One Night is Never Enough [Libro de bolsillo]

This book is written in the same tone as "Seven Secrets." There isn't, however, as much dialogue. The H and H are well matched, although Roman's character is not as fully developed as the heroine's (but I am not saying he is undeveloped either). Or perhaps it was Roman's fascination with her that was a little underdeveloped - he has seen her on a number of occasions, fancied her, but after one encounter decides he wants to possess her and she to possess him. Don't get me wrong, I like that desire for mutual possession on his behalf; it makes a relationship two sided as opposed to one sided.

I got frustrated with Charlotte's NOT wanting to be seen in public with Roman, not wanting anyone to know anything about the affair - although, in all fairness to Mallory and her Charlotte that is a very understandable emotion because of the time period and he not being a member of the ton and all. I also got frustrated with Charlotte's indecisions. She desired/desires Roman, but is unwilling to give up her father's expectations of a good marriage - although, of course, that is her internal struggle throughout the novel. What will she choose - love or expectation (and an affair on the side)? But as the novel develops, Charlotte grows. I think that is perhaps it - she was a tad too settled with her lot in life, not a spark of rebellion, always accepting things, never standing up for herself, until she meets Roman, who brings out this other side of her - perhaps the real side of her. She does desire love; she expresses those thoughts through out the novel; she desires freedom; she feels broken; she no longer wishes to be cold, and she achieves these desires in the end, redeeming herself in my eyes.

I like Mallory's writing style. I like the fact that she does not spell things out for her readers, making them feel dimwitted. She appreciates her readers' intellect and leaves them to conclude a number of things.

Overall, this book is very good - with a heroine, as I described above, who frustrates at times, but manages to overcome her struggles, growing as a character. Our hero is a bad guy, in business only. He has a heart of gold (how cliché), especially when it comes to Charlotte. He does play games with her, but sets things up in such a way as to fulfill every one of her desires - making it possible for her to have a titled husband and an affair with him should she marry. At the same time testing her, testing her fortitude, testing to see what she will choose.

I really recommend this book. It is a very good read. Oh! there are no lush sex scenes here:)

Reading the other reviews of this book, I'm beginning to wonder if I somehow read a different book? I LOVED this. I thought it was Mallory's best book yet, dark and beautiful and the chess match that goes on for pages at the beginning? I could have read that scene over and over and over again. I loved the characters, I loved their interactions...and I cannot wait for Andreas's story. I feel like Mallory's books require careful reading, because every word means something, every bit of dialogue really moves the story along. I loved it. 5 stars.

I have always enjoyed Anne Mallory's work, although I have always felt she is an author who has the potential to be one of the greats but never quite makes it. I have been really looking forward to reading this book because it has had very good reviews, not least by reviewers whose judgement I usually agree with. But I have to say that I feel very let down.

I did not enjoy this book at all. In fact, I haven't been able to finish it. The truth is...I got bored with it. And the reason is because nothing much happens. The book starts with a well-used plot devise...an innocent maiden gets sold to a rake by her gambling father. I don't mind that. But the whole book seemed to consist of internal conversations that the main characters have with themselves. Now, I am all for a little self-reflection, angst and soul-searching, but not to the point that the only action is the inspection of one's navel. And then when a little action happens, it is either really annoying or doesn't fit with the thoughts of the character.

I got really annoyed with Charlotte. I understand her loyalty to her sister but I really felt she should have had the spunk to tell her father which bridge to jump off. And as for Roman, I didn't feel the connection that I would like to feel with a bad boy turned good, like Sebastian in Lisa Kleypas's The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3) or Derek Craven in Dreaming of You.

My recommendation is if you want to read this book, borrow it from a friend or library - I wouldn't spend money to buy it.