SIMPLY PERFECT

Author: Mary Balogh ISBN: 9780385338240 4/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: DELACORTE
Time Period: Regency

Tall, dark, and exquisitely sensual, he is the epitome of male perfection. Not that Claudia Martin is looking for a lover. Or a husband. As owner and headmistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls in Bath, she long ago resigned herself to a life without love. Until Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives unannounced and tempts her to toss away a lifetime of propriety for an affair that can only lead to ruin. Joseph has his own reasons for seeking Claudia out. Instantly, irresistibly attracted to the dedicated teacher, he embarks on a plan of seduction that leaves them both yearning for more. But as heir to a prestigious dukedom, Joseph is expected to carry on his family’s legacy. And Claudia knows she has no place in his world. Now that world is about to be rocked by scandal. An arranged marriage, a secret that will shock the ton, and a man from Claudia’s past conspire to drive the lovers apart. But Joseph is determined to make Claudia his at any cost. Even if that means defying convention and breaking every rule for a love that is everything he has ever wanted—a love that is perfection itself…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

One of my favorite stories by Mary Balogh is from an older book, SILENT MELODY, which features a captivating, physically impaired heroine whose bright spirit and independent nature captured my heart. SIMPLY PERFECT also features a realistically portrayed, physically impaired character—a secondary one—who once again lays siege to my heart and is a major reason this book earns a prized place upon my keeper shelves.

What makes SIMPLY PERFECT simply perfect is how complex the story becomes due to this secondary character's affliction. Regency society's unacceptance of those who are "different," the gap and distinctions between the classes—the haves and have nots, the titled and untitled—all are showcased and come into play in this beautiful, often times poignant story revolving around the unconditional love between a father and his child. The romance between Joseph and Claudia is just as complex, filled with pitfalls and societal obstacles that seem impossible and too steep to overcome. Yet, as with all the stories that she writes, Balogh uses this character's affliction to bring people together, to open both the character's eyes and the eyes of those around them to show that with determination, perseverance, and of course, a healthy dose of love, those obstacles can be overcome if you truly want them to be.

SIMPLY PERFECT is the final book of Balogh's Perfect quartet of books, yet stands very well on its own. Besides being the love story between the Marquess of Attingsborough from ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE, and that of Claudia Martin who briefly appeared in the Bedwyn series book, SLIGHTLY SCANDALOUS, as Freyja's governess, there are appearances by many of the Bedwyn clan, now married and coping with families of their own. It's always nice to revisit with characters we've come to know and love from previous works, especially when they are made integral to the storyline and are not just featured as cardboard cameos here and there.

I'm sure you'll read this line in a lot of reviews, but SIMPLY PERFECT really is simply perfect. It really is the perfect capstone to a lovely Regency quartet of stories.

Nancy Davis