Red Rose

I'm so happy that Mary Balogh's back catalog is being re-issued. There are a lot of jewels here and Red Rose is definitely one.Edward Marsh, Earl of Raymore, has inherited two young women as wards and intends to marry them off as soon as possible. He doesn't like women, having been ill-treated in the past, but Rosalind Dacey proves to be a real trial. Unfashionably dark-haired and with a limp and tart tongue, she's not going to be easy to find a suitor for. Fortunately for the HEA, Rosalind soon has a very suitable gentleman courting her.There's nothing new here in this story, but Ms. Balogh makes it fresh and interesting to read.

Flawed H, flawed h. What more could I want? Even in this early work, Balogh's talent shines.Edward, who hates women (with good reason,) must bring his two wards to London for the Season. One, Rosalind, who thinks she is ugly (with, to her, very good reasons) feels immediate antipathy for Edward, and the feeling is mutual.No, there's nothing new under the sun here but in the hands of a master story-teller, this became an enjoyable read for me.Edward wanted nothing more than to get the two young ladies married off as soon as possible...while Rosalind kicked up dust every step of the way. I enjoyed their constant push/pull.Edward and Rosalind continue to snarl at each other while sudden bouts of attraction and passion seize them, which confuse the heck out of them. They share a mutual love of music and art...so much in common. A straight dash to an HEA should be a no-brainer. But in HR land, nothing is easy. Rosalind becomes engaged to another man, Edward is working through his issues. And who knew? it was Sylvia, the biddable one, who ends up causing a tempest.....but not between Edward and Rosalind. They do that well on their own.Rosalind is an extremely talented pianist and I think it is Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" that brings us to a satisfying happily-ever-after.I like the characters, they become well known to us, the storyline doesn't waver ~ all in all, a good story.Enjoy your reading! :)

Edward Marsh the Earl of Raymore had inherited two wards. He decided he would marry them off as soon as possible. Sylvia was pretty no problem marrying her off. Rosalind would be a problem not as pretty but she had a limp.She had had a childhood accident which caused it.Edward and Rosalind had such tension between them they quarreled constantly. He discovered her musical ability on the piano .He used to listen without her knowing. She finally found out and was very angry. She was finally going to leave and go back home. He will get her to play just once in public before this.he the lover of beauty had fallen in love with her. She says she is still leaving will he let her go?Mary Balogh is the author who started me reading romance about five years ago. The book Simply Perfect. I have bought at higher prices some of her older books. The First SnowDrop, dancing With Clara were two of them They would be good to bring back.

The storyline is one that is used a lot in historicals but, Ms Balogh always manages to give her stories a new and fresh start. When Edward Marsh, Earl of Raymore, becomes the guardian of cousins, one of them is all that the Ton expects in a young lady, Rosalind Dacey has none of it and she has a limp.The Earl may have met his match. But Rosalind has many other talents and soon, Edward realizes that he may have the best pick of all. Beautifully written and very enjoyable.

This is another of Mary Balogh's successful romance stories. The two main characters are well written and very likeable, even though the hero is a bit of a "grouch". But, of course, Mary redeems him in the end. She also gives us a second "love story", again with characters you care about. And what I particularly liked about Red Rose was it's humor. It's a great read, any time.

I have been enjoying the many reissues and can see progression of the more fully developed characters but the stories are there, the heart is there. I still awaitanything new and re-read all the series when I feel the need to visit.special friends. Though do wish more like The Lady with the Black Umbrella actually laugh out loud each time I read it. Get your hands on as many as you can, sure not all jewels but just enjoy,

From a point of curiosity, it is interesting to see early works of an exceptional author. This book is far from exceptional and is not representative of what Mary Balough creates. If a reader is discovering MB for the first time this may not inspire them to continue. Mary Balough writes with such depth, such heart, such beautiful story line and character development that I for one am swept away by her works. But not by this. I would have put this book down if I did not know the author. Just realize this is a "practice" for much quality to come.

Balogh never disappoints, I can never put her books down! I can read her books over and over they are what Romance is all about!

This was my first attempt at reading one of the authors who write "Regency" romance. I'm sure there are others who are much worse, but even so this was a very poor shadow of a novel in the style of Georgette Heyer.There was no wit or humour. This was replaced by Mills & Boon style sex scenes - so boring! And not at all in keeping with that era when chastity was expected of every proper young lady. Sex was for the women of the demi monde and unprotected working class girls.This type of Regency fiction is definitely not for me. I find it crude and ludicrous. However I have given the book 3 stars. I'm sure it gives pleasure to those who like sex and heaving breasts and all that rubbish in their Regency reading matter.

4.5*Enemy-Turned Lovers kind of romancePositives:1. Well written, very Georgette Beyer2. No Poor Me heroine. Rosalind is intelligent and doesn't dwell too much on her disadvantages. She's also independently wealthy3. No INSTA-LUST or swooning.4. Love the make-over of the heroine5. Engaging subplots6. Sarcastic cruel hero who falls madly in love.-------------------------------------------------------Negatives:1. There ought to have been more interaction between the hero and heroine - some banter

I just love Mary BALOGH books and she always keep you spellbound to the end with the characters she writes about. She has a knack of making you feel as if you really know them whilst you are reading their story. This one was really special tale and although the main characters had a love hate relationship it was nail-biting to the end. Well worth reading and great value for money. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A lovely change the heroines do not end up with the gentlemen you expect them to marry. A very original take that you can not put down. I love all Mary Balogh's books

These early work reprints have been poorly edited with odd words and/or spelling mistakes (spell checker?). It spoils the experience for me but the story is ok, if a little laboured in places.. Ms Balogh has got so much better over time.