The Bachelor's Bargain

Okay, okay, I really shouldn't give this book five stars, because there were things I didn't care for, but I absolutely loved the characters and story so much that I can't help rate it for enjoyment alone. It's definitely my favorite in the series. It is a true romance, and that's where part of my objections come in.

First, I thought there was undue attention on her wanting to have relations with her husband and yet not wanting to fully seal the wreckage of her future she knows is coming. There's discussion between them and some really heavy kissing, along with his brother outright asking her if her husband had bedded her yet. Definitely not something I'd recommend to a teen because of that.

Second, the issue of his having been a notorious rake. Yes, he wasn't a believer, and yes, it was of course common in the day. It just made my instincts go awry to have such a fellow as the hero for the pure pastor's daughter.

Third, that her pastor father had thought it was okay to get mixed up in the Luddite riots and the destroying of private property. I was really unimpressed that a minister wouldn't have tried to find some other way to assist his parishioners.

But other than that I loved the story! Loved how the two found each other an influence to become stronger and better. And the ending was so perfect!