly she gets it at the end.
The little boy is also great. He's a smart and precocious and while everyone on the farm thinks his independence from his mother is because he doesn't care about his mother, they soon find out he is her fiercest protector and his independence comes from his security with her. There is a lovely scene with the housekeeper which *shows* this and creates sort of a turning point in the story. He would make an awesome next generation hero - he's that cool of a kid.
The hero, in desperation, tries making the heroine jealous with the OW and it backfires on him. (And no - he didn't cheat with the OW. Although he did have lovers after their ONS when he lost track of the heroine for five years.) I don't think he loved the heroine at the time of their ONS, but he was hooked by the middle of this story - poor clueless alpha.
Heroine can play the piano, type up a storm, and knows when to be quiet and when to speak up. (Her scenes with the OW are awesome). Hero is a babe magnet who never had to work at a relationship in his life. What kept this from a five star read is that the H/h met again by chance. Hero hadn't forgotten her, but he was busy with his father's sudden death, being a babe magnet and being one of New Zealand's few millionaires. (That's six zeroes baby!)
I believed in their HEA. For vintage and Robyn Donald fans.
February 4, 2021
Good writing, old school, nice info on New Zealand, quietly elegant heroine with a spine, intelligent plot moppet, a spoiled evil OW and a hunky hero that has all the emotional substance and game playing of a sixth grade girl.
Other much better reviews.
I don’t know who did that cover, but false advertising. The heroine was never that giddy.
Other much better reviews.
I don’t know who did that cover, but false advertising. The heroine was never that giddy.
April 15, 2021
Bride at Whangatapu includes the hallmark of almost every one of Robyn Donald's books, as it intimately details the natural environment of New Zealand. Whether her books were set on a sheep station, on a yacht in the Pacific or just a tropical backdrop, you could see the bright green grass, feel the ocean spray on your face or smell the hibiscus blossoms (which don't even have much a scent, do they?).
Also present in this, RD's first published book, is the other hallmark of Donald's writing: an ultra-jerky hero who bullies his way over the heroine. Right from chapter one, when Logan finds that Fiona is the mother of his son after a one night stand many years ago, he demands she marry him. He blames Fiona and her dead parents for not having told him the truth. However he was a pig about their lovemaking, calling Fiona a slut and a promiscuous bitch for sleeping with him (she was an 18 year-old virgin, he was a more experienced 26) so Fiona left and never looked back.
Donald's heroes are odd, as they are incredibly cruel, yet sometimes that meanness makes them so appealing. Not so much here in her first HP. I guess it took a bit of practice to master that fine line.
2 stars
Also present in this, RD's first published book, is the other hallmark of Donald's writing: an ultra-jerky hero who bullies his way over the heroine. Right from chapter one, when Logan finds that Fiona is the mother of his son after a one night stand many years ago, he demands she marry him. He blames Fiona and her dead parents for not having told him the truth. However he was a pig about their lovemaking, calling Fiona a slut and a promiscuous bitch for sleeping with him (she was an 18 year-old virgin, he was a more experienced 26) so Fiona left and never looked back.
Donald's heroes are odd, as they are incredibly cruel, yet sometimes that meanness makes them so appealing. Not so much here in her first HP. I guess it took a bit of practice to master that fine line.
2 stars
April 17, 2022
Robyn Donald's 1st HP (published in 1977).
PLOT: 25yo h agrees to marry her 4yo son's father, 30s NZ-rancher H, 5 years after their ONS. He's clear that he's only marrying her for their son's sake and there won't be a divorce. h won't smex him until he loves her back. H thinks she'll give in to him before then. His family and his neighbor's socialite daughter OW are suspicious of their quickie marriage. But H&h are determined to show solidarity as a couple in public. Until OW keeps inviting herself over & h sees her kissing H. Then, she considers possibly leaving her son with H just to free H to marry OW, who he may possibly love.
Good writing. Good romance development after a closed-scene ONS 5 years ago. Loved 23yo h's character—her calmness in battle/kindness/wisdom/simplicity/quiet honesty/& inner strength. She chose her battle wisely & tamped down anger to exude a quiet & firm confidence instead. She was classy, despite her humble background. During multiple times that 30s NZ ranch-owner H would verbally put her down, she frustrated him with her calm demeanor. So, he resorted to making her jealous with OW in hopes that h would react more brashly with him. But h was smart and learned from her ONS-mistake with H 5 years ago to hold her cards closely to heart and not let him see how much he did affect her. She wasn't perfect and said and did some foolish things. But she eventually made the mature & better choices in the long run.
Lots of non-verbal emotional & sexual tension between them through their emotional 1-upmanship. We only get h's POV & only know of her past with h through her POV and know that she's not the carefree/trusting/naive 18yo virgin that she was when she met H 5 years ago. She's more careful & subdued now. Careful to consider much before acting or speaking. She held on to her pride and unwilling to submit herself to H until she knew that he loved her back. Loved that.
H was a tough & sometimes cruel man in his candidness. Such as when he told her that he was only marrying her for their son's sake. He also said some pretty cruel things to h just to rile her up. He wanted her to fall in love with him again and show it. But her calm demeanor frustrated him so he'd say & do things like have OW hang around him & let h see OW kiss him just to goad h to show that she cared for him. He was a jerk to her. But he apologized and explained his secret motives to her. Loved that he was as blown away by her as she was with him 5 years ago. He tried to looking for her but couldn't find her until their accidental meeting 5 years later, when h was going to work for him as a secretary. DI don't think H was in love with h 5 years ago. There definitely was a big spark but it was a ONS and they didn't really know each other. He fell in love with her person in the present time, watching how she was with their son & others. Despite how her quiet demeanor did frustrate him when it came to their relationship, he appreciated it in a social setting. And came to admire her for it, along with his family. He didn't grovel but did apologize & explain his motives & cruel words/actions to h. It fit his character & was good enough for me.
They were married a few months before they confessed their ILYs, allowing them to get to know each other and their romance and characters to grow. I loved that they became quite attuned to each other's character that they were able to share inside jokes and mock each other by the end. Believable HEA. I would still have liked an epilogue years later to show the strength of their marriage & more kids.
Generalized sex scenes. Good emotionality. Some angsty moments even @ 95%. I had to tell my family to hush so I could finish this book undisturbed. :-)
Sexual History:
18yo virgin h met 30s(?) H while both were on vacation 5 years ago and had a ONS. The morning after H said some cruel words to h about her virginity and how easy she was. H later admits that he did so out of anger with himself and not with her. h goes back home to her parents and soon realized she's pregnant. Her parents helped her raise her son until they died 3 years later. h was too busy & disheartened to date anyone the next 5yrs. H looked for h after she left him. But he had to go back to his family ranch since his father suddenly died and he had to take over their ranching business. From OW & others' info, H was popular and dated other women the next 5yrs. He considered an arranged marriage with neighboring family's socialite daughter OW since she was socially suitable and was attractive. But seeing h again & knowing they had a 4yo son put an end to that. From both OW and H, neither had ever had sex with each other. h saw OW kiss H at their house 1 night though. H let OW kiss him to make h jealous.
PLOT: 25yo h agrees to marry her 4yo son's father, 30s NZ-rancher H, 5 years after their ONS. He's clear that he's only marrying her for their son's sake and there won't be a divorce. h won't smex him until he loves her back. H thinks she'll give in to him before then. His family and his neighbor's socialite daughter OW are suspicious of their quickie marriage. But H&h are determined to show solidarity as a couple in public. Until OW keeps inviting herself over & h sees her kissing H. Then, she considers possibly leaving her son with H just to free H to marry OW, who he may possibly love.
Good writing. Good romance development after a closed-scene ONS 5 years ago. Loved 23yo h's character—her calmness in battle/kindness/wisdom/simplicity/quiet honesty/& inner strength. She chose her battle wisely & tamped down anger to exude a quiet & firm confidence instead. She was classy, despite her humble background. During multiple times that 30s NZ ranch-owner H would verbally put her down, she frustrated him with her calm demeanor. So, he resorted to making her jealous with OW in hopes that h would react more brashly with him. But h was smart and learned from her ONS-mistake with H 5 years ago to hold her cards closely to heart and not let him see how much he did affect her. She wasn't perfect and said and did some foolish things. But she eventually made the mature & better choices in the long run.
Lots of non-verbal emotional & sexual tension between them through their emotional 1-upmanship. We only get h's POV & only know of her past with h through her POV and know that she's not the carefree/trusting/naive 18yo virgin that she was when she met H 5 years ago. She's more careful & subdued now. Careful to consider much before acting or speaking. She held on to her pride and unwilling to submit herself to H until she knew that he loved her back. Loved that.
H was a tough & sometimes cruel man in his candidness. Such as when he told her that he was only marrying her for their son's sake. He also said some pretty cruel things to h just to rile her up. He wanted her to fall in love with him again and show it. But her calm demeanor frustrated him so he'd say & do things like have OW hang around him & let h see OW kiss him just to goad h to show that she cared for him. He was a jerk to her. But he apologized and explained his secret motives to her. Loved that he was as blown away by her as she was with him 5 years ago. He tried to looking for her but couldn't find her until their accidental meeting 5 years later, when h was going to work for him as a secretary. DI don't think H was in love with h 5 years ago. There definitely was a big spark but it was a ONS and they didn't really know each other. He fell in love with her person in the present time, watching how she was with their son & others. Despite how her quiet demeanor did frustrate him when it came to their relationship, he appreciated it in a social setting. And came to admire her for it, along with his family. He didn't grovel but did apologize & explain his motives & cruel words/actions to h. It fit his character & was good enough for me.
They were married a few months before they confessed their ILYs, allowing them to get to know each other and their romance and characters to grow. I loved that they became quite attuned to each other's character that they were able to share inside jokes and mock each other by the end. Believable HEA. I would still have liked an epilogue years later to show the strength of their marriage & more kids.
Generalized sex scenes. Good emotionality. Some angsty moments even @ 95%. I had to tell my family to hush so I could finish this book undisturbed. :-)
Sexual History:
18yo virgin h met 30s(?) H while both were on vacation 5 years ago and had a ONS. The morning after H said some cruel words to h about her virginity and how easy she was. H later admits that he did so out of anger with himself and not with her. h goes back home to her parents and soon realized she's pregnant. Her parents helped her raise her son until they died 3 years later. h was too busy & disheartened to date anyone the next 5yrs. H looked for h after she left him. But he had to go back to his family ranch since his father suddenly died and he had to take over their ranching business. From OW & others' info, H was popular and dated other women the next 5yrs. He considered an arranged marriage with neighboring family's socialite daughter OW since she was socially suitable and was attractive. But seeing h again & knowing they had a 4yo son put an end to that. From both OW and H, neither had ever had sex with each other. h saw OW kiss H at their house 1 night though. H let OW kiss him to make h jealous.
October 14, 2016
Interesting read - Robyn Donald writes some of the most OTT jerk heroes - and this H ranks somewhere at the top of the list. H is ~8-10 years older than h. h was an 18-year old virgin. She immediately fell for the H - H seduces h - she actively participates. When H realizes h still has her v-card, he insults her and rejects her. h leaves, has a baby, her parents die, and struggling to raise her son, lands a job interview. Employer turns out to be H - he finds out h had a child, determines the boy is his and coerces the h into a moc. H moves them to his remote cattle station with a live-in housekeeper, his mother, his playboy reputation, and a scheming-conniving OW who wants H as her husband. H tries to get h in bed, h won't until he loves her and does not capitulate. The H gets into some royal snits and takes some shots to the ego and tries to make h jealous over the wannabe-wife OW.
On one hand, this was very old-school HP - but with all the OTT drama, angst, story, etc., it actually made me laugh. I'm usually ambivalent about child characters - this one actually made me laugh at the H/son first meeting. h carries herself very well for an unworldly 23-year old.
h catches H kissing OW, H/OW travel overnight together, and H stays out very late giving OW a ride home. I'm calling cheating here although he denies it. It's not that it bothered me one way or another. H loves her and won't admit it - another one who bit the dust kicking and screaming. I was entertained by the drama of it all.
3.5 rounded stars.
On one hand, this was very old-school HP - but with all the OTT drama, angst, story, etc., it actually made me laugh. I'm usually ambivalent about child characters - this one actually made me laugh at the H/son first meeting. h carries herself very well for an unworldly 23-year old.
h catches H kissing OW, H/OW travel overnight together, and H stays out very late giving OW a ride home. I'm calling cheating here although he denies it. It's not that it bothered me one way or another. H loves her and won't admit it - another one who bit the dust kicking and screaming. I was entertained by the drama of it all.
3.5 rounded stars.
January 16, 2022
H was not as cruel as other RD's heroes but dummy enough! Lol
April 10, 2017
Apparently I read this years ago, and had forgotten all about it. For a book written in 1980, the heroine is surprisingly confident, and doesn't buckle under everytime the "hero" kisses her.
On the other hand, this "hero" is a brutally handsome, millionaire creep. Upon discovering that she had given birth to his child four years earlier, he coerces her into marrying him, and assures her it would be a marriage of convenience. So the very first time they are alone in a bedroom, he tries to seduce her, gets angry when she resists, and states that he should "throw her on the bed and rape her" for refusing him. He seems to be enamored of the rape concept as he brings it up several more times throughout the book. This does not seem to bother her much. It bothered me a lot.
He also plays off another woman to make her jealous, but of course never actually cheats on her. Once, she sees him deeply kissing the other woman, but it's passed off as a thank you....from the woman for taking her to town, and he belittles the heroine for not trusting him. (Gee, wouldn't a simple "thanks" suffice? One wonders what reward he would receive for holding her coat!)
Didn't like the kid much, either. At the age of four, he speaks baby talk, and at one point is so grumpy when awakening from a nap he "beats his mother about the head". And she worries that he will be spoiled. Dearie me.
Of course, in the end, they discover they love each other madly and live happily ever after, because, hey! this is a Harlequin romance and things happen like that in Harlequinland.
On the other hand, this "hero" is a brutally handsome, millionaire creep. Upon discovering that she had given birth to his child four years earlier, he coerces her into marrying him, and assures her it would be a marriage of convenience. So the very first time they are alone in a bedroom, he tries to seduce her, gets angry when she resists, and states that he should "throw her on the bed and rape her" for refusing him. He seems to be enamored of the rape concept as he brings it up several more times throughout the book. This does not seem to bother her much. It bothered me a lot.
He also plays off another woman to make her jealous, but of course never actually cheats on her. Once, she sees him deeply kissing the other woman, but it's passed off as a thank you....from the woman for taking her to town, and he belittles the heroine for not trusting him. (Gee, wouldn't a simple "thanks" suffice? One wonders what reward he would receive for holding her coat!)
Didn't like the kid much, either. At the age of four, he speaks baby talk, and at one point is so grumpy when awakening from a nap he "beats his mother about the head". And she worries that he will be spoiled. Dearie me.
Of course, in the end, they discover they love each other madly and live happily ever after, because, hey! this is a Harlequin romance and things happen like that in Harlequinland.
March 28, 2018
I thank St. Margaret's for her review of this book for I instantly remembered reading the book and liking it immensely and this book had some cute scenes that remained my all-time favourites.
1) The scene where Fiona playfully chasing her son, Jonathan all over the room with her perfume bottle in hand, teasingly threatening to spray it on him and his squeals and laughter brings in a bare-chested Logan, who had been changing in the other room. When he playfully grabs Fiona's hand, she deliberately dabs a little perfume on his throat much to the horror and amusement of their son who calls her Naughty mummy and Logan mischievously agrees then tells his son he's going to punish her by kissing her. The scene carried on to the dinner table where the boy relates the incident to the family and guests which has them laughing, but irks the OW -Denise.
2) was when Father and son return tired after a day with working with the sheep and the moment her son sees Fiona sitting on a log, tired herself after a ladies tea she'd hosted, he rushes to her and buries himself in the warmth of her chest and Fiona finds Logan staring intensely and longingly at her. Something about that scene touched me and I was very happy when later Logan tells Fiona that it was then that he realized he was in love with her.
Re-reading it again, I find my opinion didn't change much except that I did get frustrated with Fiona for a bit, but it did not make me dislike her.
Five years ago, eighteen-year old Fiona met twenty-six year old Logan while skiing and fell hard for him, but after they made love and Logan discovers she was a virgin, he's furious --more with himself for taking advantage of someone so young-- and verbally lashes out at her. An upset Fiona flees to her parents. Later we find out that after Logan had cooled down he tried tracing her, but then his dad died and he got busy with his cattle station and other businesses. Fiona finds out she's pregnant and confident Logan wouldn't want a child, decides not to tell him about the child and stops her father who wanted to inform Logan. Her parents helped her raise Jonathan, but died all of a sudden and for the past two years Fiona has been raising her son on her own.
Now Jonathan has a persistent cough from a recent attack of bronchitis and his doctor tells Fiona that he needs sunshine and country-life, which is why she's looking for a job in the country. The interviewer turns out to be Logan. Not wanting him to know about Jonathan, Fiona tries to walk out, but Logan was already informed that the candidate has a four year old son and he asks her if the boy is his. When she refuses to comply, he snatches her back sure he'll find the boy's photograph inside. Finally, knowing that Jonathan is his son, he suggests they marry. Realizing that her son's future will be secure and he'd thrive under both parents and the country life as doctor recommended, Fiona makes no protests and marries him.
He takes them to his homestead at Whangatapu where they meet with his mother who is an author and their loyal housekeeper, Jinny, both who are delighted at having Jonathan living with them, but are as wary of Fiona as she is of them. You see Fiona and Logan had agreed between them to tell everyone that they'd married five years ago in spite of her parents' objections then parted after a quarrel and he didn't tell his family because it hurt his pride that a woman left him and she didn't tell him of Jonathan's birth because she was afraid he'd take their son away from her (this part was true). Now after meeting again they found the old magic was still there between them and so decided to renew their marriage. While showing Fiona to her room, her mother-in-law warns her that this time if the marriage fails, then she'd be the one to leave.
Logan doesn't force marital relations on to Fiona. He slept in a single bed in a small room connecting to the master bedroom that he'd given her. The one time he kissed her and saw tears in her eyes --although it was because she didn't like she was so responsive to him-- he backs off. He tells her they'd make it a real marriage only when she's ready not before. Fiona is determined this time she's not going to give in to passion unless she knows that he loved her. Until then she'd regard him only as Jonathan's father. She finds herself backed into the corner when she falls in love with him and pride stops her from wavering from her decision. At times, she even hoped that Logan would seduce her into surrender like he'd arrogantly told her initially, but then Logan had changed his stance and was determined not to force a willingness from her and the consummation of their marriage would happen at her own free will.
"You flame into life when I kiss you, and however hard you might try to deny it, you know it's true. You want me as much as I want you, and don't you ever forget it!"
"Then if that's so, why don't you take me and make an end to all this—this tension?‟ she hissed through gritted teeth, furious with him for his ability to read her mind, even more furious with herself because her pulses were leaping at his touch.
He gave a twisted, sardonic smile. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Then you would have the pleasure of the physical fulfilment you want, but still consider yourself a martyr to my lust. Oh no, I'm not going to make a whip for my own back"
So, with intimacy out of the equation, there was only polite courtesy between the two of them for most of the time. But, then they had an adorable son who brought on a few tender moments between them like the perfume scene.
Jonathan hero-worshipped his father and thrived on everyone's love and affection. There was one unpleasant incident between him and Jinny when the usually sweet boy overheard the housekeeper tell her husband that Fiona was of no use and yells at her in defense of his mother. Fiona tactfully defuses the heated moment in such a way that both parties manage to save face, thereby earning the admiration from both, the housekeeper and her mother-in-law. The two women are however hurt by her disinterest in Logan and her marriage. They feel she doesn't care about him or them or her duties as a wife, except for helping Logan and his mother in typing work.
Fiona had no clue that Logan was a millionaire having so many other business entities besides the cattle-station or that he was sponsoring poor children in other countries or that the Sutherlands were a big name in the district and are known for their hospitality and interest in the district affairs. Logan's mother was currently handling all their social affairs, but it was expected once he married, his wife would take over. Before Logan met Fiona again, he had been contemplating marrying Denise Page and the family liked the idea because Denise was not only beautiful and charming, but also an accomplished hostess, the perfect person to take over from Logan's mother, unlike Fiona who found herself out of her depth and preferred to stay in the background. In no time, Denise also manages to charm Jonathan, doing stuff like bathing him. or reading to him at bedtime. I liked the part though when Denise asks Logan if she could take Jonathan to the play centre, he immediately defers to Fiona for her decision. But, with Fiona's disinterest in taking on her social duties, there's speculation about their marriage, which angers Logan and they have a row followed by a nice, friendly talk from Jinny explaining what was needed of her.
Once Fiona takes on her social duties, she starts winning everyone over, and her mother-in-law and Jinny, who'd become her biggest champions, decide to throw a big welcome party for her after an offhand suggestion made by Denise even though she was not happy about Fiona's growing popularity. Fiona herself was beginning to feel jealous of Denise's constant presence at the homestead, especially her closeness to Logan. Using the excuse of shopping, Denise requests Logan to take her along when he was going to Auckland on business. Like Fiona, I could've killed that girl for interrupting Fiona and Logan with her call just when they started to make out. Worse was when Logan invites Denise to stay with them when she told them she didn't want to go cruising with her parents. I laughed at the scene after that when Jinny tells an angry Fiona that she's supposed to be peeling potatoes not murdering them. I also loved the scene after Logan and Denise return from Auckland. You can feel his excitement to be back home when after giving a bear-hug to his son, he runs up the steps to hug and kiss Fiona. Fiona, however senses a change in Denise and seeing the satisfied look she gives to Logan who frowns at her, she thinks the two had sex --which I thought was too dramatic-- and feels betrayed. Later that night, she sees the two embracing ---which was Denise thanking Logan for taking her to Auckland.
Logan later confessed that he did try to make Fiona jealous hoping to coax some reaction from her, some signs that she cared for him. A couple of times she did soften toward him like the perfume scene again where she was so overwhelmed by his kiss and closeness she tells him "You do smell nice darling." But, she was quick to revert to a cool aloofness and was too stuck to her iron-clad decision to protect her feelings and if he hadn't initiated the argument after the embrace, she would've let that incident pass. She was even contemplating walking out of the marriage to the extent of leaving her own son, which I thought was such a stretch.
For a while there, Fiona did get me annoyed. I totally understood her initial hesitation toward Logan because they knew each other only briefly and was glad she decided not to succumb to her treacherous body syndrome until she knew him better, actually until he made the grand declaration of love. Yet, even after having fallen in love with him --don't know how that happened when she was not prepared to trust him-- she stuck to her rigid stance. I was getting irritated by her rigidity and her inability to understand that if she had expectations of him, then he too, had expectations of her. It only made me appreciate Logan's evolvement in the marriage starting from him arrogantly claiming he could take her anytime --have to say I didn't like his use of the word of 'rape' a couple of times, although the second time was to assure her he wasn't going to rape her-- yet even with the knowledge that she was physically responsive to him (of course when he initiated it) he refused to take advantage of it and instead showed forbearance by respecting her wishes and principles and patiently waiting for her to take that willing step toward him.
I was glad to see she realized all this later. Two consecutive incidents make it happen. One when she makes Logan's brother Steven realize he's treating his wife, Mary, badly and the other was the final confrontation between her and Denise. Mary once had a crush on Logan, but the latter had nipped it in the bud. However, Steven got to know about it only after the marriage and thinking she married him on the rebound is treating her coldly. Ironically, everything that Fiona tells him while pointing out his errors, is exactly what she's doing to Logan, although she doesn't realize it until after her confrontation with Denise.
"She loves Logan," he stated stubbornly, as if he couldn't face the implications of her remarks.
"Then she's a masochist," Fiona said firmly, setting a mug of black coffee before him. "She would have to be, to enjoy the situation she's in. She looks unhappy to me, however."
Automatically Stephen drank, then put the mug down, frowning at it as though he had never seen coffee before.
"If she loved me she would show it," he said slowly, one lean finger tracing the raised pattern on the side of the mug.
"I don't suppose she gets much encouragement," Fiona returned mildly. "What do you expect her to do? Would you believe her if she told you she loved you?"
"I—" He looked up, his expression arrested, then with a quick shake of his head, "No, why should I?"
"Why indeed? I suppose you expect her to make some grand gesture to prove it to you?" She smiled mockingly. "It's rather hard these days to die of love, and there's not much else she can do except stick to you in spite of everything."
You could see her words had sunk into Steven when an exuberantly happy Mary walks into Logan and Fiona's bedroom the following morning to thank Fiona leaving Logan astonished. That was a cute scene. Another one, was when Jonathan after showing Fiona how well he rides having been trained by his father tells her she should learn to ride, making her realize what Logan meant when he'd told her she trusted him for Jonathan's sake, but not for her. It was a very touching moment when after she tells Logan she's ready to learn to ride, he turns his face for a moment to hide his emotions before turning around again and giving her a light reply.
Her eyes are further opened when that same afternoon Denise baldly tells her she should leave since she and Logan did not have a normal married life and Fiona finds she's ready to fight for her husband and marriage. I loved how she cut down every lie and threat that Denise made until the latter accepts defeat. I thought that scene was brilliantly done when toward the end Denise tells her that even though she hates Fiona at that moment and feels she doesn't deserve Logan, she accepts that ii is Fiona that Logan wants as his wife and no one else followed by Fiona being worried about the other girl driving out as shattered she was. There was no bad person in that scene, just two women fighting for the man they love and commiserating with the other.
Soon after that showdown her own advice to Steven comes back to haunt Fiona making her realize that she'd been blocking every attempt Logan made to make their marriage work. Sadly, her realization and decision to give her love freely to Logan without any condition comes too late, because by then Logan's feelings had iced and he didn't trust that she had the courage to through what she was offering. He expected her to back out and leave him in the lurch and his wariness seeped into his lovemaking. I thought if they had the talk that they had after their love-making -- where they managed to clear all doubts-- before they made love, then it would've been a joyful union, both secure in the knowledge that the other loved him/her. But, as Logan confides later on one touch of Fiona and after such a long wait the man was starving causing him to lose control. I wish that end scene was longer or at least it had an epilogue showing them in happier times.
Nevertheless, I really liked the book. It wasn't only Logan, Fiona and Jonathan that I liked, I also liked the secondary characters in the book. I liked how they all evolved as things became more clearer to them be it Logan's mother and housekeeper who went from hostile to friendly toward Fiona, or Mary's brother, who was hell-bent on causing trouble for Logan, believing he was the cause of his sister's woes, but changed his stance after a few talks with Fiona, or even Denise how she went from subtly denigrating Fiona to deliberately implying she and Logan were sleeping around into eventually accepting her as the wife Logan wants. I felt it was all done in a matured way and overall a fun, emotional as well as angsty book. A must read.
1) The scene where Fiona playfully chasing her son, Jonathan all over the room with her perfume bottle in hand, teasingly threatening to spray it on him and his squeals and laughter brings in a bare-chested Logan, who had been changing in the other room. When he playfully grabs Fiona's hand, she deliberately dabs a little perfume on his throat much to the horror and amusement of their son who calls her Naughty mummy and Logan mischievously agrees then tells his son he's going to punish her by kissing her. The scene carried on to the dinner table where the boy relates the incident to the family and guests which has them laughing, but irks the OW -Denise.
2) was when Father and son return tired after a day with working with the sheep and the moment her son sees Fiona sitting on a log, tired herself after a ladies tea she'd hosted, he rushes to her and buries himself in the warmth of her chest and Fiona finds Logan staring intensely and longingly at her. Something about that scene touched me and I was very happy when later Logan tells Fiona that it was then that he realized he was in love with her.
Re-reading it again, I find my opinion didn't change much except that I did get frustrated with Fiona for a bit, but it did not make me dislike her.
Five years ago, eighteen-year old Fiona met twenty-six year old Logan while skiing and fell hard for him, but after they made love and Logan discovers she was a virgin, he's furious --more with himself for taking advantage of someone so young-- and verbally lashes out at her. An upset Fiona flees to her parents. Later we find out that after Logan had cooled down he tried tracing her, but then his dad died and he got busy with his cattle station and other businesses. Fiona finds out she's pregnant and confident Logan wouldn't want a child, decides not to tell him about the child and stops her father who wanted to inform Logan. Her parents helped her raise Jonathan, but died all of a sudden and for the past two years Fiona has been raising her son on her own.
Now Jonathan has a persistent cough from a recent attack of bronchitis and his doctor tells Fiona that he needs sunshine and country-life, which is why she's looking for a job in the country. The interviewer turns out to be Logan. Not wanting him to know about Jonathan, Fiona tries to walk out, but Logan was already informed that the candidate has a four year old son and he asks her if the boy is his. When she refuses to comply, he snatches her back sure he'll find the boy's photograph inside. Finally, knowing that Jonathan is his son, he suggests they marry. Realizing that her son's future will be secure and he'd thrive under both parents and the country life as doctor recommended, Fiona makes no protests and marries him.
He takes them to his homestead at Whangatapu where they meet with his mother who is an author and their loyal housekeeper, Jinny, both who are delighted at having Jonathan living with them, but are as wary of Fiona as she is of them. You see Fiona and Logan had agreed between them to tell everyone that they'd married five years ago in spite of her parents' objections then parted after a quarrel and he didn't tell his family because it hurt his pride that a woman left him and she didn't tell him of Jonathan's birth because she was afraid he'd take their son away from her (this part was true). Now after meeting again they found the old magic was still there between them and so decided to renew their marriage. While showing Fiona to her room, her mother-in-law warns her that this time if the marriage fails, then she'd be the one to leave.
Logan doesn't force marital relations on to Fiona. He slept in a single bed in a small room connecting to the master bedroom that he'd given her. The one time he kissed her and saw tears in her eyes --although it was because she didn't like she was so responsive to him-- he backs off. He tells her they'd make it a real marriage only when she's ready not before. Fiona is determined this time she's not going to give in to passion unless she knows that he loved her. Until then she'd regard him only as Jonathan's father. She finds herself backed into the corner when she falls in love with him and pride stops her from wavering from her decision. At times, she even hoped that Logan would seduce her into surrender like he'd arrogantly told her initially, but then Logan had changed his stance and was determined not to force a willingness from her and the consummation of their marriage would happen at her own free will.
"You flame into life when I kiss you, and however hard you might try to deny it, you know it's true. You want me as much as I want you, and don't you ever forget it!"
"Then if that's so, why don't you take me and make an end to all this—this tension?‟ she hissed through gritted teeth, furious with him for his ability to read her mind, even more furious with herself because her pulses were leaping at his touch.
He gave a twisted, sardonic smile. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Then you would have the pleasure of the physical fulfilment you want, but still consider yourself a martyr to my lust. Oh no, I'm not going to make a whip for my own back"
So, with intimacy out of the equation, there was only polite courtesy between the two of them for most of the time. But, then they had an adorable son who brought on a few tender moments between them like the perfume scene.
Jonathan hero-worshipped his father and thrived on everyone's love and affection. There was one unpleasant incident between him and Jinny when the usually sweet boy overheard the housekeeper tell her husband that Fiona was of no use and yells at her in defense of his mother. Fiona tactfully defuses the heated moment in such a way that both parties manage to save face, thereby earning the admiration from both, the housekeeper and her mother-in-law. The two women are however hurt by her disinterest in Logan and her marriage. They feel she doesn't care about him or them or her duties as a wife, except for helping Logan and his mother in typing work.
Fiona had no clue that Logan was a millionaire having so many other business entities besides the cattle-station or that he was sponsoring poor children in other countries or that the Sutherlands were a big name in the district and are known for their hospitality and interest in the district affairs. Logan's mother was currently handling all their social affairs, but it was expected once he married, his wife would take over. Before Logan met Fiona again, he had been contemplating marrying Denise Page and the family liked the idea because Denise was not only beautiful and charming, but also an accomplished hostess, the perfect person to take over from Logan's mother, unlike Fiona who found herself out of her depth and preferred to stay in the background. In no time, Denise also manages to charm Jonathan, doing stuff like bathing him. or reading to him at bedtime. I liked the part though when Denise asks Logan if she could take Jonathan to the play centre, he immediately defers to Fiona for her decision. But, with Fiona's disinterest in taking on her social duties, there's speculation about their marriage, which angers Logan and they have a row followed by a nice, friendly talk from Jinny explaining what was needed of her.
Once Fiona takes on her social duties, she starts winning everyone over, and her mother-in-law and Jinny, who'd become her biggest champions, decide to throw a big welcome party for her after an offhand suggestion made by Denise even though she was not happy about Fiona's growing popularity. Fiona herself was beginning to feel jealous of Denise's constant presence at the homestead, especially her closeness to Logan. Using the excuse of shopping, Denise requests Logan to take her along when he was going to Auckland on business. Like Fiona, I could've killed that girl for interrupting Fiona and Logan with her call just when they started to make out. Worse was when Logan invites Denise to stay with them when she told them she didn't want to go cruising with her parents. I laughed at the scene after that when Jinny tells an angry Fiona that she's supposed to be peeling potatoes not murdering them. I also loved the scene after Logan and Denise return from Auckland. You can feel his excitement to be back home when after giving a bear-hug to his son, he runs up the steps to hug and kiss Fiona. Fiona, however senses a change in Denise and seeing the satisfied look she gives to Logan who frowns at her, she thinks the two had sex --which I thought was too dramatic-- and feels betrayed. Later that night, she sees the two embracing ---which was Denise thanking Logan for taking her to Auckland.
Logan later confessed that he did try to make Fiona jealous hoping to coax some reaction from her, some signs that she cared for him. A couple of times she did soften toward him like the perfume scene again where she was so overwhelmed by his kiss and closeness she tells him "You do smell nice darling." But, she was quick to revert to a cool aloofness and was too stuck to her iron-clad decision to protect her feelings and if he hadn't initiated the argument after the embrace, she would've let that incident pass. She was even contemplating walking out of the marriage to the extent of leaving her own son, which I thought was such a stretch.
For a while there, Fiona did get me annoyed. I totally understood her initial hesitation toward Logan because they knew each other only briefly and was glad she decided not to succumb to her treacherous body syndrome until she knew him better, actually until he made the grand declaration of love. Yet, even after having fallen in love with him --don't know how that happened when she was not prepared to trust him-- she stuck to her rigid stance. I was getting irritated by her rigidity and her inability to understand that if she had expectations of him, then he too, had expectations of her. It only made me appreciate Logan's evolvement in the marriage starting from him arrogantly claiming he could take her anytime --have to say I didn't like his use of the word of 'rape' a couple of times, although the second time was to assure her he wasn't going to rape her-- yet even with the knowledge that she was physically responsive to him (of course when he initiated it) he refused to take advantage of it and instead showed forbearance by respecting her wishes and principles and patiently waiting for her to take that willing step toward him.
I was glad to see she realized all this later. Two consecutive incidents make it happen. One when she makes Logan's brother Steven realize he's treating his wife, Mary, badly and the other was the final confrontation between her and Denise. Mary once had a crush on Logan, but the latter had nipped it in the bud. However, Steven got to know about it only after the marriage and thinking she married him on the rebound is treating her coldly. Ironically, everything that Fiona tells him while pointing out his errors, is exactly what she's doing to Logan, although she doesn't realize it until after her confrontation with Denise.
"She loves Logan," he stated stubbornly, as if he couldn't face the implications of her remarks.
"Then she's a masochist," Fiona said firmly, setting a mug of black coffee before him. "She would have to be, to enjoy the situation she's in. She looks unhappy to me, however."
Automatically Stephen drank, then put the mug down, frowning at it as though he had never seen coffee before.
"If she loved me she would show it," he said slowly, one lean finger tracing the raised pattern on the side of the mug.
"I don't suppose she gets much encouragement," Fiona returned mildly. "What do you expect her to do? Would you believe her if she told you she loved you?"
"I—" He looked up, his expression arrested, then with a quick shake of his head, "No, why should I?"
"Why indeed? I suppose you expect her to make some grand gesture to prove it to you?" She smiled mockingly. "It's rather hard these days to die of love, and there's not much else she can do except stick to you in spite of everything."
You could see her words had sunk into Steven when an exuberantly happy Mary walks into Logan and Fiona's bedroom the following morning to thank Fiona leaving Logan astonished. That was a cute scene. Another one, was when Jonathan after showing Fiona how well he rides having been trained by his father tells her she should learn to ride, making her realize what Logan meant when he'd told her she trusted him for Jonathan's sake, but not for her. It was a very touching moment when after she tells Logan she's ready to learn to ride, he turns his face for a moment to hide his emotions before turning around again and giving her a light reply.
Her eyes are further opened when that same afternoon Denise baldly tells her she should leave since she and Logan did not have a normal married life and Fiona finds she's ready to fight for her husband and marriage. I loved how she cut down every lie and threat that Denise made until the latter accepts defeat. I thought that scene was brilliantly done when toward the end Denise tells her that even though she hates Fiona at that moment and feels she doesn't deserve Logan, she accepts that ii is Fiona that Logan wants as his wife and no one else followed by Fiona being worried about the other girl driving out as shattered she was. There was no bad person in that scene, just two women fighting for the man they love and commiserating with the other.
Soon after that showdown her own advice to Steven comes back to haunt Fiona making her realize that she'd been blocking every attempt Logan made to make their marriage work. Sadly, her realization and decision to give her love freely to Logan without any condition comes too late, because by then Logan's feelings had iced and he didn't trust that she had the courage to through what she was offering. He expected her to back out and leave him in the lurch and his wariness seeped into his lovemaking. I thought if they had the talk that they had after their love-making -- where they managed to clear all doubts-- before they made love, then it would've been a joyful union, both secure in the knowledge that the other loved him/her. But, as Logan confides later on one touch of Fiona and after such a long wait the man was starving causing him to lose control. I wish that end scene was longer or at least it had an epilogue showing them in happier times.
Nevertheless, I really liked the book. It wasn't only Logan, Fiona and Jonathan that I liked, I also liked the secondary characters in the book. I liked how they all evolved as things became more clearer to them be it Logan's mother and housekeeper who went from hostile to friendly toward Fiona, or Mary's brother, who was hell-bent on causing trouble for Logan, believing he was the cause of his sister's woes, but changed his stance after a few talks with Fiona, or even Denise how she went from subtly denigrating Fiona to deliberately implying she and Logan were sleeping around into eventually accepting her as the wife Logan wants. I felt it was all done in a matured way and overall a fun, emotional as well as angsty book. A must read.
February 2, 2021
Fiona had had five years to think about her youthful folly - five years to remember Logan Sutherland's treatment of her. Now, a whim of fate had brought them together again, and he laid claim to the son he hadn't known existed. Well, for Jonathan's sake she would marry this cool, calculating stranger as he demanded. But she would never be his wife!
July 27, 2021
Not bad, but the hero is pretty aloof the entire time and the heroine has no clue what to do after she was dragged to his house. Hero has two other women, ugh, one was enough. He uses one to make the heroine jealous but the heroine just thinks he does love the ow. The story drags and the couple talks in circles. One of the best moments is putting the house keeper right without doing anything but being kind and stern. There is a moment when the heroine is thinking of leaving, something she couldn't do because of her kid, so why it was in there? No idea. Then the hero can 'read her like a book' and says he knows she is thinking about leaving, and that she better not. I'd say skip.
May 15, 2021
Robyn Donald's writing is beautiful but this story just did not work for me.
The hero was douche right up to the end with his mean, cold bitter interactions with the heroine.
She was put through the wringer by everyone in the household from the beginning and most especially by the vicious OW. But she got absolutely no support, loyalty and protection from her husband. I hated how she constantly had to defend herself against all the nastiness without his support. He had far more loyalty to the OW and he was so horrible the way he constantly put down the heroine.
Really hated how he constantly dangled the OW in front of her, undermining the heroine's confidence, letting her believe they were having an affair, and then getting enraged because heroine did not trust him. Seriously WTH? He never redeemed himself.
The worst of all, at the end, despite being a complete POS through the whole book, he doesn't grovel - she does. It was so debasing the way she gave in to him and he still treated her like dirt. I could not believe he loved her - he would not be such a swine if he did.
The story left me feeling so mad at the hero. I hated it.
I only gave it 2 stars because of the beautiful writing by RD
The hero was douche right up to the end with his mean, cold bitter interactions with the heroine.
She was put through the wringer by everyone in the household from the beginning and most especially by the vicious OW. But she got absolutely no support, loyalty and protection from her husband. I hated how she constantly had to defend herself against all the nastiness without his support. He had far more loyalty to the OW and he was so horrible the way he constantly put down the heroine.
Really hated how he constantly dangled the OW in front of her, undermining the heroine's confidence, letting her believe they were having an affair, and then getting enraged because heroine did not trust him. Seriously WTH? He never redeemed himself.
The worst of all, at the end, despite being a complete POS through the whole book, he doesn't grovel - she does. It was so debasing the way she gave in to him and he still treated her like dirt. I could not believe he loved her - he would not be such a swine if he did.
The story left me feeling so mad at the hero. I hated it.
I only gave it 2 stars because of the beautiful writing by RD
December 23, 2020
RD's first book ... probably my third reread and totally love this one ... h had a spine and used it ... and she has in interesting way of dealing with the OW ... I liked to see the H's progress from arrogant man to falling in love slowly ... and they had such a cute little boy ...
Oh and I started my RD binge with this one ...
Oh and I started my RD binge with this one ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
I have a soft spot for these outback stories from distant Aussie and NZ lands. These stories have a warmth, an earthiness, a meaning. This one is in the same mold.
Let me begin with a disclaimer. Although I loved this one, there were 2 real irritants in the story. lets be done with that first, then I can focus on what I loved.
The one night stand between the leads, leading to a pregnancy is totally glossed over. As though the author is in a great hurry , she totally glosses over the traumatic period of an 18 year old girl finding herself pregnant. The guy acts like a douche bag, yells at her for trying to be clingy, so she walks out. He does make a statement later in the tale that he tried looking for her, but that's just too little.
The second thing that I just couldn't stomach is the excessive amount of page space dedicated to the bratty, bitchy OW. She served her purpose in the story, but she just was too dominant, for too long.
Ok, now to the parts that I adored. And yes, there are several of them.
The result of the ONS is a cute little boy - Jonathan, a lively 4 year old. Most stories with kids use the child just as an instrument to force a marriage of convenience, and then the author conveniently forgets about the child. Not here. Jonathan is a live wire in the story. He sparkles, charms and lightens up the whole household. So much so that even the OW likes the kid ! Yes, they marry in haste because of the kid. But the kid helps to strengthen the bond between leads beautifully.
Next, the family scenes with the sweet girl Fiona and her hot hunkie outback husband Logan, and of course little Jonathan. As a reader, I could visualize the author's words weaving a lovely family picture. Where the girl is trying to hold back a little of herself from the man she loves because she wants him to want her for herself.
The guy starts off as brazen and matter of fact about a shot gun wedding. But soon realizes he cant stay aloof with the sweet family bond tightening on him. He comes to love the idea of being married, gets his hands on the girl as often as possible, flirts outrageously in public.
But she wants 'a no sex for now' marriage. And he respects her wishes, however difficult it might be for him. Fiona on the other hand realizes that just because the guy let her down once, does not mean he is poor husband material. Quite the opposite in fact.
There are a million small ways in which he proves that he really cherishes the bond with the girl. But her trust on him is weak, takes time to rebuild.
The story is also about Fiona finding her feet in the household, learning to take control of her surroundings and merging as one with the outback life. Ably supported by a practical mother in law and a sympathetic elderly housekeeper.
I loved the journey of learning and loving that both Fiona and Logan travel through in this story. There are some scenes in the story that I will carry in memory for a long time to come. Especially one where the hero manfully sports a ladies perfume and accepts ridicule in front of a crowd. Why? Simply because Fiona sprayed it on him in a rare moment of mischief. And he loved it !!!
4 stars. Lovely warm story of love and trust, lost and regained.
Let me begin with a disclaimer. Although I loved this one, there were 2 real irritants in the story. lets be done with that first, then I can focus on what I loved.
The one night stand between the leads, leading to a pregnancy is totally glossed over. As though the author is in a great hurry , she totally glosses over the traumatic period of an 18 year old girl finding herself pregnant. The guy acts like a douche bag, yells at her for trying to be clingy, so she walks out. He does make a statement later in the tale that he tried looking for her, but that's just too little.
The second thing that I just couldn't stomach is the excessive amount of page space dedicated to the bratty, bitchy OW. She served her purpose in the story, but she just was too dominant, for too long.
Ok, now to the parts that I adored. And yes, there are several of them.
The result of the ONS is a cute little boy - Jonathan, a lively 4 year old. Most stories with kids use the child just as an instrument to force a marriage of convenience, and then the author conveniently forgets about the child. Not here. Jonathan is a live wire in the story. He sparkles, charms and lightens up the whole household. So much so that even the OW likes the kid ! Yes, they marry in haste because of the kid. But the kid helps to strengthen the bond between leads beautifully.
Next, the family scenes with the sweet girl Fiona and her hot hunkie outback husband Logan, and of course little Jonathan. As a reader, I could visualize the author's words weaving a lovely family picture. Where the girl is trying to hold back a little of herself from the man she loves because she wants him to want her for herself.
The guy starts off as brazen and matter of fact about a shot gun wedding. But soon realizes he cant stay aloof with the sweet family bond tightening on him. He comes to love the idea of being married, gets his hands on the girl as often as possible, flirts outrageously in public.
But she wants 'a no sex for now' marriage. And he respects her wishes, however difficult it might be for him. Fiona on the other hand realizes that just because the guy let her down once, does not mean he is poor husband material. Quite the opposite in fact.
There are a million small ways in which he proves that he really cherishes the bond with the girl. But her trust on him is weak, takes time to rebuild.
The story is also about Fiona finding her feet in the household, learning to take control of her surroundings and merging as one with the outback life. Ably supported by a practical mother in law and a sympathetic elderly housekeeper.
I loved the journey of learning and loving that both Fiona and Logan travel through in this story. There are some scenes in the story that I will carry in memory for a long time to come. Especially one where the hero manfully sports a ladies perfume and accepts ridicule in front of a crowd. Why? Simply because Fiona sprayed it on him in a rare moment of mischief. And he loved it !!!
4 stars. Lovely warm story of love and trust, lost and regained.
December 2, 2023
This old style Harlequin is a great read but also equal parts frustrating, The secondary characters all had their own agendas some more cruel/plotting or just taking out on the main female lead because they could. The main male character was a piece of work. He was not as bad as some but his excuses and reasons for his contemptible treatment of MFC was unbelievable and I could not buy into the loving feelings he professed.
The main female character was the star of the book, she had her insecurities and crumbling self esteem, she still acted with grace and elegance throughout. She was no doormat.
The book progressed at a good speed and at the end it was an engrossing read. Very typical for the time and the author.
The main female character was the star of the book, she had her insecurities and crumbling self esteem, she still acted with grace and elegance throughout. She was no doormat.
The book progressed at a good speed and at the end it was an engrossing read. Very typical for the time and the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
"Bride at Whangatapu" is the story of Fiona and Logan.
The heroine is looking for a job to help her son who suffers from bronchitis and needs a warmer climate to recover. She does not expect to meet the man who impregnated her to be her next employer!
Soon she is coerced into being his bride, and she agrees for the sake of her son. Most of the book is her journey in Whangatapu- the sacrifices she makes for her son, her dealing with OW drama, her tempestuous husband and other characters in the book. What I liked was that she was pretty mature and headstrong, and the author gave autonomy to the heroine regarding their relationship.
All the hero did was tease her, but even he respected her wishes. The son was adorable.
Enjoyed in parts.
Unsafe
3/5
The heroine is looking for a job to help her son who suffers from bronchitis and needs a warmer climate to recover. She does not expect to meet the man who impregnated her to be her next employer!
Soon she is coerced into being his bride, and she agrees for the sake of her son. Most of the book is her journey in Whangatapu- the sacrifices she makes for her son, her dealing with OW drama, her tempestuous husband and other characters in the book. What I liked was that she was pretty mature and headstrong, and the author gave autonomy to the heroine regarding their relationship.
All the hero did was tease her, but even he respected her wishes. The son was adorable.
Enjoyed in parts.
Unsafe
3/5
February 2, 2024
A fairly strong heroine for a harlequin and it being 1977. Much stronger than some in the 1990s or at least less whiny. Enjoyed the secondary characters very much, especially Jonathan. What a doll.
The hero should be thrown of a cliff. What an a$$****. He should have suffered more. No redeeming qualities.
The hero should be thrown of a cliff. What an a$$****. He should have suffered more. No redeeming qualities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
This was one of my favorite romances when I was young. It's still rates the same. Don't give me that story about the heroine being a door mat. You try surviving the hardships she went through in the moral climate she lived in.
September 2, 2017
Not one the better books of RD.
February 2, 2022
Loved the h and their son.
March 1, 2022
4.5 stars. Secret baby story. h with a spine. Very well written.
February 23, 2025
Worst book. Worst hero I've ever read.
March 14, 2021
I expected something more. The heroine grated on my nerves. The final part was disappointing.
August 15, 2022
I like Bride at Whangatapu but it lacks the emotional punch and character identification that some of Robyn Donald's other novels have. Author shows us character development and the increasing relationship between h Fiona and the mother, housekeeper, several other people, but she tells us about the relationship (which actually barely exists) between Fiona and her husband H Logan. Still I enjoy it and will likely reread my paperback copy.
Please see a much longer review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/bri...
The review is set up so you can click to skip plot spoilers.
Please see a much longer review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/bri...
The review is set up so you can click to skip plot spoilers.
January 27, 2024
No me gustó,
July 13, 2017
Perfect when you need a short, romantic easy-read. Not amazing, not bad.
Read
July 4, 2018"Nothing has changed," Fiona said in desperation. "Jonathan is my son."
Fiona had had five years to think about her youthful folly--five years to remember Logan Sutherland's treatment of her. Now, a whim of fate had brought them together again, and he laid claim to the son he hadn't known existed.
Well, for Jonathan's sake she would marry this cool, calculating stranger as he demanded. But she would never be his wife!
Fiona had had five years to think about her youthful folly--five years to remember Logan Sutherland's treatment of her. Now, a whim of fate had brought them together again, and he laid claim to the son he hadn't known existed.
Well, for Jonathan's sake she would marry this cool, calculating stranger as he demanded. But she would never be his wife!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews