Heartless

Author:

Mary Balogh

Published:

Topaz, October 1995 ; 389 pages

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Georgian

Setting:

England -- London, 1700s

Main characters:

Lucas Kendrick, Duke of Harndon, and Lady Anna Marlowe

Sexual explicitness:

Explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; Blackmail, balls, childbirth, daughters, kidnapping, men's fashions, sibling rivalry

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

While Balogh writes it well, I found the main characters uninteresting, the plot twists just a bit too convenient and a lot of coldness and brutality at the center of this novel. Definitely placed in my "get rid of" pile, which I almost *never* do with Balogh! ml (M.L.N., 6-2-97) I didn't believe Mary Balogh would be able to top either The Secret Pearl or Longing, but Heartless blows away both of those books. I have been waiting forever to read Emily and Ash's story. I hope it comes soon! (S.C., 4-29-97) This Is withought a doubt one of my favorite romance novels. I loved the plot and the characters. Although I do wish that Anna would have trusted in Luke and told her secret allot earlier in the story. I have been greatly dissapointed in allot of the romance novels Ive been reading lately but this one restored my faith.I'll definately be reading more of her novels (S.N.M., 4-21-97) This book was wonderful... it was one I couldn't put down... It was great to read of a heart hardened to love, melt away... The book gave hope to those of us whose lives are not perfect, to hope for something better and situations that seem hopeless do sometimes turn out just fine. I will read this book over and over again. Mary Balough has always been a favorite of mine! (D.M., 2-26-97) I thought this was a really lovely romance... The hero was excellent, and really did make my heart go pitter-pat. :) (K.H., 2-14-97) I reall y liked this book alot and have read it 3 times. The characters are very appealling and you care about them and their situations. This book has the BEST step back cover I have ever seen (R.P., 2-8-97) The secrecy behind Anna's torment by the villain was rather silly and Luc's reluctance to confront his family about his banishment from home did get tiresome, but I enjoyed just about everything else. Luc's style, from his hair to his cosmetics, was an interesting, new twist, IMO. By the end of the novel, I was quite won over by him! The family dynamics were understandable and well written, as was the deaf-mute sister, Emily and her relationship with Ash (I see a future novel in there somewhere). Luc's change of heart (no pun intended) was very nicely done with the arrival of his child (I was quite misty-eyed at that point). The ending was clumsy and a bit muddled. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book and plan on reading much more of Ms. Balogh's work. (K.G., 2-3-97) Despite some very stupid plot contrivances and really dumb secrecy on part of main female character, this book is an excellent read, with several steamy scenes and a leading man that, with his strong virility despite peacock fashion tendencies, is especially attractive. The book also has one of the best covers (including inner page art) I've seen on a romance in some time. (E.P., 1-4-97)

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