Also in this series: That Perfect Someone, Tender Rebel, Gentle Rogue, The Magic of You, Say You Love Me, The Present, Beautiful Tempest
Series: Malory-Anderson Family #1
Published by Avon Books on March 29th 2005
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 344
Format: Paperback
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0380899531
The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden - and is determined to make the rogue pay with his heart. A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him. Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has - and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.
I decided to re read this Malory Anderson series, as I am working on character sketch for this series and I had realized that I haven’t reviewed much of the series and somehow Love Only Once fell through the cracks. And boy did I have a wonderful time reconnecting with this fun family and this romance that just gave me laughs and fun times. Love Only Once is the first book of the series and it starts off with Regina’s story. Now Regina is the daughter of Melissa Malory, where she and her husband were killed in a fire when Regina was two years old. The rest of the Malory siblings raised her together but it was Anthony Malory she is the closest to. Regina is a heroine you just fall in love with right away. She is so devoted to her family. Her uncles and all of her cousins. I love the way she handles her family, you could say she is cunning but only in trying to help those she cares the most about. At the beginning, she is unsatisfied with all the matches and has gone through multiple seasons already. After visiting her Uncle Anthony, she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped and taken to Nicholas Eden’s home. When Nicholas realizes that its not his mistress at his home, but a strange woman he goes back home and chemistry sparks between them. But even though he returns her in secret. His ex mistress now, tells the worst gossips in the Ton about what happened and Regina’s reputation is tattered and they are forced to marry. Now Nicholas has his own inner struggles and torments. His father is gone, and his mother (who is horrible) practically blackmails him around the circumstances surrounding his birth and believes that Regina will lose any feelings she has for him if she finds out the truth so he tries to push her away. But with the fun interference from Regina’s family bring them back together and it gets pretty lively. You will fall in love with Nicholas and Regina and the whole Malory Family.
Love this series. My favorite character of hers is James. He cracks me up!
I’ve not read this series, but I’m intrigued by the trope here so I’ll look for this at the library. My heart already aches for Nicholas.
Great review!
I really should try to read more Johanna Lindsey! This sounds like a lovely start to the series. Also nice when re-read puts a smile on your face. Great review!
I have never read any Johanna Lindsey but I’ve always meant to. I’m o glad you enjoyed rereading this one.
Oh, I can see why this one really grabbed you. She and her family sound great and this forced marriage and his terrible mother make for a good story to me.
Man, I read this series back in my early days of discovering romance novels. It’s been ages since I read this book but holy cow do I want to dig these up again and join you in your re-read. I really loved this book back in the day so I wonder if it would hold up. I’m sure it would.
What’s a character sketch?
Oh i know it has been ages since I had read them too now realizing why I fell in love with them. I am working on character guides for my favorite series and am doing one for this series.
I read a few ages ago