Mary Balogh - At Last Comes Love

Only desperation could bring Duncan Pennethorne, the infamous Earl of Sheringford, back home after the spectacular scandal that had shocked even the jaded ton. Forced to wed in fifteen days or be cut off without a penny, Duncan chooses the one woman in London in frantic need of a husband. 
A lie to an old flame forces Margaret Huxtable to accept the irresistible stranger’s offer. But once she discovers who he really is, it’s too late—she’s already betrothed to the wickedly sensual rakehell. Quickly she issues an ultimatum: If Duncan wants her, he must woo her. And as passion slowly ignites, two people marrying for all the wrong reasons are discovering the joys of seduction—and awaiting the exquisite pleasure of what comes after….

Comment: This is the third installment in the Huxtable series by author Mary Balogh. As I've said before, I'm trying to go through some series in order and with a month by month pacing to not get tired of the style and characters.

In this book we have the story of the eldest sister Margaret, who has let go of a possible marriage and adventure to help take care of her younger siblings, as promised to her parents. Now years past, her life is finally steady but she finds herself alone at 30. While Margaret contemplates the possibility of finally accepting a marriage proposal from a man who has shown interest in her but whom she has refused, the man from her past returns and hopes to rekindle the feelings they once shared. However, Margaret realizes what used to be is no longer and she is desperate to not show to that man she is still alone. The marriage proposal she expected, however, doesn't happen so when a sudden encounter happens at a ball with Duncan, the earl of Sheringford - someone who is a stranger - Margaret lies to save face and starts a situation that soon gets out of her control...

What I just wrote is the base for the plot of this book. Margaret is a character we've come to like for her dedication to her younger sisters and brother and how she gave up romance for family. I mean, not that she couldn't have both while younger but the circumstances are understandable.

I don't think this heroine is the best ever because she does follow the path of behavior many other protagonists by this author have done, but overall it was easy to like her and see her find true love.

The story is also focused on the hero, who has done something very scandalous years ago and it still paying the price. Of course we are slowly given explanations about what he did and why and it's certainly something we can accept and makes the hero very honorable.

The fact the author introduces fact in a very slow pace makes the plot sound more structured and as if time is going at a coherent pacing to let us know that even of it's written days passed, the emotional content makes things feel more serious and solid. 

I think this is probably what makes the author's books so good, most of the content is well explained, makes sense according to what we are told and allows the reader to make their minds about the characters and the reasons for their actions.

Therefore, the romance is slow too, Margaret and Duncan don't have much time to get to know each other before an understanding between them is done but I enjoyed how Margaret made things happen in a way that would ensure her feelings were acknowledged. The writing is serious and reliable and I do appreciate that. I'd say, though, that this means the characters can also be a little too practical in their agreements so the idea of falling in love, of seeing them in a position where they are happy with one another but still unsure of what it all can mean is a little lost. The story is a romance for certain but it isn't always as romantic as it could.

The secondary characters provide a very good comparison with the protagonists and I always like to see the interactions between everyone, including characters who have had their story. I think the author cleverly makes it a good element to ut more characters on the page by having series about friends or family members because each character's life isn't based on seclusion, it's always a great technique to show how a character's behavior and attitude is by letting them interact with others.

All in all, this was an expectantly stable story. I'm curious about the brother's story, coming next and I hope it's better than the blurb seems to indicate...

Grade: 7/10