Secrets of the Night

It is rare that I do not enjoy a Jo Beverley book, but his is one of her best. I've read the Malloren series totally out of order as I came across the books (someday I'll go back and read them in order), but they've all stood alone as well as fitting into the series. Rosamunde is so sweet, and her reasons for adultery are noble, though she suffers remorse because she enjoyed it and fell in love. Brand is just darling--a kind, gentle, warmhearted man. Rosa and Diana's friendship is terrific, as is the relationship between Brand and Bey (Rothgar). Even more delicious is the early chemistry between Diana and Bey. Go to Jo Beverley's website and read the scenes she pulled from this book because Bey and Diana were taking over. The resolution is not perfect for the characters; the problems were maintained as very real problems, but the ever resouceful Mallorens manage to make the best of it. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, a gem of a romance, told with power, passion, insight, and incredible skill. 4.9 stars

I didn't care for Cyn and Chastity's story (My Lady Notorious)so I didn't really make the attempt to read any more Malloren stories. Then I read Bryght and Portia's story (Tempting Fortune)and liked it somewhat more. So I picked up this book. And oh am I glad I did! I think Brand was the most well-rounded hero I have come across in a long time. He is of course a typical male; when asked to provide sexual service he doesn't need his arm twisted. I appreciate the fact that Rosemunde doesn't justify her nights with Brand strictly as duty. I like the "real" human element Rosemunde brings with her acknowledging that the real part of the situation being wrong is that she liked sex with him. I think there is a real symbol of human nature there. And Beverley didn't play it off with typical "book character" conscience. I was anxious to see how it was going to work out in the end. I was glad the ending wasn't your typical perfect. When a story's framework involves adultery how can the end be perfect. I have also enjoyed the tidbits about Bey in the novels in this series. I am definitely going to read his story. I hope he is the bad boy in bed that he seems to be!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and finished it in one day! "Rosie" is a mature and honest character, and a pleasant alternative to the immature and spoiled brats that so often prattle and tantrum their way throughout historical romances. The love scenes are hot and realistic! This is my first Jo Beverley read, and I'm here looking for more!

As a longtime fan of Jo Beverley I look forward to her rule-bending risk-taking romance novels. Adultery is often a tough sell to fans of the genre, but in Beverley's deft hands, the adultery is not only understandable, but both hero and heroine are made to suffer for an arrangement that becomes a love match. The wonderful hero, Brand Malloren, is very different than his siblings. If this is your first Malloren novel, don't worry, you do not need to have read the others to enjoy this one. But I'm betting you'll want to know more, especially about the intriguing Marquess of Rothgar, Brand's oldest brother. One of Jo Beverley's strengths is her heroines who are reliably feisty and capable. Rosamunde is no different. Scarred from an accident during adolescence and married to a much older man, you can't help but forgive her for falling in love with Brand, the man she needs to father her child for the sake of others. Jo puts a lot of obstacles in Brand and Rosa's path, which makes their ending all the sweeter.

And this new book didn't let me down. I read a lot of romance and am often annoyed at how the primary characters wring their hands and waffle. Although I am nothing like Rose or Brand, I could sympathize with them. They seemed like sensible people caught in an unreasonable situation. I was never tempted to throw the book against the wall because I could see an obvious solution to their problems to which they were oblivious. Further, I could see why the protagonists fell in love with each other (rarer in books than you would think).