Indiscreet (The Horsemen Trilogy Book 1)

When I ordered this book, I wasn’t really aware that it was originally published in 1997. This is apparently the first book in a series about a band of brothers – four men who have the unique type of rapport which normally only develops among men who have served together on the battlefields – as these four men have during the war between England and France. Viscount Rawleigh (Rex) serves as our main guy in this first book of the series. I found his character extremely overbearing in his manner toward our heroine, Catherine Winters, a widow of good reputation who lives in a cottage in the small country village where Rawleigh’s twin brother, Claude, and his family make their home.When Rawleigh and two of his friends decide to rusticate at a house party given by Claude and his wife, Clarissa, Rex and Catherine are introduced for the first time. Rex thinks Catherine has been flirting with him because she mistakenly thought he was Claude and gave him a generous smile and curtsy when the party first traveled through the village. In part because Rex believes the lovely widow has been casting lures out to him, he immediately decides that he must have her as his plaything since he expects to be bored out of his gourd during the house party. Apparently Rex usually gets what Rex wants. Catherine knows how to say “no” but her circumstances are such that she’s 25 years old, is sexually attracted to Rex and since he will not leave her alone, continuing to pursue her after she’s denied his request to become his mistress, eventually finds herself responding to him by returning a couple of kisses. All this serves to further advance Rex’s thoughts regarding her willingness to sleep with him and making him very angry to the point he considers her a “flirt” and he actually calls her the “b”itch word. This misunderstanding, Rex’s arrogance and lack of consideration for her reputation will have unintended results for Rex and Catherine.There is a mystery surrounding Catherine which is revealed over the course of the story. Long before the reveal, the reader will suspect that she was the victim of a romance gone wrong and that her family has cast her off. She’s managed to carve out a life for herself by doing good deeds and enjoying a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, teaching music and sharing her baked goods with those in her village. In short, she’s learned to be content with what she has and no longer builds castles in the sky. That is until Rex comes into her world and everything comes crashing down including her good reputation among the villagers.I was filled with angst during much of this story and a bit of a nervous wreck as Rex and Catherine’s relationship slowly grows into a more permanent one. There are some intriguing characters including the other three men who make up the band of brothers. Rex’s twin brother, Claude, is a standout pure and simple and a man who is not afraid to stand up to his older brother even though Rex is more of the dominant character. Clarissa is a minor villain of the story and I wondered how long it would be before Claude would have to put her in her place. When that time comes, Claude’s character shines like pure gold.Once Claude has laid down the law, Rex picks up the standard and boldly does what needs to be done to protect Catherine. At some point, he redeems himself in my sight, especially when he begins to understand how his arrogance has resulted in harm to Catherine. I noticed one reviewer used the word “redemption” – indeed, it is the operative word for Catherine must be redeemed and Rex must be the one to fulfill that service.

I honestly can't improve on the Publishers Weekly review so I'll just say this is a very touching and romantic story and it clearly demonstrates how the pettiness of small minded people can cause so much misery.Here's the real reviewFrom Publishers WeeklyAlthough Balogh's (Heartless) seamless, fairy-tale Regency lacks some of the complexity and period detail of her previous books, it nonetheless engages the reader with sharply drawn, likable characters. Lady Catherine Winsmore, a heroine of quiet courage, refused a forced marriage when rape left her with an illegitimate child. Exiled by her family, she poses as a young widow, Mrs. Catherine Winters. An innocent smile brings the unwelcome advances of another rake, the Viscount Rawleigh, Rex Adams. Rather than suffer from new scandal she accepts a loveless marriage to Rex. There are few twists or real subplots, and Catherine's problems aren't so much resolved as magically waved away by Rex. But what makes this book touching is its bittersweet portrayal of a victim wronged by her attacker and by society, and the compassion and trust that eventually redeem two lives

I've recently discovered this author and it's been a happy experience. Indiscreet is the first in a trilogy and centers on a young widow who has retired to the country and an aristocrat who wants her. Decidedly Austenesque in many of the character portrayals (the local vicar who is so effusive in his groveling to the local landowner made me grind my teeth), the main characters are complex, interesting, flawed and, after all, worth every minute spent with them. This is one that I'll read again and again...much like some Austen books. I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series and recommend this one without reservation.

This is a book you'll want to go back and re-read your favorite passages. Some of it is outstanding! I was definitely drawn into the story and about halfway into the book, when Rex and Catherine are forced to marry, I was really angry at him for forcing his attentions on her when she kept telling him to leave her alone. Granted, she sent him mixed signals by allowing him to kiss her, but she never wavered on not wanting it to go any further. He ultimately heeded her "no" and went away mad, but not before irrevocable damage was done to her reputation. Shame on him! His actions end up coming back as a major plot device with him making amends and them falling in love.Mary Balogh is like the queen of good endings. This book was initially hard for me to get into. By a quarter way into it I was enjoying the story and by halfway I couldn't put it down. By the time Catherine reveals the story of her past, I actually had tears in my eyes and was moved by her plight. Their eventual understanding of each other and his championing her showed Rex a hero worthy of that moniker. Great book, I might read it again.

If you love romance, give yourself this book. I have loved this series since I first read them 20 years ago. I am glad they have held up in the rereading . My views of Rex have changed since I first read this story I find him a much more sympathetic and engaging hero . I always found Catherine a remarkable heroine. It may be hard for today's young woman to understand how strong she was but the views of the 50s when I was young weren't very different than those of the Regency. I admired the way she created a useful life out of a wreckage.Treat yourself to this beautiful romance.