Reviews

Le bel été de Lauren by Mary Balogh

roguehireling's review against another edition

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4.0

What a pleasant surprise this story was. While it started out bodice ripper like as usual it fairly quickly morphed into modern tale of love and respect. Enjoyed this one immensely. =D

cvickseamus3's review against another edition

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4.0

Really 3.5

cindyreadsromance's review against another edition

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4.0

Lauren and Kit have such an amazing love story. Both hiding deep hurts. They come together as friends and champions for each other way before they realise they're in love.

I also loved how the finale parallels with One Night For Love.

The Bedwyn family are side characters in this book. But they certainly make an impression and I can't wait to read their stories.

readingfairyhere's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this book. It was more reflective and introspective than romance, though romance was at the crux of it. I liked how the author brought together those two MCs who appeared to have no connection, yet made them the best pair they could be. I had quite a lot of takeaways from this one:
* Not always, it is about you. Give credit where it is due. 
* Even the most untouchable person has their own struggles and nothing is as it seems on the surface.
I really loved the side characters as well. I am looking forward to reading Gwen's story. 

twink7's review against another edition

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5.0

This is my favorite Mary Balogh book. It is connected to several of her books: It follows "One Night for Love" and precedes the Bedwyn "Slightly" series. Also, the character of Sydnam Butler is featured in "Simply Love". I liked the emotion and the complex characters. Lauren, who was jilted in "One Night for Love" gets her own story. She is very reserved and keeps to herself, which made it difficult to get to know her character in that book. What's fun is to see a different side of her as the heroine of "Summer to Remember." I've read it twice and will probably do so many more times.

research_department's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

4.25⭐️, it’s really very good
Genre/subgenre: open door (but not very explicit) MF historical (Regency) romance
Narrative voice: dual third person POV past tense
Tropes: fake betrothal, opposites attract

Balogh opens by showing us an ice queen and a rogue, and as the story progresses she reveals that each of them is deeper and more complex than the persona each has been displaying for society.  Both of them have suffered emotional injuries and they help the other on a healing journey.  Lots of sniffles for me.  This is a prequel to the Bedwyn Saga (the “slightly” books), and I think it might be my favorite for the deep character exploration.  

jane1812's review against another edition

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3.0

A good Regency romance. Light reading for vacation.

neeuqdrazil's review against another edition

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4.0

A fun book, and one that explains a lot about the Bedwyn books, or at least, the Freyja book.

stephab4's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jordannahst's review against another edition

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5.0

My heart is about to BURST. What a beautiful story. Of course a man named Kit would steal my heart. OF COURSE!