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Horsemen Trilogy #2
Unforgiven
The Woodfall and Hayes families have been bitter rivals for nearly a century. Now after eight years, Kenneth returns home and realizes his undying love for Miss Moira Hayes. For her, he is willing to forget the past. But can she...?
315 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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1088 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
200 books6,343 followersMary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
July 17, 2018
This is second in a series. You don't really need to read the first before this one, but it probably helps. And at least that one doesn't suck.
I'm afraid that I hate-finished this last night and I'm still recovering from the rage-induced shame. I spent the entire story wanting to smack some sense into Moira. I found myself mentally talking back to the book by the mid point:
Moira: I'm totally going to suck it up and do a thing.
Me: No you aren't. You'll chicken out again.
Moira: No really. I'm totally doing the thing.
Me: Girl, you wouldn't do the thing if you had a regiment of Scots Highlanders under the direct command of Wellington himself tie a bow on it for you.
She took every opportunity to wuss out available, including lying outright when asked a direct question. Add completely irrational actions and temperamental fits of spite and I'm not sure what we're supposed to find endearing or interesting in the emotionally stunted idiot.
In cases where I find the heroine so distasteful, I usually continue because I like the guy. That didn't work, either. Kenneth is a soppy dork who misreads obvious cues and bows to the worst whims of his irrational paramour. I'm not saying he should have bent her over his knee for a good spanking (she desperately needed a good spanking—and not the kinky kind). I'm just saying he needed to not be a complete pushover and cave to her emotional blackmail every freaking time.
I've been trying to be better at dnfing books I'm not enjoying. I failed utterly on this one. I knew by the first quarter that Moira was a weak coward and Kenneth a fatal misjudge of her character. I could claim that I wanted to know the details of the instigating incident and why it tore them apart back in the day. But that's not really true. I have no excuse. If you have anything like my tastes, I urge you to learn from my mistake and give this one a pass.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and they're kind of appalling. "I must have sex with you so we don't freeze to death" is laughably stupid however much you lampshade it afterwards. So this is the middle of my steam tolerance but way outside of my "wtf are you thinking?!?" tolerance...
I'm afraid that I hate-finished this last night and I'm still recovering from the rage-induced shame. I spent the entire story wanting to smack some sense into Moira. I found myself mentally talking back to the book by the mid point:
Moira: I'm totally going to suck it up and do a thing.
Me: No you aren't. You'll chicken out again.
Moira: No really. I'm totally doing the thing.
Me: Girl, you wouldn't do the thing if you had a regiment of Scots Highlanders under the direct command of Wellington himself tie a bow on it for you.
She took every opportunity to wuss out available, including lying outright when asked a direct question. Add completely irrational actions and temperamental fits of spite and I'm not sure what we're supposed to find endearing or interesting in the emotionally stunted idiot.
In cases where I find the heroine so distasteful, I usually continue because I like the guy. That didn't work, either. Kenneth is a soppy dork who misreads obvious cues and bows to the worst whims of his irrational paramour. I'm not saying he should have bent her over his knee for a good spanking (she desperately needed a good spanking—and not the kinky kind). I'm just saying he needed to not be a complete pushover and cave to her emotional blackmail every freaking time.
I've been trying to be better at dnfing books I'm not enjoying. I failed utterly on this one. I knew by the first quarter that Moira was a weak coward and Kenneth a fatal misjudge of her character. I could claim that I wanted to know the details of the instigating incident and why it tore them apart back in the day. But that's not really true. I have no excuse. If you have anything like my tastes, I urge you to learn from my mistake and give this one a pass.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and they're kind of appalling. "I must have sex with you so we don't freeze to death" is laughably stupid however much you lampshade it afterwards. So this is the middle of my steam tolerance but way outside of my "wtf are you thinking?!?" tolerance...
December 14, 2020
12% in...
It’s hard to concentrate on the H and h when there is a Mr. Collins alert. The heroine’s betrothed is so obsequious and perky he puts the main couple to shame.
For me, there is only one real Mr. Collins. Well, except for my Dad who was a real Mr. Collins and NOTHING like the one below.
Mr. Collins Sir Edwin apologizes for everything except the audacity of being born.
“As the new baronet of Penwith Manor,” Sir Edwin continued, “I must of course assume responsibility for all the actions of my predecessors, my lord. Though personally blameless, I would nevertheless humbly beg your pardon for the distress caused your ancestor by being forced to impose justice on one of his closest neighbors. I would ask your pardon on Lady Hayes’s account and on Miss Hayes’s account, though you would undoubtedly agree with me that women cannot be blamed for the perfidies of their menfolk. However, both Lady Hayes and Miss Hayes have been saddened by the estrangement that has existed between the two families for several generations.”
The Review
Just a few days ago I wrote that when Mary Balogh is on she is on (
).
The other reviewers were quite correct with this one.
Issues
Both the hero and the heroine were not only unlikeable but boring.
She’s going to have the MIL and SIL from hell.
They are never going get along.
Grudge holders.
They run into the ex-fiancee/faux Mr. Collins who actually has a real Regency beef since the heroine called off the engagement right after his mother died. Yes, he is annoying as hell, but he is loving and good-hearted regarding his own mother, sisters, and even his lying-off-her-ass ex-fiancee aka the heroine. So essentially the H and h smirking at him and his sister are the Regina George aka Mean Girl couple. I wanted to smack them both.
They have a tragic, young love backstory that is resolved in less time than it takes me to brush my teeth.
As Tandie said in her review, he decides they should stay warm by having sex.
“That will keep us warm for a while,” he said. “We will do it again later if we must. Nelson—here.” He patted his thigh and the dog jumped up to lie across their legs again.
Be still my heart.
They end up getting married, but not before she pushes the envelope on stupid behavior by a Regency heroine. Illegitimate children are a no, and that is for their sake. No, no, no! The heroine who is supposed to be smart says she would rather have her child be illegitimate than marry the hero. Please google bastards in Regency. Scraping by, abandoned, smothered, tossed in rivers, prostituted, etc is not unheard of.
She finally agrees to get married.
“I have no choice about marrying you, Kenneth,” she said, raising her eyes to his at last. “Of course I do not. But be very clear on one point. I will marry you because I must. I do not expect to find that we are or can become compatible. I shall make no effort to fit my ways to yours. I despise you and your ways.”
At least she’s going to give it the old college try.
We finally get to the tragic backstory and it blows holes into the “we were soul mates” theory. I could have cared less at this point, and this hero makes the hero in
look like Prince Charming.
If the original reason for their separation had been dealt with more than a few paltry chapters, the rating would probably be far different. Far too rushed.
Mary Balogh phoned it in here as she did in Silent Melody, but she has far more hits than misses.
It’s hard to concentrate on the H and h when there is a Mr. Collins alert. The heroine’s betrothed is so obsequious and perky he puts the main couple to shame.
For me, there is only one real Mr. Collins. Well, except for my Dad who was a real Mr. Collins and NOTHING like the one below.
“As the new baronet of Penwith Manor,” Sir Edwin continued, “I must of course assume responsibility for all the actions of my predecessors, my lord. Though personally blameless, I would nevertheless humbly beg your pardon for the distress caused your ancestor by being forced to impose justice on one of his closest neighbors. I would ask your pardon on Lady Hayes’s account and on Miss Hayes’s account, though you would undoubtedly agree with me that women cannot be blamed for the perfidies of their menfolk. However, both Lady Hayes and Miss Hayes have been saddened by the estrangement that has existed between the two families for several generations.”
The Review
Just a few days ago I wrote that when Mary Balogh is on she is on (
).The other reviewers were quite correct with this one.
Issues
Both the hero and the heroine were not only unlikeable but boring.
She’s going to have the MIL and SIL from hell.
They are never going get along.
Grudge holders.
They run into the ex-fiancee/faux Mr. Collins who actually has a real Regency beef since the heroine called off the engagement right after his mother died. Yes, he is annoying as hell, but he is loving and good-hearted regarding his own mother, sisters, and even his lying-off-her-ass ex-fiancee aka the heroine. So essentially the H and h smirking at him and his sister are the Regina George aka Mean Girl couple. I wanted to smack them both.
They have a tragic, young love backstory that is resolved in less time than it takes me to brush my teeth.
As Tandie said in her review, he decides they should stay warm by having sex.
“That will keep us warm for a while,” he said. “We will do it again later if we must. Nelson—here.” He patted his thigh and the dog jumped up to lie across their legs again.
Be still my heart.
They end up getting married, but not before she pushes the envelope on stupid behavior by a Regency heroine. Illegitimate children are a no, and that is for their sake. No, no, no! The heroine who is supposed to be smart says she would rather have her child be illegitimate than marry the hero. Please google bastards in Regency. Scraping by, abandoned, smothered, tossed in rivers, prostituted, etc is not unheard of.
She finally agrees to get married.
“I have no choice about marrying you, Kenneth,” she said, raising her eyes to his at last. “Of course I do not. But be very clear on one point. I will marry you because I must. I do not expect to find that we are or can become compatible. I shall make no effort to fit my ways to yours. I despise you and your ways.”
At least she’s going to give it the old college try.
We finally get to the tragic backstory and it blows holes into the “we were soul mates” theory. I could have cared less at this point, and this hero makes the hero in
look like Prince Charming.If the original reason for their separation had been dealt with more than a few paltry chapters, the rating would probably be far different. Far too rushed.
Mary Balogh phoned it in here as she did in Silent Melody, but she has far more hits than misses.
December 4, 2012
Kenneth Woodfall returns from war to his ancestral home. There, he finds that the girl he loved in childhood, Moira Hayes, has fallen on hard times and is engaged to marry a foolish prig. Sparks fly when Moira and Kenneth meet, and despite themselves they share one last waltz. Moira overhears Kenneth's relatives gossiping and is so upset that she immediately sets out walking for home.
In a blizzard. In her ball gown.
Kenneth chases after her on foot, and they take shelter in a little unheated cabin. And then the stupidst thing I have possibly ever read in a romance novel takes place. Kenneth says they have to share body heat. OK, sure. So they take off their clothes and spoon. But then he's like, no, that's not enough sharing, I have to be inside you or else we'll die of cold? And she takes him seriously? And they have dispassionate sex, like they're just doing it to save their lives, and then go their separate ways. WAAAAAHhhh?
Anyway, of course she ends up pregnant. It's the rule of soap operas everywhere. And of course she refuses to tell him. And of course he eventually finds out, and they feel forced to marry, and I didn't much like this book, I didn't like the hero in the least, and I especially didn't like that his mean-spirited female relations (who provided so much driving force and narrative tension) randomly become kind-hearted in the last few pages.
In a blizzard. In her ball gown.
Kenneth chases after her on foot, and they take shelter in a little unheated cabin. And then the stupidst thing I have possibly ever read in a romance novel takes place. Kenneth says they have to share body heat. OK, sure. So they take off their clothes and spoon. But then he's like, no, that's not enough sharing, I have to be inside you or else we'll die of cold? And she takes him seriously? And they have dispassionate sex, like they're just doing it to save their lives, and then go their separate ways. WAAAAAHhhh?
Anyway, of course she ends up pregnant. It's the rule of soap operas everywhere. And of course she refuses to tell him. And of course he eventually finds out, and they feel forced to marry, and I didn't much like this book, I didn't like the hero in the least, and I especially didn't like that his mean-spirited female relations (who provided so much driving force and narrative tension) randomly become kind-hearted in the last few pages.
May 8, 2021
Funny how each of us have a different opinion about the same thing.
I really disliked the heroine. Reaaaaaaly disliked her. What a horrid and insufferable woman. This book goes back in time to even before the events of the 1st book. I don't understand why Mary Balogh didn't just continue the story from where it left off, because guess what, we already knew she was pregnant. So, there was no mystery in that, only in how it happened and that could have been done with snaps from the past...
...But no, the story was so boring. Tell me, since when you need to have intercourse to survive a snow storm? Out of necessity, as the hero says to her, an innocent, to keep warm. As if! It was ridiculous!!!
The hero has a very cold demeanor due to his position as a soldier for many years, but at the same time he can be sweet if he's not out of his mind saying lunatic things like "we will die if we don't warm ourselves, and hey I know a way of just doing it, let's have sex"!
Now to the heroine. She was so controversial. Every single thing she thought, she did the opposite. She's a pig headed woman, extremely stubborn and just downward nasty with her words. I understand their families have been enimes for generations, I understand that she has suffered in life, that she wants to be independent, but the way she was doing it was just so mean. For me she was a person that with only her presence would already bring negativity in the air.
She misunderstood almost every single thing he said. She spoils everything. Agggggh. She's soooo aggravating. I don't understand people that wants to fight with every breath they take. Not that the hero didn't deserve some standing up to, but not in a mean way.
So yeah, I sure don't recommend this book. Better go straight to the last of the trilogy... at least I hope the last one makes up for this one.
I really disliked the heroine. Reaaaaaaly disliked her. What a horrid and insufferable woman. This book goes back in time to even before the events of the 1st book. I don't understand why Mary Balogh didn't just continue the story from where it left off, because guess what, we already knew she was pregnant. So, there was no mystery in that, only in how it happened and that could have been done with snaps from the past...
...But no, the story was so boring. Tell me, since when you need to have intercourse to survive a snow storm? Out of necessity, as the hero says to her, an innocent, to keep warm. As if! It was ridiculous!!!
The hero has a very cold demeanor due to his position as a soldier for many years, but at the same time he can be sweet if he's not out of his mind saying lunatic things like "we will die if we don't warm ourselves, and hey I know a way of just doing it, let's have sex"!
Now to the heroine. She was so controversial. Every single thing she thought, she did the opposite. She's a pig headed woman, extremely stubborn and just downward nasty with her words. I understand their families have been enimes for generations, I understand that she has suffered in life, that she wants to be independent, but the way she was doing it was just so mean. For me she was a person that with only her presence would already bring negativity in the air.
She misunderstood almost every single thing he said. She spoils everything. Agggggh. She's soooo aggravating. I don't understand people that wants to fight with every breath they take. Not that the hero didn't deserve some standing up to, but not in a mean way.
So yeah, I sure don't recommend this book. Better go straight to the last of the trilogy... at least I hope the last one makes up for this one.
July 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Surprise, surprise after the 1st book, which is loved by everyone but me. I had no expectations from this one. Because most of my friends have rated it 1-2 stars except @Meg, which was the only reason I gave it a try.
Kenneth and Moira's family are neighbors but they also had a history. Although I don't think the reason for conflict is justified till the end. But, the chaotic second-chance romance impressed me. Still, I can understand why so many people hate this book. The heroine is too immature and couldn't see anything beyond her hatred. The hero was also not a smart cookie. And, they kept hurting each other without reason.
But, the love-hate and everything in-between boosted the second chance trope and I actually believed in their happily ever after. So, yes it's not anywhere near to my fav book by the author but still it's a winner.
Surprise, surprise after the 1st book, which is loved by everyone but me. I had no expectations from this one. Because most of my friends have rated it 1-2 stars except @Meg, which was the only reason I gave it a try.
Kenneth and Moira's family are neighbors but they also had a history. Although I don't think the reason for conflict is justified till the end. But, the chaotic second-chance romance impressed me. Still, I can understand why so many people hate this book. The heroine is too immature and couldn't see anything beyond her hatred. The hero was also not a smart cookie. And, they kept hurting each other without reason.
But, the love-hate and everything in-between boosted the second chance trope and I actually believed in their happily ever after. So, yes it's not anywhere near to my fav book by the author but still it's a winner.
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up because this book deserves more appreciation
Once again I find myself going against the tide and loving the least popular book in the series. While this story isn’t without its faults (overlong introductions, characters’s inner thoughts occupying entire chapters in which nothing happens), the second chance at love trope was developed beautifully.
The conflict between the H and h never felt trite or just an excuse to keep them apart: both of them suffered at each other’s hands and it takes them time and a lot of inner growth to leave that hurt behind. I like complex characters who learn from their mistakes, and as always, Balogh excels at creating flawed characters with inner strength and honor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this couple’s journey toward their HEA.
Once again I find myself going against the tide and loving the least popular book in the series. While this story isn’t without its faults (overlong introductions, characters’s inner thoughts occupying entire chapters in which nothing happens), the second chance at love trope was developed beautifully.
The conflict between the H and h never felt trite or just an excuse to keep them apart: both of them suffered at each other’s hands and it takes them time and a lot of inner growth to leave that hurt behind. I like complex characters who learn from their mistakes, and as always, Balogh excels at creating flawed characters with inner strength and honor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this couple’s journey toward their HEA.
March 21, 2018
The MU from the past was strong and credible enough to turn these young lovers (in the bg of a family feud à la Romeo Juliet) into sworn enemies. He’s seemingly moved on and but then it’s her family and she who ended up losing more, hurting more. She’s changed from the strong-willed but easygoing girl into an embittered and unforgiving woman. And that’s the crux of the problem. The book needed new conflicts, new distraction but the chewing over and over of the old yarn without it actually spilling over into the open was maddening.
Kenneth returns home to his estate after eight long years to run into Moira at their once upon meeting place and realizes that she’s changed and so has things. For one, circumstances have forced her into being affianced to the stuffy and pompous heir to her father. She's hostile to him but has to go along with her fiancé as he tries to end the centuries old feud between the neighboring estates- not knowing the later bit of the feud.
The h-om are invited to a ball at the H’s place and the om has to leave early. Then things happen (like a snowstorm and an isolated cabin and a we-need-to-preserve-heat-by-having-sex!) and of course she ends up pregnant and a shotgun moc follows..some time later as she takes her time to disclose her state. She conveniently miscarries (I say conveniently as she’s scandalously pregnant at 4 mos on her wedding day) and more bitterness and ugly behavior follows.
The best part of the book is the om! The affectedly formal Sir Edwin has a heart of gold and never fails to evoke a smile with his purple prose discourses. Her in laws are horrible to begin with but sadly get tamed pretty fast. So that was a lost opportunity.
The H is aloof and taciturn but never openly cruel while she lets her closed mind and bitterness feed on itself and ruined the book for me. When, all the time, it was so easy as she realizes with this epiphany in the closing chapters…
“One cannot allow fear to rule one's life… Not unless one wishes to be endlessly unhappy – and lonely.”
*Eyeroll*
Took you long enough, Lady! 24 chapters too long!
Kenneth returns home to his estate after eight long years to run into Moira at their once upon meeting place and realizes that she’s changed and so has things. For one, circumstances have forced her into being affianced to the stuffy and pompous heir to her father. She's hostile to him but has to go along with her fiancé as he tries to end the centuries old feud between the neighboring estates- not knowing the later bit of the feud.
The h-om are invited to a ball at the H’s place and the om has to leave early. Then things happen (like a snowstorm and an isolated cabin and a we-need-to-preserve-heat-by-having-sex!) and of course she ends up pregnant and a shotgun moc follows..some time later as she takes her time to disclose her state. She conveniently miscarries (I say conveniently as she’s scandalously pregnant at 4 mos on her wedding day) and more bitterness and ugly behavior follows.
The best part of the book is the om! The affectedly formal Sir Edwin has a heart of gold and never fails to evoke a smile with his purple prose discourses. Her in laws are horrible to begin with but sadly get tamed pretty fast. So that was a lost opportunity.
The H is aloof and taciturn but never openly cruel while she lets her closed mind and bitterness feed on itself and ruined the book for me. When, all the time, it was so easy as she realizes with this epiphany in the closing chapters…
“One cannot allow fear to rule one's life… Not unless one wishes to be endlessly unhappy – and lonely.”
*Eyeroll*
Took you long enough, Lady! 24 chapters too long!
May 20, 2017
The H/h were childhood sweethearts until a series of dramatic circumstances shattered their love. We discover this story gradually during the novel.
A new series of events bring them together again, which culminate with one of the most awkward and appalling « love scenes » I've ever read. One of the most ridiculous pretexts leads to it, even if it's a classic.
Most of the time, the very real problems and feelings of the characters remain hidden behind bickering, when it's not outward hostility witch doesn't make them really likeable. Nothing that a good, ok, very long, explanation wouldn't resolve, which of course only comes in the last chapiter.
3 Stars.
A new series of events bring them together again, which culminate with one of the most awkward and appalling « love scenes » I've ever read. One of the most ridiculous pretexts leads to it, even if it's a classic.
Most of the time, the very real problems and feelings of the characters remain hidden behind bickering, when it's not outward hostility witch doesn't make them really likeable. Nothing that a good, ok, very long, explanation wouldn't resolve, which of course only comes in the last chapiter.
3 Stars.
April 10, 2016
This book was a major disappointment. Especially, following the first one in the series. The hero was a jerk, the heroine an idiot and his mother/sister were the family from hell. Balogh took this to a point of no return. The plot was forced and predictable.
My least favorite from MB. I recommend a skip. I don't think you need to read it to enjoy the series.
My least favorite from MB. I recommend a skip. I don't think you need to read it to enjoy the series.
January 21, 2020
Bless Mary Balogh for bringing her backlist titles out in Kindle/ebook format. Even books from early in her thirty-year career are better than most of the stuff I read.
Unforgiven is a keeper.
Unforgiven is a keeper.
July 20, 2016
What just happened? [shaking my head to clear my thoughts] I just can’t believe that this book has been written by my all time favorite author [but then maybe I can, since this was first published by Jove in 1998?]. But wait. That can’t be it. The writing was very good and distinctly her own, so what went wrong? That’s the question I’m going to try and answer.
This is the second story in Ms. Balogh’s Horseman Trilogy series in which we meet four friends who’ve survived and returned from Napoleonic wars. Now, since I read and loved her Survivors Club series, I was pleasantly surprised that she’d decided to reprint this series and I liked the first book and Rex and Catharine’s story, so I was sure that this one would be just as good. Color me surprised as I dug deepper and deeper into this story.
Why write such a self-righteous, self-pitying and all round pathetic human being? I’ve said before that the reason I love Ms. Balogh’s characters is because she gives them flaws which makes them real, but she also gives them plenty of time to grow with the story so that by the end they are richer and well rounded. It’s what made them interesting and compelling. I genuinely cared for them and their plight.
Not so in this story. I not just didn’t like it, I detested it. I found myself livid with the heroine’s attitude and reckless actions. No amount of interior musings on the part of this heroine was ever going to make me like her. I couldn’t even pity her.
Plot wise, I was disappointed as well. This had a potential to be such a warmhearted and touching second-chance at love romance, but the characters did things that were peculiar and awkward. Even their love scenes felt forced and stilted, unbelievable. This was supposed to be a romance, yet I felt no chemistry between the two. None!
To make maters worse, the wrong assumptions these two had about each other and their refusal to communicate and give each other the benefit of the doubt, took 80% of the story. It was downright tedious. By the time they come to some sort of understanding, I felt frustration and by the time they resolve their differences, I’ve lost interest.
If you want to be depressed, go ahead and read it, otherwise, skip it!
Melanie for b2b
This is the second story in Ms. Balogh’s Horseman Trilogy series in which we meet four friends who’ve survived and returned from Napoleonic wars. Now, since I read and loved her Survivors Club series, I was pleasantly surprised that she’d decided to reprint this series and I liked the first book and Rex and Catharine’s story, so I was sure that this one would be just as good. Color me surprised as I dug deepper and deeper into this story.
Why write such a self-righteous, self-pitying and all round pathetic human being? I’ve said before that the reason I love Ms. Balogh’s characters is because she gives them flaws which makes them real, but she also gives them plenty of time to grow with the story so that by the end they are richer and well rounded. It’s what made them interesting and compelling. I genuinely cared for them and their plight.
Not so in this story. I not just didn’t like it, I detested it. I found myself livid with the heroine’s attitude and reckless actions. No amount of interior musings on the part of this heroine was ever going to make me like her. I couldn’t even pity her.
Plot wise, I was disappointed as well. This had a potential to be such a warmhearted and touching second-chance at love romance, but the characters did things that were peculiar and awkward. Even their love scenes felt forced and stilted, unbelievable. This was supposed to be a romance, yet I felt no chemistry between the two. None!
To make maters worse, the wrong assumptions these two had about each other and their refusal to communicate and give each other the benefit of the doubt, took 80% of the story. It was downright tedious. By the time they come to some sort of understanding, I felt frustration and by the time they resolve their differences, I’ve lost interest.
If you want to be depressed, go ahead and read it, otherwise, skip it!
Melanie for b2b
July 11, 2024
Review from 2016
A+ for narration; B for content.
It’s a brave author who decides to write a novel in which one of the central characters is infuriatingly stubborn, who frequently, as the saying goes, cuts off her nose to spite her face, and who, because of those things is often downright unlikeable. In Unforgiven (originally published in 1998), the second book in her Horseman trilogy, Mary Balogh shows herself to be one such author, as she introduces us to Miss Moira Hayes, a young woman who is so intractable and determined to protect herself and her emotions that she almost loses her chance at happiness with the man she (won’t admit she) loves.
Indeed, for most of the book, Moira professes to hate Kenneth Woodfall, believing him to have been responsible, albeit indirectly, for the death of her brother some years earlier. Thus, his return to his Cornwall estate following his years of army service is an extremely unwelcome shock.
Kenneth, the Earl of Haverford, and his three friends, Rex, Viscount Rawley (Indiscreet), Nathaniel Gascoigne, and Eden, Lord Pelham, have all sold out of the army and returned home to England where, in the way of young gentlemen, they are living the high life, celebrating the fact that they’ve survived the Napoleonic Wars intact by living lives of cheerful debauchery. But when Rex decides he needs to return home, Kenneth also starts to think that perhaps it’s time he did the same, even if it’s only for a short visit so that he can see for himself that all is well before he returns to his life in London.
The recent death of her father means that Moira and her mother are now dependent on the relative who has inherited the estate, Sir Edwin Bailey. Sir Edwin is a well-meaning, but terribly pompous individual (think Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice), and he proposes that as he needs a wife and Moira needs a home, they should marry and secure happiness all round. At the age of twenty-six, Moira is firmly on the shelf and is well aware that she will have no other opportunity to marry, so she accepts his proposal even though she knows his constant pontificating and obsequious manner are likely to drive her insane.
The Woodfalls and the Hayes are neighbours who have nursed an ages-old feud for so long it seems the original reasons for it have been forgotten. Yet some eight years before this story begins Kenneth and Moira struck up a friendship that quickly turned into stolen kisses and talk of love – until she betrayed him and put an end to everything between them.
Kenneth’s return to Cornwall isn’t something Moira had expected or looked for. She still hasn’t forgiven him for the fact that an action of his part forced her brother to join the army and thus precipitated his death. Kenneth is just as surprised to find Moira still living with her mother; he had thought she would have married and moved away by now, and even though he hasn’t forgiven her for her betrayal all those years ago, he hopes that perhaps they can reach some sort of accord while he is in Cornwall meaning they can at least meet without animosity. But Moira is having none of that, and their meetings are frosty on his side and openly hostile on hers.
It’s obvious that the intensity of Moira’s dislike is due to something other than – or as well as – loathing, and that Kenneth’s coldness is a direct reaction to her treatment of him. These are two people who appear to be locked in a self-perpetuating cycle of mutual distrust, neither of them wanting to take the first step towards reconciliation for fear that the other will scorn it and reject them. When they are stranded during a snowstorm and end up having to spend the night together (unfortunately making use of one of the oldest clichés in the book) it seems as though they might be forced into facing up to the truth and trying to work out their differences; but even then, Moira is so determined not to show any sign of weakness or admit that she might actually need Kenneth’s help that she keeps pushing him away. And she does this even though, in her more rational moments, she recognises how unwise she is being and that she has to tell him that their night together has had consequences.
The central part of the story, in which Moira continually procrastinates over a number of key decisions, is frustrating, but on the other hand, her reasons for delaying are quite plausible. The tragedy that befalls the couple is handled sensitively and realistically; Ms. Balogh once again displays her talent for writing about life and relationships in all their glorious messiness, and while Moira’s intransigence made me want to scream and Kenneth sometimes comes across as cold and insensitive, the characterisation and writing is so good that it’s easy to understand why they act as they do. For all the author’s skill, though, the listener is undoubtedly helped to this understanding by Rosalyn Landor’s excellent performance, in which she gets so far under the skins of these people as to be able to bring out every emotional nuance and make them, at the very least, sympathetic, even if ‘likeable’ is a way off.
In spite of the fact that Moira seemed to be almost unable to stop herself from sabotaging her every chance at happiness, I did enjoy listening to Unforgiven. It’s not an easy book and it won’t suit everyone, but if you enjoy stories in which the couple really has to WORK at being together and in which the emotions are realistically complex, confused and sometimes unpleasant, then it might work for you as it did for me. I have to say as well that the ending is rather rushed; it isn’t until around forty minutes before the end that Kenneth and Moira finally admit their feelings and agree to remain together, so there isn’t a lot of time spent on post-declaration lovey-doveyness. But that’s okay. What we DO get is enough to convince that they are on the right road – finally – and that while it’s not going to be easy, they are going to make something of their marriage and enjoy their lives together.
It’s testament to Ms. Balogh’s skill as a writer and Ms. Landor’s as a performer that in spite of the negative things I’ve said in this review, I’ve still given a B grade for content. This is one of those books that benefits greatly from the input of an experienced and insightful narrator, and I honestly can’t think of anyone else who could have pulled off this tricky and sometimes dark story with such aplomb. I don’t need to say that Rosalyn Landor delivers another flawless performance because anyone who listens to her regularly will know that her technical ability is beyond doubt; it’s the emotional understanding and intelligence she brings to her performances that draws me in over and over again, and it’s that which makes Unforgiven such a compelling listen. I noticed that the book has very mixed reviews and I suspect that reading it would not have been quite so satisfying. In audio, however, with the advantage of an expert narrator bringing the characters and their motivations to vivid life in the imagination, it’s a rewarding experience and one I’d recommend to others who like a bit of angst served up with their romance plat du jour.
A+ for narration; B for content.
It’s a brave author who decides to write a novel in which one of the central characters is infuriatingly stubborn, who frequently, as the saying goes, cuts off her nose to spite her face, and who, because of those things is often downright unlikeable. In Unforgiven (originally published in 1998), the second book in her Horseman trilogy, Mary Balogh shows herself to be one such author, as she introduces us to Miss Moira Hayes, a young woman who is so intractable and determined to protect herself and her emotions that she almost loses her chance at happiness with the man she (won’t admit she) loves.
Indeed, for most of the book, Moira professes to hate Kenneth Woodfall, believing him to have been responsible, albeit indirectly, for the death of her brother some years earlier. Thus, his return to his Cornwall estate following his years of army service is an extremely unwelcome shock.
Kenneth, the Earl of Haverford, and his three friends, Rex, Viscount Rawley (Indiscreet), Nathaniel Gascoigne, and Eden, Lord Pelham, have all sold out of the army and returned home to England where, in the way of young gentlemen, they are living the high life, celebrating the fact that they’ve survived the Napoleonic Wars intact by living lives of cheerful debauchery. But when Rex decides he needs to return home, Kenneth also starts to think that perhaps it’s time he did the same, even if it’s only for a short visit so that he can see for himself that all is well before he returns to his life in London.
The recent death of her father means that Moira and her mother are now dependent on the relative who has inherited the estate, Sir Edwin Bailey. Sir Edwin is a well-meaning, but terribly pompous individual (think Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice), and he proposes that as he needs a wife and Moira needs a home, they should marry and secure happiness all round. At the age of twenty-six, Moira is firmly on the shelf and is well aware that she will have no other opportunity to marry, so she accepts his proposal even though she knows his constant pontificating and obsequious manner are likely to drive her insane.
The Woodfalls and the Hayes are neighbours who have nursed an ages-old feud for so long it seems the original reasons for it have been forgotten. Yet some eight years before this story begins Kenneth and Moira struck up a friendship that quickly turned into stolen kisses and talk of love – until she betrayed him and put an end to everything between them.
Kenneth’s return to Cornwall isn’t something Moira had expected or looked for. She still hasn’t forgiven him for the fact that an action of his part forced her brother to join the army and thus precipitated his death. Kenneth is just as surprised to find Moira still living with her mother; he had thought she would have married and moved away by now, and even though he hasn’t forgiven her for her betrayal all those years ago, he hopes that perhaps they can reach some sort of accord while he is in Cornwall meaning they can at least meet without animosity. But Moira is having none of that, and their meetings are frosty on his side and openly hostile on hers.
It’s obvious that the intensity of Moira’s dislike is due to something other than – or as well as – loathing, and that Kenneth’s coldness is a direct reaction to her treatment of him. These are two people who appear to be locked in a self-perpetuating cycle of mutual distrust, neither of them wanting to take the first step towards reconciliation for fear that the other will scorn it and reject them. When they are stranded during a snowstorm and end up having to spend the night together (unfortunately making use of one of the oldest clichés in the book) it seems as though they might be forced into facing up to the truth and trying to work out their differences; but even then, Moira is so determined not to show any sign of weakness or admit that she might actually need Kenneth’s help that she keeps pushing him away. And she does this even though, in her more rational moments, she recognises how unwise she is being and that she has to tell him that their night together has had consequences.
The central part of the story, in which Moira continually procrastinates over a number of key decisions, is frustrating, but on the other hand, her reasons for delaying are quite plausible. The tragedy that befalls the couple is handled sensitively and realistically; Ms. Balogh once again displays her talent for writing about life and relationships in all their glorious messiness, and while Moira’s intransigence made me want to scream and Kenneth sometimes comes across as cold and insensitive, the characterisation and writing is so good that it’s easy to understand why they act as they do. For all the author’s skill, though, the listener is undoubtedly helped to this understanding by Rosalyn Landor’s excellent performance, in which she gets so far under the skins of these people as to be able to bring out every emotional nuance and make them, at the very least, sympathetic, even if ‘likeable’ is a way off.
In spite of the fact that Moira seemed to be almost unable to stop herself from sabotaging her every chance at happiness, I did enjoy listening to Unforgiven. It’s not an easy book and it won’t suit everyone, but if you enjoy stories in which the couple really has to WORK at being together and in which the emotions are realistically complex, confused and sometimes unpleasant, then it might work for you as it did for me. I have to say as well that the ending is rather rushed; it isn’t until around forty minutes before the end that Kenneth and Moira finally admit their feelings and agree to remain together, so there isn’t a lot of time spent on post-declaration lovey-doveyness. But that’s okay. What we DO get is enough to convince that they are on the right road – finally – and that while it’s not going to be easy, they are going to make something of their marriage and enjoy their lives together.
It’s testament to Ms. Balogh’s skill as a writer and Ms. Landor’s as a performer that in spite of the negative things I’ve said in this review, I’ve still given a B grade for content. This is one of those books that benefits greatly from the input of an experienced and insightful narrator, and I honestly can’t think of anyone else who could have pulled off this tricky and sometimes dark story with such aplomb. I don’t need to say that Rosalyn Landor delivers another flawless performance because anyone who listens to her regularly will know that her technical ability is beyond doubt; it’s the emotional understanding and intelligence she brings to her performances that draws me in over and over again, and it’s that which makes Unforgiven such a compelling listen. I noticed that the book has very mixed reviews and I suspect that reading it would not have been quite so satisfying. In audio, however, with the advantage of an expert narrator bringing the characters and their motivations to vivid life in the imagination, it’s a rewarding experience and one I’d recommend to others who like a bit of angst served up with their romance plat du jour.
July 15, 2016
Here's why I'm such a fan of Mary Balogh: her books are so deep, her characters so well-drawn, that you feel as if you know them by the end of a novel. This book featured a rather unlikeable hero AND heroine...yet by the middle of the book, you began to understand WHY they acted that way, WHY they thought in such and such a way. By the conclusion, you're rooting for them. Totally satisfying reading in this genre. Her books are not bodice-rippers with a heroine who always sports perfect, shell-like ears and superhero men who fight at Waterloo in the morning and carry the sylph-like heroine up the stairs after dancing for seven hours at a ball that same night. They're real, sometimes gritty, sometimes stubborn or arrogant. They make mistakes. Balogh does not assume that some great bedsport solves all their problems. Just like real life, it might add to or subtract from the realities of life...but rosebud lips and broad shoulders do not solve real problems. While I love escapist writing as much as the next historical-romance-novel-junkie, I read Balogh because she uses words carefully, thoughtfully, sometimes sparingly...and always so effectively. This book was originally published 20 years ago but it stands the test of time and the quality of her writing is exceptional. I am such a fan!
February 2, 2022
Second chance story of Kenneth, a former military officer who goes home to Cornwall and encounters his first love, Moira. The two of them have a rocky road ahead together, and it's not till the very last pages that all is finally revealed. But I liked the relationship building, and the fact that both of them realise and accept how much they love the other, well before the end of the book. For me, this trilogy is one of Mary Balogh's better series.
I like the cover of this paperback edition, although it is a little annoying that the gentleman on the cover has dark hair, where it's mentioned quite a few times in the book that Kenneth has glorious blonde hair. The artist didn't do their homework :(
I like the cover of this paperback edition, although it is a little annoying that the gentleman on the cover has dark hair, where it's mentioned quite a few times in the book that Kenneth has glorious blonde hair. The artist didn't do their homework :(
April 4, 2014
I loved the mood that Ms Balogh set in the beginning, the tense palpable electricity between the two protagonists and the hints of a shared past. I loved the humour provided by h's pompous fiancé, and I loved the proud masculinity of H. I hated the silly premise of their first passionless sexual encounter, and I was on occasion frustrated by h's procrastination and childish stubbornness. However, Ms Balogh still knows how to tell a story well and the language and the especially tongue in cheek humour is superb in best Austen style.
August 26, 2016
I wanted to grab both the heroine and the hero by the shoulders and shake them severely for about 90% of the book.
Maybe 95%.
They're obnoxious little bickering children and the only time I felt sympathy for them was during The Unfortunate Incident.
Maybe 95%.
They're obnoxious little bickering children and the only time I felt sympathy for them was during The Unfortunate Incident.
May 6, 2025
CW: (dubious consent? , traumatic pregnancy, loss of a family member, loss of a child,)
These characters really went through it. This book was much much heavier than book 1.
I honestly liked this book and I related to Moira—even though she’s clearly “unlikable”
(4.75 stars)
These characters really went through it. This book was much much heavier than book 1.
I honestly liked this book and I related to Moira—even though she’s clearly “unlikable”
(4.75 stars)
October 28, 2022
Este es un romance de segunda oportunidad entre Kenneth (30) que regresa a su casoplón familiar en Cornualles y Moira (26), su amor de juventud, que lo odia. Y él a ella. Son hostiles el uno contra el otro, con mucha pasión. Siempre se entienden mal el uno al otro, él un arrogante, ella una tozuda; incluso cuando no hay motivo para discutir, piensan mal y discuten.
Tienen su final feliz, pero ellos mismos saben que seguirán peleando en el futuro.
Lo bueno de Balogh es que, con poca cosa, ambientaciones trilladas y argumentos sin mucha acción, te monta unos libros así de amenos. En ellos, todo el drama es interno, la tensión que surge del propio carácter de los personajes y la dinámica entre ellos.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Tienen su final feliz, pero ellos mismos saben que seguirán peleando en el futuro.
Lo bueno de Balogh es que, con poca cosa, ambientaciones trilladas y argumentos sin mucha acción, te monta unos libros así de amenos. En ellos, todo el drama es interno, la tensión que surge del propio carácter de los personajes y la dinámica entre ellos.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
August 20, 2016
Uncomfortable
I love Mary Balogh's work and this story is rich in the details. There is the mystery of what caused the feud between the characters and their families that is slowly revealed; the major part close to the last few pages!
The emotions are so clear that I was uncomfortable for most the book. There is hate, love, and many awkward feelings (and situations) in between. But I really hated
I still preferred this over her Georgian series. I borrowed this from the library and it will be there if I need a novel this winter.
I love Mary Balogh's work and this story is rich in the details. There is the mystery of what caused the feud between the characters and their families that is slowly revealed; the major part close to the last few pages!
The emotions are so clear that I was uncomfortable for most the book. There is hate, love, and many awkward feelings (and situations) in between. But I really hated
I still preferred this over her Georgian series. I borrowed this from the library and it will be there if I need a novel this winter.
January 31, 2017
At about the half way mark, I wondered if this book would not live up to the high standards I expect from Ms. Balogh. I really struggled with liking the heroine, and at times, wished I could shake some sense into, but with her unfailingly talented way, Mary turned her around and had me sighing at the end. So glad I read/listened to this one. As always Ms. Landor was fabulous. Happy reading!
April 1, 2022
I'm officially hooked on Mary Balogh's books! Good thing she has such a long backlist!
September 1, 2025
The hero took the heroine's virginity just so that they could keep warm during a snowstorm. They could have just done jumping jacks.
March 13, 2017
The characters spend far too much of this book stuck in Misunderstandingville. It made a lot of this annoying, especially with how awful they sometimes are to each other. And I didn't quite buy Moira's total ignorance of the facts about her brother, if I'm honest.
This book was a bummer for me because I usually like stories with characters who start out disliking each other and bickering all the time turning in to something more, but this was somehow darker than that? I don't know how to explain it.
This book was a bummer for me because I usually like stories with characters who start out disliking each other and bickering all the time turning in to something more, but this was somehow darker than that? I don't know how to explain it.
October 8, 2018
1.5 stars
Continuing with the Horsemen trilogy.
So, this was a complete miss.
I disliked (hated) almost everything about this book.
I hated the heroine. She is a complete ninny who couldn't stick to her own resolution and basically stuck her head in the sand. Not to mention that she is completely unreasonable and I just hated her guts.
Unfortunately, I also had serious issues with the "hero". Mainly because of that first sex scene. It's appalling.
There is just way too much ugly behavior from them both.
The book just left a bad taste in my mouth.
Continuing with the Horsemen trilogy.
So, this was a complete miss.
I disliked (hated) almost everything about this book.
I hated the heroine. She is a complete ninny who couldn't stick to her own resolution and basically stuck her head in the sand. Not to mention that she is completely unreasonable and I just hated her guts.
Unfortunately, I also had serious issues with the "hero". Mainly because of that first sex scene. It's appalling.
There is just way too much ugly behavior from them both.
The book just left a bad taste in my mouth.
September 26, 2016
I couldn't stand Moira. The plot device for the hookup was possibly the most ridiculous I've ever read. The story was terrible, I wasn't even rooting for them to work things out. I can offer no explanation for reading the whole thing. Ugh!
January 3, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Mary Balogh is a master at creating realistic characters and putting them in situations where a myriad of emotions are explored. And with Moira and Kenneth, that couldn't have been more true. A second chance romance trope for the ages, this had passion galore, with our hero and heroine loving and hating each other with equal ferocity. I'm not usually a fan of antagonistic relationships but I thoroughly enjoyed the spin Balogh put on this one. Full review to come.
Mary Balogh is a master at creating realistic characters and putting them in situations where a myriad of emotions are explored. And with Moira and Kenneth, that couldn't have been more true. A second chance romance trope for the ages, this had passion galore, with our hero and heroine loving and hating each other with equal ferocity. I'm not usually a fan of antagonistic relationships but I thoroughly enjoyed the spin Balogh put on this one. Full review to come.
December 4, 2023
This is quite possibly the worst romance I’ve ever read. I don’t understand how it was even published. Hate sex that neither party wants to have because they are just really cold and convinced that they key to survival is unpleasant dry sex? Then the guy remembers come morning that he’s actually been cold before and there were other things one could do to not die that didn’t result in unwanted pregnancy with a virgin that one hates.
July 11, 2024
This is a hard book to get through and the angst isn't from another woman/man. It's a feud between families that goes back generations and, as in the case of Romeo & Juliet, our MC's fall in love. Unfortunately, the heroines brother is a bad guy but she doesn't see it, thus setting up a miserable life for our lovely couple.
It's not for everyone but it's historically accurate, angsty if you like this type of story and as well written as anything Austen would have done. (Blasphemy!)
I've read so many years ago and so many times that I couldn't possibly pin down a date, in fact I have the print copy when it came out, so the date it was printed was my first reading. I think, whether I've reviewed or not, I've read everything Balogh has written. I love them all and not all are lovable.
It's not for everyone but it's historically accurate, angsty if you like this type of story and as well written as anything Austen would have done. (Blasphemy!)
I've read so many years ago and so many times that I couldn't possibly pin down a date, in fact I have the print copy when it came out, so the date it was printed was my first reading. I think, whether I've reviewed or not, I've read everything Balogh has written. I love them all and not all are lovable.
March 31, 2019
Un historia con una trama no muy buena, pero Mary Balogh sabe como engancharte igualmente.
April 14, 2021
3+ stars, I understand why they might have behaved the way they did but a book about misunderstanding and stubbornness was a bit much. I'm not sure why the women in this series are the most pig-headed or at least that's how it seems to me.
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