The style is definitely dated but I was mostly okay with the 80's vibe (I'm quite fond of Ye Olde Skool). My main problem was with the ending. Manly McStuddmuffin kept withholding information and Retiring Violetinksy kept rolling over for him. McStudmuffin came from a titled English family, which is not so big a deal, but he didn't disclose this to Violetinsky until he was literally introducing her to Lady Mummy McStudmuffin one week before their wedding. Since his past misdeeds included lying about himself and withholding his true interests, it seemed like Violetinksy should have been seriously concerned that he hadn't mended his ways. But nooooo, she's upset because it means she's even less worthy of him than she previously thought (like what the actual fuck).

I'm not really having the best of luck with Linda Howard, most of what I've read of hers has been objectively middle-of-the-road, but I will admit that her books are kind of magically delicious. I'll be staring at my (almost overwhelmingly) long TBR list and then downloading whatever Howard book happens to be available from the library instead. It's a little bananas. ( )

Enjoyable read but abrupt ending... ( )

Enjoyable read but abrupt ending... ( )

This is the second book in the Spencer-Nyle series. The first book is Almost Forever. While I am ambivalent about Sarah's Child, the first book, I really enjoy this one.

We first meet Max in Sarah's Child. He is vying for the affection of Sarah, much to Rome's disgust. He comes off as a sweet playboy. In this book we realize there is more to him. He's intense and driven, and willing to go after what he wants.

Claire Westbrook learned her lesson about handsome playboys the hard way. With a failed marriage under her belt, she as no intention of repeating past mistakes. Though she's attracted to Max, she isn't willing to act on it because she wants to protect her heart.

Max is there to get information about the company Claire works for so his company can attempt a takeover. He introduces himself as a means to get what he needs, but soon finds he wants the whole business done so he'll be free to be with her.

When Claire finds out Max was using her to get information, it destroys her. She never expected him to treat her that way. Max figures he can take her back to bed and she'll get over being angry..except she isn't just angry, she's devastated.

Claire isn't my favorite Howard heroine. She comes off as a bit of a doormat, though I wouldn't strictly say she is one. She's just leery of letting anyone get too close to her. But her natural reserve means she doesn't always stick up for herself. I don't necessarily dislike her, but she isn't my favorite part of this book. My heart did break for her, however, when she realized Max's betrayal. I even teared up a little.

Max, however, is. I think because he realizes his mistakes and tires to atone. His bumbling in the beginning amused me and his determination to win Claire back made for interesting reading.

( )

While interesting, this one is pretty dated. I'm sorry, lying is not a good start to a relationship and I would make him grovel a lot more before accepting him. She gives in to him too easily and is too willing to abandon her life and hopes to marry a man who resembles the man she previously divorced, a man who left her as soon as she was "over" her miscarriage. Honestly, a real woman would be a little more cautious, a little more assertive about keeping her job so that if she was left in the lurch again she would have something to fall back on, then again maybe that's me.

Claire Westerbrook works for a man who is researching applied metalurgical handwavium, she's his secretary and tries to keep the interference with his research to a minimum.

Max Conroy works for a company who is interested in buying out this company and sees Claire as a way in.

This story left me with a bad feeling afterwards, I was very disappointed that the characters seemed to just fall into cliche very quickly and she forgives him way to readily for being a louse. ( )