Love Only Once (Malory-Anderson Family Book 1)

Is that supposed to be Regan/Reggie/Regina on the cover? I'm confused, because the tanned brunette looks nothing like our leading lady, described as having alabaster skin, ebony hair and crystal blue eyes (or the like). Perhaps this is Selena, sneaking away from a rendezvous with Nicholas....***SPOILERS AHEAD*** Nicholas was emotionally cruel to Reggie for much of the story, and seduced her at a ball - outdoors. Reggie comes across as both a level-headed lady and a young harridan; the shouting/screaming scenes between the H/h were just plain sad. I like "redemption" stories but this one lacked warmth and intelligence, at least until the very end. And for Reggie to be kidnapped twice (once by her own family, who were well-connected but didn't know Nicholas had married their niece?!) was a bit hard to swallow.This is not my favorite story by Johanna Lindsey (although I'm sure I'll read another at some point).

Okay, I'll say it: While I can appreciate the desire to update covers for reprints and a new audience, there is just something about the older covers that draws my attention. I'm not saying that they are always better, but maybe having those covers is why I've never been embarrassed about what I was reading. If I wanted to read, I was going to read, and public opinion be damned. I know that now people feel more comfortable because they are using e-readers or covers aren't quite as suggestive, but again - it never really bothered me.As I mentioned, I had actually read the 3rd book in the Malory series first. While I was a little clueless when it came to the hows, whys, wherefores of Nick's relationship with Reggie's uncles, it wasn't too confusing. But I immediately started looking for the first two books so I could read more about those Malorys.I kind of fell behind with this series - thanks to FB and Goodreads, I have been discovering a variety of authors and my TBR list/ pile has grown to epic proportions. But I thoroughly plan to reacquaint myself with all of the Malorys before I read the new ones.Oh, Regina and Nicholas- where to begin? I remember thinking that I would have loved to have Reggie's (or is that Regan's) problem - too many men to choose from. And, given how old I was when I read these, I suppose I should be forgiven for not understanding Nick's reticence towards marriage. But for all the misunderstandings, craziness (pirates, kidnappings), and familial interference, this story was just sweet enough to give this then-teenager all the sigh-worthy moments that she wanted in a romance. While this was not my favorite of the Malory stories, it certainly was a fitting start to a fun and wonderful series.

Oh, this was baaaaddddd, classic, 1980’s bad. I’m so sorry because I read Lindsey way back when I first discovered historical romances and thought to try her most popular series. I very seldom leave a book unfinished, and never one I paid money for. But at 40 percent thru, I just couldn’t push my way forward anymore. Someone with more appreciation of the vintage bodice rippers from 30-plus years ago might enjoy this. Otherwise, steer clear.

If I weren't already familiar with the Malory family & the extended series, I would have detested Nicholas Eden. He was so cruel to Regina. She was so sweet & beautiful, she didn't deserve the lengthy heartache he caused. He would lash out at her with hurtful, angry words so often, she had no choice but to start defending herself. But then he would get upset over her 'expected' rejection. He'd told Regina that she would regret her choice of husband well before they married. He later told Eleanor that it was the one thing he'd wanted to be wrong about, but HE was the antagonist! Weird mindset. He ended up being a great guy in the end, but geez, nearly every scene between the two of them was depressing. Even his plan for a romantic evening was handled horribly. Rather than be nice to Regina, he decided to get her drunk & take advantage of her. The next morning she was left to wonder if she was losing her mind, because she couldn't clearly recall the events of the night before. The only saving grace besides the wonderful Regina was the addition of her uncles. Her cousin, Jeremy Malory, age sixteen here, was especially a delight.

This story is the beginning of a wonderful adventurous series. Full of family love, drama and so much laughter.You can't control how people will react to family secrets and just things that are out of your hands. If you find the right person to love you will enjoy the ride call life.Reggie is a beautiful, fun and a loyal lady. She loves her family dearly and she knows that they will always have her back. She knows what's she wants and goes for it.She finds love and happiness. Their love journey was an emotional rollercoaster of miscommunication. Once they dropped all the anger and spoke to each other. They found that They are soulmates and that love conquers all.This is a fantastic story and I absolutely recommend this amazing series!

A new family to join. I'm a sucker for series that follows a group as these are. What a great introduction to all the many characters found in the first book. Reggie and Nicholas start and end with kidnappings hers and his. This is the most fun I've had in a while, the interaction between family members who truly love and care for each other is marvelous. Of course we have all the angst of he loves me he loves me not and family who can battle among themselves but stand together in a crisis.. The pirate the confirmed bachelor's and a few bastards thrown in with jealous women, what else do you need. I met the Mallorys some time ago and so glad to get acquainted again, plot makes for many more great reading times to come.

If you decide to buy this book, don't bother reading book two because it is the same plot. The first 50% is an argument between the H and h. "I will not marry you" say Nicholas. "Yes you will" says Reggie. Nicholas leaves and the next 20% is all about Reggie. Nicholas returns, the next 20% is another argument, "That is not my baby", "Yes it is your baby". The last 10% is the love story. Definitely NOT a romance novel.

Fast paced storyline mean that there was never a dull moment from start to finished. The Mallory clan all work together in order for their niece to have the man she wants after he mistakenly snatches her off the street instead of his mistress.

Waiting to be read

I loved this book and i will be reading the others won' t tell you just go ahead and read it.

I love the two characters Reggie and Nicholas they are equally matched in this story. A very enjoyable read. This is one of the best of the Malory 's stories.

Kept me engrossed and eager to finish. Finished the book in a day. Looking forward to the other books in the series.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I liked the characters and the storyline. Will definately put it in my favourites and enjoy reading it again.

Enjoyed every minute. Loved finding these books again & there's more in the series I haven't read.

Again just love the Mallory series and would recommend all Johanna Lindsey books. Hope she writes about the children from the Mallorys.

Particularly enjoyed this 1st Malory novel

Maybe a little far fetched at the beginning but nevertheless still an awesome novel by Lindsey, great love story. Love this series!

Happy with it

Loved it

Great romance

I hated, hated, HATED this book. The H is a total cretin with no redeeming qualities at all; he's either 'amused' and smug; or cold and demeaning. The h is always declaring much spirit she has but when the H is around, she's either screeching at him and storming out of the room one minute, and then putty in his hands the next (oh please!). And colour it how you like, when a man gets a woman drunk so he can have sex with her without her knowing, that's date rape. In any century! I am soooo not going to bother reading any more of these.

Diesmal geht es um Nicolas Eden und Regina. Der Lebemann entführt im leicht angetrunkenen Zustand leider die falsche Frau und puff schon findet sich Regina in Nicolas Schlafzimmer wieder. Da ist der Skandal natürlich vorprogrammiert und auf drängen der Onkel willigt Nicolas dann auch in die Verlobung ein. Allerdings dauert es noch eine ganze Weile bis dieser einsieht, dass er sich in Regina verbliebt hat.Nicht das beste der Malory-Bücher - aber auf jeden Fall nett zu lesen. :-)