Johanna Lindsey used to be one of my favorite romance novelists. Lately she's been disappointing. However, I will continue to read her novels hoping for a better one.

I'm a big Johanna Lindsey fan and have read all of her books, many of them several times. I love her Malory family series, especially the James and Georgina story. Most of Lindsey's books are good enough to read again when I am in the mood for a satisfying romance story.

But No Choice But Seduction doesn't fall into that category for me. This book lacked the humor, the steaminess, or the sexiness of her other books. The story is almost just a refresher course of who all of the Malory characters are, and not even about Boyd and Katey. There is really no story of the two falling for each other, no sexual tension at all, and the ending just happens out of the blue - almost as an afterthought.

Although I'm glad I read the book, I won't read it again. It really isn't worth a second read.

I absolutely love the Malory family.
This book was not exciting and definitely not one of Lindsey's best. I felt extremely disappointed after reading it. I waited so long for Lindsey to come out with another one only to be disappointed. But hey every writer has a dud every once in a while. I commend your effort Lindsey and will still always be a faithful fan, you are an extremely good writer. I really enjoy reading all of your older books.
The problem with this one is the characters. Katey is a liar. I dont see any point to her made up stories, it gets to the point of ridiculousness. Yes she is a funny character, but she becomes frustrating. I didnt feel the love between her and Boyd and this was supposed to be a romance.

I'll preface this by saying that I'm a big Johanna Lindsey fan in general and have read nearly all of her novels. In particular, I love her Malory family series. Probably my favorite story out of all the Malorys was that of James and his now-wife Georgina. I found myself laughing out loud with that book.

But No Choice But Seduction doesn't fall into that category, unfortunately. In this story, Lindsey chronicles the romance of Boyd Anderson (Georgina's brother and James's brother-in-law) and Katey Tyler. Katey is on a mission to see the world after being reared in a tiny Connecticut town as the youngest resident. Her childhood was rather boring, but her mother recently died, and upon her mother's death, Katey inherited a veritable fortune which could be attributed to Adeline's refusal to touch the money she inherited upon her father's death. Confused yet? Don't worry. It gets worse.

In order to entertain herself, Katey tells "stories." They're really white lies meant to embellish and exaggerate to spice up tiny Gardner's residents' lives. But Katey gladly says goodbye to Gardner when she takes over her newfound fortune and sails for England across the Atlantic. It just so happens that she took passage on Boyd Anderson's ship, The Oceanus.

Boyd is nearly immediately head over heels for Katey while she concocts another embellishment by telling him she's married. So Boyd (being the gentleman he is) stays away from her. But his lust for Katey never truly goes away.

Katey finds herself in a predicament when she rescues Anthony Malory's daughter, Judith, and finds herself thrown into jail. Boyd is indirectly the cause of this, but Katey decides he's entirely responsible and will not let go of her grudge. The Malorys feel indebted to Katey for rescuing Judith and take her in as a newfound family friend. When Boyd asks what he can do to obtain her forgiveness, she irrationally tells him that he must rent his ship out to her so that she can travel the world. Boyd agrees but only if he sails with her since the ship never sails without him. Katey reluctantly agrees.

Along the voyage, Boyd manages to seduce Katey, and the romance finally begins to take shape about halfway through the novel. Lindsey had too many coincidences...one includes how taken Judith was with Katey and then turns out to be her sister. Yes, that's right: Anthony Malory suddenly has a long lost daughter in Katey. Apparently, Anthony had an affair with Adeline in his rakehell days but had intended to marry her. Before he could propose, Adeline discovered she was pregnant, left the country, and then proceeded to have the child and raise her with another man she'd married. Of course, Anthony didn't know any of this.

This novel from Lindsey lacked the humor, steaminess, and sexiness of previous novels. James and Anthony Malory occasionally provide some entertainment as they throw barbs or punches at one another, but for the most part, I found Katey annoying and unlikeable. Her constant childish tendency to hold a grudge and her refusal to be logical at any point in time made her unapproachable as a character. And Boyd's refusal to "bother" Katey with his feelings was annoying as well. He came off as wimpy and, well, not too bright at times.

While I'm glad I read the book if for nothing other than another Malory happily ever after, I wouldn't choose it to read again. It simply isn't worth a second read.

This is a Malory novel, but you don't need to have read the rest of the series to understand what happens in this book. It might help, though, to keep all of the family members straight. (Of course, I have read all of the other books - and still had trouble) This book centers on the brother-in-law of James Malory. Katey, at first, comes across as almost TSTL. She is really just kindhearted and naive. Boyd is your typical man. He sees something pretty and decides to make it his. This book left little to the imagination and seemed to try too hard. The tie-in with the Malory family was overdone (can't really explain without giving the one surprising thing away). I really like Johanna Lindsey's books, but this one was definitely not a favorite.

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I am a big Lindsey fan and am especially fond of the Malory novels. This book is as good as the others.

**Ms Lindsey should ask Julie Garwood how to write dialogue for child characters, then she wouldn't have to include lines here and there where someone remarks on how grown-up Judith sounds. I don't care how smart a kid is, they don't talk like Judith. She never once sounded like a child, she was more like a sophisticated, well-educated adult.

**There was little interaction between Boyd and Katey, which would understandably upset a first time reader unfamiliar with the Malory family, but I liked having Anthony & James in it so much. What I don't like about these Malory [ and Anderson] men is how they'll throw a punch at each other at the drop of a hat. That's just stupid.

**Boyd Anderson started off as a nice gentleman, but wow, in an instant he changed into a depraved maniac when he ran into Katey at the inn! He calmed down soon enough, but that was just weird.

**And what's with these names? We have Reggie, Danny, Jack, and George, and they're all females. I guess the author has her reasons for doing this.

**And lastly we have Roslynn, Anthony's wife. She was a shrew in their story and she's still a shrew here. Everyone says, 'Poor rich Roslynn, she gets so bored because she has nothing to spend her money on.' Ever heard of charity? Better still, she should volunteer herself AND her money; it might make her a nicer woman. God knows what Anthony ever saw in her.

I stopped reading Johanna Lindsey's books many years ago. When I read the inside blurb of this book, I decided to give it a go.

Boy...was I DISSAPOINTED!!! I wish I had seen to reviews here before reading the book. I lasted 26 chapters before flipping to the concluding chapter. Should have read the ending earlier. What a waste of time!

Now I remember why I stopped reading her books. I think it's going to be a long time before I pick up another new book of hers.

I would only recommend buying this book to J.L. book collectors and those who want to have a complete set of the Malory saga. Borrow this book from the public library and save your hard earned cash.

Okay read but disappointing when compared with other JL stories. Where is the fire that used to exist from the first page. I found myself yawning reading this one. Is it the writer or the editors? Has the original JL become politically incorrect? JL was just going through the motions. How about a book three on the futuristic series. I loved the vikings what about them?

I really enjoyed the latest novel about the Malory family. I was a little disappointed in how it ended though.

I am a avid lindsey fan. I have read, and saved every book she has ever writen, half of them hard cover, so when I spend 20 bucks on a book. I at least expect a story. I have to say when I got to the last three pages of the book and she still hadn't bothered to get to anything about her chariters WHO THE BOOK WAS SUPOSE TO BE ABOUT! I was mad! Normally I hate listening to reviews and usually don't put much stock into what is said but I'm so mad that I couldn't sleep. Thought I would just tell you this has got to be the worst book she has ever done. listen to the reviews because they are not pulling your leg.

I was hesitant to buy and read this book since I was so disappointed in Lindsey's previous book involving the Malory family; however, this one was a delightful surprise! I stayed up all night reading it and thought it wasn't my favorite (that would be Gentle Rogue) it still was a great read. I do agree with other reviewers that state that the ending was rushed, Lindsey definitely could have added another chapter to make the conclusion more believable. I hope Lindsey continues the Malory family since for the most part I enjoy reading about them so much!

Lindsey should have written more about the two individuals in the story not jsut the Mallory's history. If you are a follower of this author you already know this information. She did not need to do redo this information.

No Choice But Seduction is the next installment of Lyndsey's beloved Malory family. This storyline is about Boyd Anderson the youngest brother of the Anderson family and Katey Tyler an American woman who meets Boyd on his ship after leaving her town to travel the world. This latest book in my opinion is another great addition to the Malory series. Lyndsey brings back many of the characters from her previous novels that we all know and love by incorporating them into the story through the strong family bonds and humor that the the Malory's are all to well known for. James and Tony come back with a vengence with their rowdy behavior and witty humor, leaving me laughing on more than one occasion as I turned the pages.

There is a plot twist that caught me completely off guard but kept me riveted to the book till the very last page. I also believe that she did give Boyd and Katey a good romance tale. Like all her other romance novels it was a cat and mouse game to see who would be the first to admit their love for the other and convince themselves of how right they are for each other. Boyd never once gave up on his love for Katey and Katey felt a passion for Boyd that was evident from the beginning. So though many other reviews say so this novel does not lack in the romance department. For those Malory fans out there I do think you will highly enjoy this next installment. I began reading the Malory's late and was introduced to them only two years ago through Captive of my Desires which also recieved many bad reviews. This upsets me for the simple fact that Johanna Lindsey has not lost her touch and is still a great novelist. Her books especially the Malorys give you everything that you could ask for from a romance: family, love, friendships, passion and humor. After reading this book I remembered exactly why I fell in love with this family and why Johanna Lindsey continues to be my favorite author.

I highly recommend No Choice But Seduction to any romance, Lindsey, or Malory fan and be prepared to be taken back into time with a fun read that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I am already eagerly awaiting her next Malory novel and hope that Johanna doesn't listen to the bad reviews and keeps rockin as she has continued to do over the years.

Thanks for the honest feedback on Johanna Lindsey's latest book. I haven't read her for a while and don't think I'll waste my money on this one. Also, don't bother to read Tailspin, Catherine Coulter, no editing, run-on sentences, little or no punctuation where needed. Storyline is very weak although it starts out strong. I had to keep going back over a paragraph to try and make sense of it. I finally gave up about half way through the thing. Her editor/publisher have a lot to answer for. Don't they use some kind of proofreader............ever heard of spell check or grammar check?! I will never buy one of her books again and that's sad because she used to be better than this. Try Suzanne Brockman if you like good mystery novels. She writes about FBI or CIA agents who have left the force and begun their own companies that investigate and protect people in trouble. There's always a spark between two people and the story lines are good.......straight forward.

I dont care what Johanna Writes i love it. and i love the mallory's I hope she never stops writing about them. This for me was a great story!

Another excellent volume from Johanna Lindsay, continuing the Malory family stories. Always enjoyable and well written; very difficult to put down for long.

when i started to read this book it was a little bit slow, but as i love johanna lindsey books i carried on and was very glad.i know the story was about boyd and katey but tony and james really made me laugh. johanna makes you feel as though you are standing in the rooms with the people in the book they are so real, but when you have read all the books about the malory and anderson family you cannot help be involved.back to boyd and katey,he really put up with a lot from katey, what with putting up with sea sickness to abloody nose and a black eye from tony he really loved the lady.i hope there are more weddings to come from the other unwed malory children.

The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars instead of one is because I'm a loyal JL reader...and the Malorys' were involved. Aside from that this book was a huge disappointment. There was no romance, passion, or fun in this book which is really surprising considering her track record of amazing books. The characters Katey and Boyd have very little going for them aside from the fact that they are involved with a family we love reading about. Their "romance" felt rushed, there was no real spark between Katey and Boyd. The book also dragged on with what seemed like a lot of irrelevant info, like a filler for a story that just wasn't there. I would save my money until this book comes out in paperback if I were you.

Because she is one of my favorites but this book just doesn't leave much room to say anything nice. My main issue with this book is why did she feel the need to make this girl a Mallory?? it was moving along quite nicely with out that forced and so stupid "twist" and sorry, but to use born in this day and age we don't belive anyone is anyone's child unless it's DNA positive. LOL. So all these sprung up from the wood works children is just Bologna to me. First Jermery, no this Chick. Spare me. I know it was not available in those days, but since we live in these times it is asking a bit much for use to want more proof. And the whole Aunt never saying a word about her love for Jason and being bitter and an old maid and hateful and sending her sister for getting a Mallory and her not being able to land Jason was just STUPID STUPID STUPID.

Johanna has done it again. From the very first book "Love Only Once" in the Malory series, readers were hooked. Ever since we have been begging for more, and more is what we are getting. In "No Choice But Seduction" she brought in another Anderson brother with Boyd. Boyd is funny, charming, sexy, and amazingly not as jaded as most men built up to him. I couldn't even begin to exaplin the twists and turns the story takes without giving some of it away, but the kids of Tony and James are dead in on it, and it will shock you how Boyd ends up further connected to the Malory's in the end! It gave me the hope that the Malory series will only continue, and it is this readers feverent hope that Thomas Anderson (technically Georginas middle brother) will be the lead in the next book. He is my personal favorite of the Anderson brothers and Malory in laws.

it was in amazing condition. i loved the book. Lindsey knows how to mix heat and passion into strange circumstances. she is an amazing author

I couldn't wait to read this book by my favorite author of all time. I kept reading on hoping to hear more on the two main characters. Waste of time there. I miss Johanna Lindsey's old writing style. I could have gone without this read.

As an avid Johanna Lindsey reader I must say this was a dissapointment. I love all of the books of the Malory series except this one. The main characters story just didn't develop well. The book was missing that I can't put this down feeling. The plots both the story of Katey and Boyd and Katey and Anthony were not developed enough. It felt as though they were very rushed. Also the romance was lacking in the book. Johanna Lindsey usually has great passion in her books and this one fell short.

Having every book that JL has ever written is the only reason why I am glad I still bought this book after reading it. It is horrible! You never really know who Boyd and Katey are, or get a feel for them or their feelings. Boyd comes across as a school boy with this huge crush and he has this lust problem, almost staulker like! He blurts out things that don't in any way sound romantic and her reaction to them show her as having NO interest in him at all... ever, not even at the end. Where is the romance in that?!? Nowhere. Then, the story circles the Mallory's... which it's sad to say that that was the best part of this romance novel... James and Anthony. There is a huge secret revealed to Anthony and it upset his wife, then nothing is mentioned again until a flash back.
With literally 3 pages left in the book, it is still on a completely different story line then the romance (which might have 20 pages dedicated to the romance story line through out the entire book) and when the book ends it seemed thrown together like her publisher was pounding on the door screaming she must finish NOW!
It is not a book about Boyd or Katey... it is a book about the Mallory's finding yet another missing child. That story line was good... but not what the book promises to be about. A Romance. I say shelve the Mallory's for awhile. Start bundling them in the correct order and selling them as a mini series....Start fresh with a new family and then later.... maybe make a part of the new family, meet, fall in love with and marry a Mallory. I would love to see the Mallory clan from a different perspective!

You have no choice but to enjoy reading another quality Malory novel. This one was had a few interesting twists, too.

I found it hard to finish this book. Because I bought it in hardcover I felt the need to finish it. I have loaned it out twice but to die hard JL fans.

There were hints about the relationship to the Mallorys'but I didn't put 1+1 =2.



I think Johanna should create another family. Maybe we need the change

I do know I will never buy another hard cover by JL again.

Sue

Johanna Lindsey has written some really good romance novels a la "Johnny Depp's Pirates of the Carribean". You know the story is far fetched, the characters are cartoon like in the fact that her hero can take on a half dozen men without a scratch and the heroine is always the most stunning beauty, but she is the last to know that. Nevertheless, I have loved most of her books as the characters were likeable and the rogues always fell head over heels in love and became model husbands. With regards to the Anderson family, my favorite story of course is that of Georgina and James in Gentle Rogue (coming on audiobooks this month). I also thought she found an excellent match for Drew in Gabi in Captive of My Desires and that Amy was what Warren needed to cure his broken heart in The Magic of You. This book however is a huge disappointment. Boyd, sweet gentle Boyd deserved better than a whiny, vindictive, lying woman such as Katie. I listened to the audio and turned it off 2.5 hrs before the story was over as I could no longer stomach this idiot woman. One moment she is having sex with Boyd and the next, she is furious with him. How many times is a person supposed to apologize before you give him a break. Her constant humiliation to him in public made her rude, lacking class and tact in my opinion. She was just very unsympathetic for me to root for her. If you want to read a good Lindsey book, grab "A Loving Scoundrel". "Captive of My Desires", "The Magic of You", "A Gentle Rogue" or "Marriage Most Scandalous". Stay away from "A man to call my own", "the Devil who Tamed Her" "Home For the Holidays" and "No Choice But Seduction". They are not Lindsey's best work.

After inheriting a fortune from her mother's death, American Katey Tyler decides to leave Connecticut and sail around the world. Her first stop, however, will be England, where she hopes to reconnect with her mother's estranged family who disinherited her for marrying an American. Katey sails aboard The Oceanus, a ship owned by Boyd Anderson, and finds herself attracted to the man in question. However, for some reason, she tells him that she's married rather than succumb to his attractions. Katey has always been a beauty, and the three marriageable men in her small Connecticut town all proposed to her--but she wants more for her life. She wants to see the world and meet her family. The rest can wait. Though she feels bad about lying to Boyd, she contents herself with the knowledge that she did so for a good reason.

Boyd Anderson, however, is not so sure. Born to the Anderson shipping family, Boyd is used to getting his way. He commands a fleet of ships that provide him with substantial wealth. That, and seeing how happy the rest of his extended family have become, make Boyd eager to settle down and make England his home. He's sailing to London when he meets Katey, and curses the fact that she's married. Still, even after he's arrived at his destination he has a hard time forgetting her. But when his niece Judith is kidnapped, Katey moves to the back of his mind while he concentrates on joining his in-laws, the Malorys, to bring Judy back home. Imagine his surprise when he sneaks up on the kidnappers, only to find Katey Tyler...

Johanna Lindsey has always been hit or miss for me. This book was a definite miss. There are those out there who love the Malorys. I've always been more a fan of her medievals and the stand-alone historicals, and this book is exactly why. So much focus is placed on knowing the Malory history that you're done a disservice if you haven't read ALL of the rest of the books in the series--and in order. I've read a goodly portion of them, and even I was lost sometimes in the constant references to things that happened in the previous books. And it also seemed like Lindsey was resting on the success of the series. People love the Malorys so I don't really have to try that hard because the books will sell themselves. Wrong! Good books will sell themselves, this one wasn't. It was formulaic, uninspired, and if I'm being honest, boring.

Boyd sees Katey Tyler and knows that he wants her. Fine. It's happened a thousand times in romances and I've been able to move on. But that's just it. He sees her, wants her, and doesn't get past it. He doesn't need to know anything else about her. Forget her likes, dislikes, family, upbringing, hopes, dreams: none of it matters. He wants her, so he'll continue to want her. And Katey was about as uninteresting a heroine as I've ever read. She wants to sail the world, which is a lovely idea in theory. But there's no real thought behind it. The girl knows nothing of geography, where she should travel, how she should get there, or any of the other thousand things you should figure out before embarking as a woman alone on a trip around the world. But then, when has logic ever gotten in the way of a dream? This book was exasperating, and it makes me angry because when Lindsey is good, she's great. Sadly, those seem to be distant memories.

If you want to read a great Lindsey story, pick up Prisoner of My Desire or Love Me Forever (Sherring Cross). If you want a historical series that is consistently good and entertaining, check out Gaelen Foley's Knight series beginning with The Duke or Lisa Kleypas's Wallflower series beginning with Secrets of a Summer Night (The Wallflowers, Book 1). But I urge you to steer clear of this book if you're looking for either of those. You'll just be disappointed.

I'm also a big Malory family fan. I usually can't wait for the next installment of this wonderful family. However, I think this would be the last hard cover book I buy from Johanna Lindsey. I had such a hard time reading it page by page, skipping or fast reading most of the first half of the book. To be honest, the only time I remember it being interesting was the discovery of the new Malory. While I'm a Lindsey fan, I'm starting to find her books a little boring and generic. I only gave the book three stars because the last half turned out to be much better than the first half. Maybe the next one will change my mind.

Although I haven't read the other reviews, it looks like some people were disappointed by this latest Malory novel. Sad to hear that because I thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm a huge Lindsey fan, and the Malorys have a special place in my heart. Although I agree with another reviewer's header that it's not as much a romance as it is a story about the Malorys, to my surprise, I wasn't bothered by it. I was thrilled to get so many pages filled with Anthony and James together. And I DID like Boyd and Katey as a couple. Granted, their characters could have been developed much more, but I had so much fun going along for the adventure, I can't bring myself to judge their storyline too harshly. The one thing I will say though . . . considering that Boyd fell in love with a certain part of Katey's anatomy before he ever even spoke to her, and repeatedly ogled said anatomy throughout the book, I was surprised that his reaction to finally getting to be intimate with that anatomy was not played up somehow. It could have been a very funny part of the scene! I guess I'll have to leave that to MY imagination. :-)

Now that Ms. Lindsey has paired up all the grown Malorys and three of the Andersons, I'm very curious to see where she takes the series next. I know the logical thing would be to age James' and Anthony's daughters to marriageable points, but I kind of hate the idea of the two brothers going into their 50s. I just love them as-is. I certainly wouldn't mind if the next book was simply an adventure that featured the whole family, rather than strictly a romance novel. But, then, it wouldn't fit into the "romance" genre, now would it? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I do hope their are others who speak up in defense of this novel. The last novel, featuring Drew and Gabrielle, definitely WAS superior, however "No Choice But Seduction" is still worth the read! At least in my opinion. :-)

I love the Mallory family series but this book was awful. The heroine was immature, whiny, and boring. She had potential, but it was written away as the story progressed. I liked the hero and was as frustrated as he was. A novel where the main characters actually enjoy each other and have an adventure is so much more exciting. Ms. Lindsey dropped the ball on this one. Maybe next time.

I love the Malory books, so when this one came out I bought it right away. Big disappointment. I had trouble getting into this book. I'd pick it up read 10 pages and then put it down for lack of interest. While the other books in the series grabbed and held my attention so that I read each in one day, this one took me almost 2 weeks to get through. If you love the series, you'll need to read it for the sake of the continuity of the story. If you're not a Malory fan, don't waste your money

No Choice but Seduction could have been good, if Ms. Lindsey had bothered to include the romance story in the book. It was missing a whole book worth of the romance story. And the wrap up at the end was insulting to the readers who had waded through the entire book to get it. Shame on you Ms. Lindsey, you should do better, I know you can.

The Malory clan as usual was entertainging which is the only reason this book got 2 stars.

While I enjoyed re-visiting the Mallory clan, this book was lacking in both story and romance. What happened to the Johanna Lindsey that created the original, compelling stories of Anthony and James Mallory? This is an especially difficult and disappointing read if you're looking for a sequel to those books.

Johanna Lindsey is a wonderful author, and is responsible for my love of the genre. Unfortunately, this book was missing the Lindsey magic. The thing I love most about a Lindsey novel is the interactions between the leads. Even if they fight and have a love/hate relationship the interactions always feed the attraction until they fall in love without realizing it. Sadly that was not the case with this book. The hero and heroine did not actually spend very much time together in this book, and their interaction with each other just did not seem to lead to love.

This book picks up after Captive of My Desires. It was introduced in that book that the hero of this work, Boyd Anderson, had already met and lusted after the heroine, Katey Tyler. This book did not go back and really explore their relatinship on board ship eluded to in Captive and merely passingly reaffirmed it happened in this piece, which would have been interesting had that time together been more deeply explored.

Already deciding he was ready to settle down and marry, Boyd was more than happy to marry Katey when she re-enters his life after his bad case of lust. The previous relationship not being more thourghly explored left you wondering why Boyd would be so eager to marry this particular heroine.

I also found very little likable about the heroine, and to be honest wondered why Boyd would even continue to bother with her. He mistakenly believes that she kidnapped Anthony Mallory's daughter when he finds them together after receiving a ransom note (which is constantly referred to as a blackmail note although their is no blackmail involved). Even though this would be a natural assumption on anyone's part at first. And despite Katey's explaining she had really rescued Judith, anyone would need some investigation in that situation to be satisfied. Still she becomes angry with the hero for believing her guilty. The heroine is not understanding about his mistake, even though, he allows her to escape believing she is the kidnapper. She feels he should know her better after the time they spent together, but we the reader don't get to see any of the bonds developed in their previous time together. In fact both character's think about how he spends most of that initial meeting trip avoiding her because she told him she was married. How exactly was the hero supposed to know her character so well that she would be uncapable of such a crime? This makes it hard to feel Katey's pain that Boyd did not initially believe her. Their whole back history is given as memoris from the h/h that are not detailed enough to give the reader a sense of any bond between them. Then she won't forgive his mistake, and claims he owes her so he should let her rent his ship to finish her tour of the world. Obviously this is an opportunity for the two leads to be able to spend time together right? And yet....

The two leads still spend little interaction time with each other aboard ship, and their is no "good" romantic tension build up between the two leads.

Final problem with the heroine. She has decided to go on this tour of the world to fill the boredom in her life after the loss of her parents, and rejection of her family. Although she has fallen in love with the hero she dosen't want to give up her tour of the world to start a family with him. Instead she wants him to wait for her until she's finished. He even offers to let her continue her tour of the world, and bring any children they have with them and share the world with them. But Katey dosen't think that is a good way to raise children. Then with a twist ending when she does find some biological family she is only to ready to give up her plans for a tour of the world, and decides to go ahead and marry Boyd instead of losing time and waiting. The hero again offers to share a tour of the world with her and any children, and now it is a great idea and grand gesture.

This is the only Mallory book that I have found disappointing.

I don't expect complicated stories from this author but she has created a wonderful family in the Malorys. However, this book was an incredible disappointment. Katey and Boyd's story was at best a nouvella plunked down in what appears to be a book of boring backstory telling the reader all about the family members and their stories at the expense of Katey and Boyd's. First off her loyal readers know those stories and it would only have been important to tell the uninformed reader if it was relevant to this couples' story but it wasn't. The problem then was she spent so much time in the backstory of the Malory clan and the absolutely incredible cliched story of Sir Anthony and Katey that she forgot about Boyd and his need to court his lady.

At best all the reader saw was Boyd's lust for Katey and her need to be part of a family, this isn't the stuff of good romance fiction and Lyndsey knows that as should her editor. As this was a romance, where was the sexual tension and the "ah" factor? No black moment, no sexual tension. Don't expect it in this book, it isn't there. Sadly she finally spent the last three pages of the book bringing Katey and Boyd together which was the biggest sellout to her loyal readers and after thought at best. This couple deserve their own book and this one clearly isn't it. Makes one wonder if she actually wrote this book or was it the last book on a publisher's contract.

I would say buy the book used later on, but Loyal readers know the Malory stories already and Katey and Boyd just don't have enough of a story to bother to purchase this one new or used.. So my suggestion is to read her back list if you aren't familair with the Malorys and hope her next offering is more judiciously edited by her editor.

It has to be said that not once was I overwhelmed with the romance between Boyd and Katey. (Something I am finding sadly more common with Lindsey's more recent books... I admit to having all of her novels). They were a sweet, underwhelming couple who barely held my interest... so why ever would I consider giving this book five whole stars?

It's simple... sort of. Over the years, I've fallen in love with the Malory clan. They're a lively, warm family whose scandals and love stories are both riotously funny and, on the whole, utterly magical. The past several books (especially Jeremy's story) were utterly forgettable, and Lindsey had made a waste of her best characters (namely James and Anthony Malory). They were neither witty nor interesting, but turned into plot devices that conveniently got things done quickly for her in her novels. I've always loved her revisiting this spirited family, but I was becoming sorely disappointed with her last attempts at bringing to life characters I loved.

That has changed. She rediscovered the magic that made these characters so endearing to readers. Although I never found myself enjoying the romance between Boyd and Katey (honestly, never), I was still utterly captivated by the continuation of the Malory family's storyline and loved this new clever development in the family tree (and I did find it incredibly clever).

So I would definitely give this book five stars because the majority of it was entertaining... but only if you love the Malory family... not if you're looking for a passionate romance to read. In that case, I would point you in the direction of Gentle Rogue or Tender Rebel. Those two Malory novels are unforgettable and would be even if they had to stand alone.

Zzzzzzzz. 170 pages into the story and I was still bored. The story keeps circling around it self never going anywhere. The characters are boring. Lindsey goes on and on about the "Mallory's". Who cares. There is no meat to this story.

I finally gave up. I couldn't imagine struggling through another 100 pages. Thank goodness I didn't waste money on this, thanks to the public library.

Let me start off by saying I love the Malorys.

*******MAY BE SPOILERS BELOW. READ AT YOUR WILL******

When the book started, I thought I was going to hate Katey. She appeared to be an air headed twit that didn't have the sense God gave an ant. Later in the book, I loved how she could have a complete argument and stay angry. She didn't let Boyd say something sweet and immediately forgive him.

I, also, liked how Boyd was clearly in the wrong and felt guilty and had a desire to make amends. I just wish he'd have been more passionate and maybe dominant.

It was nice seeing old characters again. Villains and hero/heroines alike.

However, the plot was rather boring. There was very little to the romance. Stating you desire someone and doing nothing about it is not romance. They didn't even kiss until page 200. The ending was rushed. I wouldn't have minded another 50 pages or so. Also, what Boyd did on the Island was quite mean.
*******
Just a little gripe, her Malory family has now become so large she should add a family tree to the foreward. How many children does Amy have?
I recommend this author and this series.

There was no developing of a relationship between Boyd and Katey. He falls in love with her at first sight. She puts up a wall saying she is married so he'll stay away from her, which he tries to do. Later, due to mistaken circumstances, he thinks she is a kidnapper and treats her harshly. She gets mad and doesn't forgive him. For the rest of the book, she is either mad at him or running away from him for different reasons. I wasn't surprised or delighted with conversations or events, but it was still a nice read. It is part of the Malory Family series. I enjoyed reading about some of the other family members (especially James) who have small parts in this story.

A second plot concerns Katey's parents and grandparents. Her mother was from a wealthy family in England. She became pregnant and ran off to America. Her English family disowned her.

Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: three. Setting: 1826 Connecticut, England and the seas near Europe and Africa. Copyright: 2008. Genre: historical romance.

See Gentle Rogue for a listing of my reviews for 13 Lindsey books. My review for Gentle Rogue was posted on 6/14/08.

How best to describe this book... Yawn! I've always liked Johanna Lindsey's books but this one misses the mark. The main characters, Katey and Boyd weren't really likeable; in fact I found them irritating. And the bickering between James and Anthony was carried too far. Add to that Judith, a seven year old child that carried on a conversation like a twenty year old.

I kept reading the book hoping it would get better but the story line was poorly created. I gave the book two stars just because I was able to finish it although I was skimming the pages towards the end.

If you want to keep current on what's happening with the Malory family then I would recommend reading this book but I would wait until it comes out in paperback.

I've enjoyed the Malory series and the off-shoot Anderson books, but this one just irritated me.

The interaction between the hero and heroine was rushed at first when the vital foundation of their attraction needed to occur and they spent the rest of the time alternating in treating each other badly. Both had moments where they were 'too-stupid-to-live' and, although the reader knows from his inner thoughts and motivations that Boyd is not a villain, some of his actions were beyond smarmy and inexcusable.

The Malorys appeared which is usually a bonus, but at one point Anthony and James (whose glib back-and-forth is becoming tiresome IMO) took over the entire story with a reveal that wasn't even hinted at until halfway through the book. Considering how much the characters involved appeared in the first half, that whole plot point (even with its importance) seemed like an afterthought. Boyd eventually dropped out entirely due to this story line and we didn't even check back in with him until three pages before the end when he showed up for the HEA.

During the Big Moment (similar to Danny's experience in 'A Loving Scoundrel') Boyd wasn't even there. It was Katey with the two Malory brothers and all of the chapters dealing with that business were long and detailed (in some cases taking pages to retell other Malory novels which is annoying to say the least when they weren't crucial to this story).

I'm very open to new things in novels. I don't need the traditional template. But this was unorganized and had a 'dashed off' feel to it. It felt as if the author had grabbed a few romance novel staples, strung them together and plugged a couple of decent characters into the creation. As a result, I didn't like either of their actions leading to the HEA and felt they needed more moments that were unsullied by manipulation.

I give it two stars because somehow I really did want them to end up together. And I could see why Katey came around and I was glad it finally happened. Otherwise I would have given it only one star.

I like Johanna Lindsay and I think she created two good characters here, which is very important, but then she did them a disservice by weighing them down with a top-heavy, disorganized story line.

And one last note. While I do enjoy seeing the Malorys I don't think it's necessary to retell each of their novels with so much detail. It takes away from the current story. They're just support characters at this point, so it's not necessary to refer to so many details that don't have an impact on the story at hand.

EDIT TO ADD: It's been brought to my attention and now I remember that the twist was indeed foreshadowed, however I never felt the connection itself had been set up. Possibly the feeling that it had dropped into my lap was the unnecessary nature of the twist along with the incredible coincidence involved in having it come about. But fair is fair, the hints did occur. I stand corrected. :)

Geneva's Promise"I absolutely love the Mallory Family. I love James the most and Anthony second. This story has all three. The story starts with the abduction of Anthony's daughter Judith. Boyd, Georgina's youngest brother is in residence since James and Georgina are chasing pirates in the Caribbean. Boyd and Jeremy rescue Judith. Boyd recognizes his former passenger, the married woman he wanted to marry. The hots for Katey continues throughout the book. Katey is extremely innocent and doesn't understand the lust completely. She falls into the traps of her own lusts. The story is great because it is the Mallorys with James and Anthony for comic relief, but I do hope Johanna breaks out into a different area soon. We readers accepted the first bastard son of Jason. We liked the second bastard son of James, but pulling a third bastard daughter? Anthony's bastard daughter? That is enough bastards in the Mallory family. Yes, you like Katey for her innocence, love of animals, and need for a large family. You still think the third bastard is a bit much. The reuniting with long lost family is getting old as well.
If editors think this is what we want from Johanna, they may be wrong. We love Johanna for her humor, humorous characters, and her creative new stories. I will always read Johanna, but I like creative new stories. Are you listening Brick and Mortar Editors? Let Johanna create!"
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I've enjoyed the Malory series and the off-shoot Anderson books, but this one just irritated me.

The interaction between the hero and heroine was rushed at first when the vital foundation of their attraction needed to occur and they spent the rest of the time alternating in treating each other badly. Both had moments where they were 'too-stupid-to-live' and, although the reader knows from his inner thoughts and motivations that Boyd is not a villain, some of his actions were beyond smarmy and inexcusable.

The Malorys appeared which is usually a bonus, but at one point Anthony and James (whose glib back-and-forth is becoming tiresome IMO) took over the entire story with a reveal that wasn't even hinted at until halfway through the book. Considering how much the characters involved appeared in the first half, that whole plot point (even with its importance) seemed like an afterthought. Boyd eventually dropped out entirely due to this story line and we didn't even check back in with him until three pages before the end when he showed up for the HEA.

During the Big Moment (similar to Danny's experience in 'A Loving Scoundrel') Boyd wasn't even there. It was Katey with the two Malory brothers and all of the chapters dealing with that business were long and detailed (in some cases taking pages to retell other Malory novels which is annoying to say the least when they weren't crucial to this story).

I'm very open to new things in novels. I don't need the traditional template. But this was unorganized and had a 'dashed off' feel to it. It felt as if the author had grabbed a few romance novel staples, strung them together and plugged a couple of decent characters into the creation. As a result, I didn't like either of their actions leading to the HEA and felt they needed more moments that were unsullied by manipulation.

I give it two stars because somehow I really did want them to end up together. And I could see why Katey came around and I was glad it finally happened. Otherwise I would have given it only one star.

I like Johanna Lindsay and I think she created two good characters here, which is very important, but then she did them a disservice by weighing them down with a top-heavy, disorganized story line.

And one last note. While I do enjoy seeing the Malorys I don't think it's necessary to retell each of their novels with so much detail. It takes away from the current story. They're just support characters at this point, so it's not necessary to refer to so many details that don't have an impact on the story at hand.

This was an enjoyable Malory story. If you love the Malorys (especially Anthony and James - proabably the 2 most memorable Malorys), you'll more than likely enjoy this one. There are plenty humorous moments and it's a quick and easy read. I didn't fall in love with it the way I have many of Lindsey's stories though. I believe the point of the story, which I won't reveal, weakens the romance between Boyd and Katey. One of the strengths of Lindseys novels are the strong personalities of her heroes, and that is why it's so easy to fall in love with them....but I believe that usual strength suffered in this story and we didn't get to know Boyd as well as we needed to. Also, circumstances were a little too convenient to be believable - the line was really stretched here to make all the connections. Still, I love the Malorys and will always read their stories.

i was very happy with the latest installment of the Malory series. There wasn't the endless repetition of past narratives that seemed to plague the last Malory novel, and there actually were some new ones. Lindsay created an interesting new story and characters with some unexpected moments. I felt the ending was a little abrupt, but overall a very pleasant and satisfying read.

This was an excellent book as usual. Any Malory story is. But, it was a bit frantic in pacing in my opinion. It was almost too much crammed into a short time. That might just be reflected in how the main female character, Katey Tyler, was frantic about her pace on her European tour. She embodies a lack of patience. Boyd Anderson was charming as usual and the ability he had developed of getting along with his brother in law's family was commendable, which was good considering the twist. The usual pirates, adventure, sailing and other things we've come to expect are definitely present in this novel. The "secret" Boyd has to explain his lack of captaining his ship was not something I expected in any way.

One thing I found interesting was how mature both Judy and Jack were for being 7. Both surprised the adults in their lives to an extent but I think it's only normal for Malory children to be more mature. They had to have picked up so many of the family stories, a fact which is revealed when Judy introduces Katey to her family. Jack's perception in declining the offer to ride in Hyde Park with Judy and Anthony is very mature.

I was little disappointed that so many of the "family" did not make any appearance in the book. None of the Anderson brothers except mention of Drew's story and a small part with Warren, aside from the obvious focus on Boyd. There was also a small explanation of each brother but nothing in depth like in past Malory stories. No Regina and Nick. Very little Jason, Derek, Amy and others in the Malory family. None of their characters are explained enough in depth that you feel you know the family as in past novels. You do get to know the James Malory family (minus Jack's younger siblings) and the Anthony Malory family (minus Judy's younger siblings) fairly well. Had I not read all of the other books in the series, the introductions to the others in the family would have been confusing because they were so brief. And I believe this is the first time Percy hasn't made even the tiniest appearance in a Malory novel. Even though he is not technically family, he's been through all of the books until this point in some way if I remember, although his mention in Captive of My Desires is something I honestly cannot recall with certainty.

All in all, this was a great read. I started reading it a bit after 8pm the day it was released and finished it around 4am. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the Malory and Anderson families specifically and a Johanna Lindsey fan in general. I'm debating reading it again immediately or loaning the book to someone else who enjoys the series.