Simply Perfect

Simply Quartet Series, Book 4

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 town, 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.

©2008 Mary Balogh (P)2016 Tantor

Stubborn Woman sweet man Loved It!

Don't give up on this book. Despite frustrating dragging and long repeats ending is worth the time .

My favorite of the series

This series was a hit or miss for me. I didn’t like books 1 & 3 but I really liked books 2 & 4. This one was the best. The story was very well developed. I started not really liking the hero at the beginning but ended admiring him. The romance was believable and the ending gave me such a happy feeling. Excellent narration by Rosalyn Landor as expected. Recommended!!

Captivating ..Characters and story..

In addition to being a wonderful story of love discovered, there are many lessons in human nature and human behavior to relish and to cherish. The love of a father for his daughter and the need to defy the demands of convention and rules of old English royalty are engagingly told. The narrator is truly excellent. I will look for other books narrated by this person.

I loved this series. I really enjoy Mary Baloch and I especially like her series writings... I like to keep up with her characters.

Totally recommend this book, this series, this author, and this narrator.

Frustratingly Perfect!

A most lovely story. I found it frustratingly perfect and oh so romantic. A surprising inclusion of the Bedwyn drama made it all most complete.

Enjoyed Ms. Martin's Adventures

Slow at times, however I enjoyed the triumph of love and acceptance with real life situations.

Simply wonderful

Mary Balogh is my favorite romance author. She is up to her usual great storytelling. This is the first time I listened rather than read and it is just as satisfying! Get started with Mary Balogh and you won't be able to stop!

No, just no

The hero of this story has no balls. I cannot find it in me to understand his logic. Very disappointing.

Best of the series

This book was the best of the series. The story was very interesting and even more so because of the children and the life Rosalyn Landor's voice gives them.

Performance well done

Very drawn out story and boring. Disappointed as I believe the characters could have been more interesting.

Simply loved it

I do not want to say goodbye to the Bedwyns and their friends. I want more. what better praise is there.

I know it is a romance, but honestly!!

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

The hero was just not at all logical, his actions seemed totally random. The whole story would be avoidable if the hero would show even a tiny bit of sense. I wanted to hit him most of the time. He is 35, has avoided marriage until now and is now pressured into proposing to a woman he does not like in the least while in love with somebody else, give me a break!

What was most disappointing about Mary Balogh’s story?

Just could not get myself to even pretend that the story might have happened as told. I know it is a romance, but honestly, the whole conflict was completely ridiculous.

Which character – as performed by Rosalyn Landor – was your favourite?

The little girl.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It was narrated by Rosalyn Landor, I have yet to listen to an audiobook narrated by her, no matter how weak the story, I have not listened till the end. She is so good!

Any additional comments?

If a story is set in the past one should not pretent the people could behave as they would today.

A weak and indecisive Hero.

He remains stuck with an unfaithful mistress. He gives up love, because he believes in "fidelity". He keeps his love child hidden from society, despite the fact he wishes to keep her in his daily life. He gets involved in an engagement, brokered by his father. Though he finds the "perfect" lady cold and is falling in love with "inferior" woman. He is as good as engaged, but the deed is not done so he can kiss another and have sex when there is a "temporary break". No doubt though still talking of "fidelity", he will say he has his wife's permission. He is a "dog in the manger" regarding the fact he can't marry the Heroine, but is jealous of her previous love.
She thankfully is a strong woman and knows what she wants from life. Though why she settles for him, I can only place on "love". I can't really see the difference between her first love and the Hero. She is not good enough for either to marry but both are willing to risk her becoming pregnant. Some how things work out, but a very convoluted end.
A poor mishmash for the end of the series.

Another excellent story

Mary Balogh never fails to delight. He characters have depth and evoke sympathy and understanding. Ms Landor’s reading is as usual a delight. Every character has a distinct voice and the book takes on a life of its own under her care.
This is the fourth book in the series and many old friends return including those from the other three stories in the series, and many Bedwins. The Regency period is vividly portrayed with an ease that confirms Ms Balogh’s confidence in her subject.