Its very likely that I am a Lorraine Heath fangirl.

Edit: I am. ( )

Once More, My Darling Rogue
2 Stars

Anyone who has seen the move Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell will recognize the plot of this book. Unfortunately, Heath's version lacks the humor, snark, and charm of the film, which is one of my all-time favorite movies.

The main problem with the book is the heroine. Ophelia Lyttleton is a selfish, spiteful, and bigotted bitch (and I never use this word lightly). While an explanation is provided for her atrocious words and actions, it does not sufficiently ameliorate her behavior, and it is impossible for the reader to sympathize with her character.

On the other hand, the hero, Drake Darling, is much more sympathetic. Yes, he lies to and tricks the heroine. However, considering her disgusting treatment of him, he could have justifiably done much worse. In fact, his ability to forgive and accept her is problematic in terms of the romance as she is completely undeserving of his love.

Overall, this is definitely not one of Heath's better works and I cannot recommend it even to those who prefer reading a series in order. My suggestion is to skip this installment and move directly to the next one.

( )

This was fun. There was a very large bit of willing suspension of disbelief. But I just decided not to nit pick and had fun reading it. The character of Phee, the heroine, was so sweet and caring that I just had fun reading about her. The hero, Drake, was also fun. He knew what he was doing was wrong and every day he resolved to take her back to her brother but he just couldn't bring himself to do it as he was falling in love with her. Well written and fast moving even if implausible. ( )

At least the first half of the book was a 2 for me (like an outlandish, farcical version of Overboard set in period) and if it had been the first of the series I'd read I wouldn't have bothered continuing. Then, about when it started to get interesting, the character's mistake to create the climax of drama was a step too far for me and brought it to a 1. There's frequently some sort of betrayal or misunderstanding to be overcome in the latter part of these stories, but there are some things that cross a line, and even a character who otherwise seemed alright, or whom I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt to, loses any claim of decency or caring. Getting someone into bed under false pretenses, especially when you suspect they wouldn't otherwise, is rape. And it is especially dastardly at a time when ladies' lives could be entirely ruined for much less. I don't care for it in my male leads! (Especially not after they're purported to already be deeply in love with the person. Love is where you want what's best for the other person and you care and respect them too much to horribly betray their love and trust for your own benefit. This is just a selfish desire to possess another at any cost). Like many others have mentioned, the ending picked up and held my interest, so I'm rounding up to a 2. ( )

A little too much suspension of disbelief for me. ( )