Harlequin Presents Readers discussion

I had a copy of this book several years ago. However, there were several pages missing from the end. I didn’t bother to seek another copy because I was so frustrated with the story. Basically, I wanted to kill the hero.

Could someone tell me: would I feel any better about the book if I were to read It to the end. Or would I just tear my hair out?

Where did you stop?

Also, probably not. If you didn’t enjoy most of the book the ending, is likely not going to redeem it for you.

ANA wrote: "I had a copy of this book several years ago. However, there were several pages missing from the end. I didn’t bother to seek another copy because I was so frustrated with the story. Basically, I wa..."

Well, there was a line about pearls. That's all I remember. Then the book ended. My impression was that he loved the OW (who was also his wife), but he was admitting that the sex with OW wasn't as good. I remember feeling peeved because I thought the wife had been ill. I also wanted the h to end up with someone who really loved her wholly -- hearts and flowers as well sex.

I’m not really sure where you left off at, as I don’t remember any specific line about pearls..

I’ll put what happens in the last 15 pages in the spoiler...
(view spoiler)[ the H’s wife died. Eventually the book ends with the H confessing that he loved his wife, but in a sister/friend way and that their relationship was shallow. That rejecting the h was his greatest regret and that she’s the love of his life but he was scared of her being like his mother, who neglected him. The h is a successful career woman who doesn’t need to give up her passion in order to balance family life. (hide spoiler)]

He rejected the h because she was a career woman (like his mother) and because she wasn't a virgin (she'd had one unfortunate teen marriage). He assumed that since she wasn't a virgin and was a career woman that she'd been sleeping with everyone, which she hadn't been with anyone but her ex and that was very limited. He thought the cousin would be a good substitute since she resembled the heroine, was still virginal, and content to stay at home. He realized that you can't swap one woman for another, but by that time it was too late and the cousin lurved him soooo much that he couldn't take away the awesomeness that was him.

In the end he blames the h for not contacting him about the pregnancy and saving him from marriage with the cousin and for not discussing her sexual history in detail so he'd know she wasn't the raging slut he'd supposed. It was all her her fault they weren't together all those years. HEA??

Yeah, it's an infuriating book. Classic wallbanger.

I gave this one 4 stars, so I guess for me it was a.. what's the phrase? Fabulous wallbanger!

OK, I just finished it. Couldn't resist. I'm glad I did -- apparently, H did suffer and ate his heart out for Venetia. However, RD really needed to draw out the grovel longer.