Another enjoyable read in this consistently good series. Each book has a different 'flavour', but they are linked by some recurring characters and, inAnother enjoyable read in this consistently good series. Each book has a different 'flavour', but they are linked by some recurring characters and, in this case, a plot line linked right back to the first book, The Rules of Seduction. IMO it would be better for readers to read the other two books first before starting this one. Otherwise, some things wouldn't make as much sense, I imagine.
Strongly drawn characters and tight plotting seem to be the hallmarks of this writer. I really like her complex and interesting characters. I could make the same statement about the plots. They are not cliched, and have interesting twists and turns. I could not predict how this book would be resolved without Rose being seriously hurt, but in fact all was resolved satisfactorily, and Rose did not suffer too much.
Rose is Alexia's cousin, from the first book. The dastardly behaviour of her two brothers has had a huge impact on her life, and at the start of the book things don't look good for her. But Kyle Bradwell saves her, and they enter into a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience. And of course, they slowly fall in love :)
Kyle is an interesting character. Son of a collier and far from a nobleman, he is a very clever man who has pulled himself up by his bootstraps. He is also a man of integrity, who refuses to forget or abandon his family or his low-class roots. And I love the scenes where he pretends that he loves Rose's tasteless pie just so he doesn't hurt her feelings.
The plot revolves around two linked themes - the behaviour and consequences for Tim Longworth, one of Rose's brothers who is on the run, and also the despicable Norbury, about whom there are more and more foul revelations as the book goes on. I just couldn't predict how either of these characters would get their just desserts, but they did.
These books are well written and engaging. I'm now going to read Christian's story - the eldest Rothwell brother, the mysterious long-haired marquess who has played a small part in each of the first three books. I'm looking forward to seeing how this will play out....more
I liked this one. Sam and Tiel have appeared briefly in other books in the series, but they both really shine in their own book.
I read this in the 3-bI liked this one. Sam and Tiel have appeared briefly in other books in the series, but they both really shine in their own book.
I read this in the 3-book collection 'The Walsh Brothers', and there was a nice little extra epilogue at the end for the first book, 'Underneath It All', which I enjoyed....more
Matthew and Lauren. The young, high achieving teacher whose current life plan doesn't include falling in love. In a few years, maybe, but not now whenMatthew and Lauren. The young, high achieving teacher whose current life plan doesn't include falling in love. In a few years, maybe, but not now when she's working to open her own school. But there's an instant connection when she meets up-and-coming architect Matthew Walsh. Matthew wasn't expecting this either. Lauren is not his usual 'type'. Both are surprised by the power of their connection.
This book is a good introduction to a cast of characters whose future relationships are explored in other books in the series. They are a very interesting crowd. I also enjoyed the Boston setting with the family business of Walsh siblings showing respect for the city's traditional architecture, and establishing a reputation as they restore and revitalise old buildings.
As in all of the books of this series, the relationship between the MCs is fully explored, with all its joy and angst. The sexual side of the relationships is also depicted quite openly in these books, so not a recommended read if that's not your thing. There are some funny moments too, for example with Lauren's father who is a navy man and a trainer of Navy SEALS, and has some extreme views on his daughter's personal safety.
I enjoy Canterbury's writing style, and I like the characters she creates. They are realistic and believable. This book is a good intro to the Walshes series. Well worth a read....more
3.5 stars. I really liked the first half or so, but the later part of the book got a bit bogged down in too many sex scenes, and I knocked off a half-3.5 stars. I really liked the first half or so, but the later part of the book got a bit bogged down in too many sex scenes, and I knocked off a half-star. Riley the youngest Walsh brother, who is secretly obsessed with his brother's wife. Alex the talented surgeon, who was taken advantage of in a workplace relationship and is struggling to progress in her career as a result.
They enter a fake relationship which quickly turns into a real one. Two likeable characters, who were lovely together. But the sex thing just got a bit too much for me in this book, although no doubt many readers love that aspect. I didn't mind the (view spoiler)[ thing with taking photos during sex. They kept them private and that was fine. (hide spoiler)] But then when (view spoiler)[ Riley accidentally sent a pic to the whole family, yeah, OK, but it was just too explicit for me and I felt uncomfortable reading it. The casual way everyone talked about it icked me out a bit. I wouldn't have minded so much if the pic wasn't quite so explicit, I think. So yeah, call me a prude. LOL. (hide spoiler)].
I did like how the book showed Riley "growing out of" his obsession with Lauren and developing real, grown-up feelings for Alex.
Overall, I still really like this series and this terrific and interesting family that Canterbary has created. I recommend this whole series to CR readers who don't mind some sexy scenes....more
A lovely story. Leo is truly a reformed rake, even before he meets Catherine Marks. He shouldn't be attracted to his younger sisters' governess. She iA lovely story. Leo is truly a reformed rake, even before he meets Catherine Marks. He shouldn't be attracted to his younger sisters' governess. She is prim, proper, and tightly buttoned-up, but somehow the two of them always strike sparks off each other. This has been foreshadowed in some of the earlier books in the series, but in this one things come to fruition.
But who IS Miss Marks? It turns put she has quite a back story, and although she is attracted to Leo, she holds herself back, believing her background can never match his. But love will find a way, and Leo and Catherine are delightful together. There are some very dramatic events, but finally they are united, and it's very satisfying. An enjoyable read....more