Sarah Mac’s Reviews > The Bargain > Status Update

This book is 75-100 pages too long. It really needs to start wrapping up; the plot momentum keeps stalling, thanks to Big McLarge-Huge's temper tantrums.

'Brett stood over her, making no move to help her up or in any way come to her aid. Instead, an expression of contempt crossed his features as he snarled at her with ill-concealed loathing. "How appropriate! Stay there, you bitch, for that's where you belong--on the floor with the other dogs!"' ....What a dick. Dogs are awesome & she should be proud to live with them instead of YOU, asswipe.

'She had a weak, distant memory of having seen him naked before, but she also knew it had never been like this. His huge body looked, to her in the moonlight, like that of some pagan god, all silvery & intoxicatingly male, & rigid with his need of her.' ....Purple prose wedding night, activate!

Cameo by Percy Shelley & Mary Godwin. :) #nerdalert (Though from what I've read about Byron et al, the author is generously dialing down Percy's douchebag tendencies. Probably wise; the hero brings enough douchebaggery on his own.)

'Once again she found her heart hammering in her chest, dampness gathering on the palms of her hands. She tried to tell herself this was all because she had reasons to fear this man'a nearness, but in her heart she knew these sensations were born more of pleasure than fear.' ....Romance Philosophy 101, discussion question: Is it still a traitorous body if she's aware of why it's happening? :D

'"Really, Your Grace." Madame smiled. ""What kind of a businesswoman do you take me for? The girl is young, beautiful & orphaned. When she was still untouched I allowed myself to be persuaded to send her away from her to secure--honest employment of a common sort. But now..." She shrugged. "As I have said, she is a bargain."'

'He'd felt the obstruction briefly before driving home his desire, & a look of stunned surprise registered on his face. But he was far beyond stopping at this point, himself a captive of his lust, & he began to move in her, rhythmically, expertly, in & out, again & again, until finally his body convulsed in a mighty heave, & it was done.' ....Classy. :D

'Brett Westmont was widely known in sophisticated circles as one who used women ruthlessly, attracting them immediately like flies to honey through his astounding good looks & outwardly charming manner, then dropping them just as quickly when his fancy strayed to another. All of London whispered about it. Why, he was becoming almost as notorious as Lord Byron, who was frequently seen in his company.'

Tiny teenage heroine rescues an abused wolfhound from four street kids with only a knife & an attitude. I like that. >:D

From the editor's introduction: 'Harlequin Historicals would like to introduce you to a new concept. Big books!' ....Lolz. Too precious. ^____^ I love HQN.