I read somewhere this book was Balogh's first published book. If that's the case, then I'm willing to give her a break as I write this review. After buying this book and reading it yesterday, I was ready to give it two stars primarily because the hero, Richard, is a big jerk and the heroine, Margaret, is a wimp, pure and simple. Supposedly, the book was first published in 1985 - more than 30 years ago. Once I began reading, although I didn't like how things were going, I had to finish to see ...

I read somewhere this book was Balogh's first published book. If that's the case, then I'm willing to give her a break as I write this review. After buying this book and reading it yesterday, I was ready to give it two stars primarily because the hero, Richard, is a big jerk and the heroine, Margaret, is a wimp, pure and simple. Supposedly, the book was first published in 1985 - more than 30 years ago. Once I began reading, although I didn't like how things were going, I had to finish to see how Balogh would work it all out.

***Spoilers*** I strongly dislike books where the main guy doesn't give up his mistress once he's married. Yes, Richard did eventually give her up, but he had to have one last go at her - in fact, three times in one visit. However, most of the book was taken up with his fascination with a woman he had met years previously at a Masquerade Ball but had never seen again although he searched throughout London to try and find her. It was of course, Margaret. After Richard and Margaret are married, Margaret decides she will attempt to captivate her husband by masquerading again as the lady who had the "one moment in time" with Richard years previously. Richard falls hard in love with that woman when he comes across her at Vauxhall, not realizing it's his wife. Yes, they meet and do stuff, but he doesn't realize he's having sex with his own wife. So, basically, he was an adulterer in his heart.

However, the secondary players in the book, in particular, Devin, Richard's close friend and his brother, Charles, were awesome and exactly the type of characters that provide the balance and rounding out to any good storyline. I loved Charles. His character was sweet and fun and he was a great all around guy. Devin was more serious and couldn't understand the game Richard was playing. Well, neither could I. And then, toward the end, Richard tries to put the blame on Margaret for being a slutty wife??? Finally, she manages to come up with some gumption and gives Richard what for, so that was pleasant, albeit a bit too late for my enjoyment.