(The Survivors’ Club, #1)
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)
Cover Blurb:
In Mary Balogh’s engaging and seductive new novel of drama and romance, a woman comfortable in her solitude allows temptation to free her heart, when a daring war hero shows her how truly extraordinary she is.
THE PROPOSAL
Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.
Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous–if beautiful–aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?
The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.
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I LOVED THIS BOOK! Mary Balogh weaves an intelligent and touching story of two people from different social classes who find love. It’s an emotionally satisfying, character-driven romance written with her insightful glimpses into the human heart.
This is the first book in the series about a group of survivors of the Napoleonic Wars, all left scarred (emotionally, physically or both) by their experiences, who form a close bond while convalescing. THE PROPOSAL tells Hugo Emes, Lord Trentham’s story.
Hugo inherited his father’s vast business and trading empire and is vastly wealthy but proud of his middle class roots. He is brusque and plain spoken, and frowning seems to be his perpetual expression. He likes to spend time at his country home where he can enjoy peace and privacy and share the company of his adored half-sister, Constance. Hugo also carries a heavy burden of guilt, blaming himself for the deaths of his three hundred men lost in battle. There is something endearing about Hugo because despite his fierce and dour appearance, I knew he was kind and caring as it is so evident in his love for Constance and his desire to see her happy.
Gwen is the perfect lady…beautiful, elegant, poised and charming. Since the tragic death of her husband, she has been happy to remain a widow, content in providing help and support to her family and friends. I loved her cheerfulness and sense of humour and the fact that she never lets her physical handicap define who she is. I admired her strength during the difficult times in her marriage and the way she cared for and supported her “sick” husband. She also carries a heavy sense of guilt over his death, believing that had she acted differently, he may not have died.
The romance between Hugo and Gwen developed slowly which I really liked. It allowed time for mutual trust to grow until they were able to confide their deepest secrets to each other. It allowed them both to realise they shouldn’t feel guilt over their past actions. Both of them both grow and change as they fall in love but it is Hugo who undergoes the most significant but subtle changes; doing things he’d never done before…
He winked at her. Winked. He could not remember ever winking before in his life.
things he found himself enjoying…
He had never had a teasing relationship with any woman— or any sort of relationship, for that matter. It was all new and strange to him. And wonderful.
I love how Gwen is accepted wholeheartedly by Hugo’s family and the scenes played out against the background of the anniversary celebrations are some of my favourites – full of fun, laughter and lovely family moments.
We are introduced to the others members of The Survivors’ Club and I know I will be reading their books too.
MY VERDICT: A wonderful classic Regency romance. Highly recommended!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: WARM
Read March 2016
The Survivors’ Club series (click on the book covers for more details):
A lovely review, Carol. You’ll enjoy the rest in the series, Mary Balogh is a wonderful writer.
Thank you, Wend. 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
This is a wonderful series. Each book is as good or better than the one before. Loved the characters! Great review!
Thank you, Vicki. 🙂 I’ve heard so much about this series and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I read this when it came out & I loved it, too! I will need to do a reread before getting to the rest of the series. I think the last book is coming out over the summer. Thanks for the review!
Oh, May 3rd for Only Beloved.
You have a lot of re-reading to do before 3rd May!
LOL. The first book is the reread. The others are first time reading! Also, I am hoping to get through the Bridgertons series before March 29th, when the new one comes out. What are my chances? 🙂
Very slim, I’d say!!
I liked this one too, as well as the entire series. Great review!
Thank you, Dot. 😊
I just started reading the Bedwyn Series and it’s the first time I’m reading Mary Balogh and I just can’t believe I waited this long!! Amazing review as always! 🙂
Thank you, Shivalika. 😊 Along with Judith McNaught and Lisa Kleypas, Mary Balogh was one of the first historical romance writers whose books I read.
She’s fast becoming my favourite as well. Especially her depiction of London society make the stories so realistic I’m loving them!
Wonderful book, lovely characters a Mary Balogh trait.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Bob. 🙂
I’ve only read a few Mary Balogh books but I’m sure I’d love this one as much as I loved the ones I read 🙂
Mary, I’m sure you’ll love this one just as much as the others. In fact, lots of my friends have commented that all the books in this series are excellent.
This is such a brilliant series and this is a great way to start it off, I just adore Hugo is such an charming character. Lovely review as always Carol 🙂
Thank you , Frankie. Yes, there was something so endearing about Hugo despite his gruff demeanor.
I completely Agree Carol! If you liked Hugo Wait until you get to Vincent and Benedict (Who are my personal Favorites)
I agree! Benedict and Vincent are my favourites too! In fact I was so moved by Vincent’s story that I actually contacted Mary Balogh to tell her how much I had enjoyed his story.
Vincent’s story is a real heart wrencher but as with all of Mary Baloghs books it is so well written.
oh I am looking forward to reading this one as well. Right now I am working on her other series…but as soon as I finish it I am going to work on reading this one. I love the sound of the heroine though.
Renee, it’s been a while since I read a Mary Balogh book but this reminded of why she is on of my favourite authors.