Elise de Sallier

I wish I had known this is a Christian romance; I’m not a fan of those, and would have passed it over. I liked the beginning, with the wounded hero wooing the somewhat-insecure spinster, but the book dragged on too long after they marry. Hannah gets upset that he doesn’t want to get her pregnant, and insists that faith is all it will take to overcome the curse. Even leaving aside the bible quotes, the message that a woman’s life is not complete without a child (even at the expense of her own life) is too antithetical to my feminist sensibilities for me to enjoy this book.

If you like Christian romances with anti-abortion messages, this book is for you. Not my cuppa.… (meer)

What first drew me to this book was the fact that both leads were virgins, not just the girl. I was intrigued by this break away from the "rake" stereotype. What I got was a very enjoyable romance that I enjoyed to the hilt. The connection between Hannah and William is very palpable. From the beginning, it's a relationship that defies societal norms and a tragic curse to become a strong and respecting bond between two scarred individuals. The author takes a lot of time to develop the actual romantic connection and the characters before the sexy times hit.

Unfortunately, it's those sexy times I have an issue with. It's not them by themselves I have a problem with. It's the amount of them and the way it which some are used. It seems to me that by the time Hannah and William are married and a little time has passed, the curtain falls on relationship building and opens onto a porn set during the Regency. These two go at it in various different positions, in various locations, and at various times to create a second book half that is focused on sex and little else. What little there is in relationship or character building always comes back to the sex and the consequences thereof. Yeah, I can see some of that with the nature of the curse. But really, the whole thing revolves around their sexual relationship?

I think I might have gone on a bit with the sex issue, but that's almost pretty much how I left the book. Visions of sexy times is NOT how I want to remember a romance, it's the emotional connection I want to be left with. So while the connection between the two leads was beautiful and I enjoyed immensely what was there, the author's overuse of sex, sexual issues, and the use of it to resolve the curse as well as other issues has left me cold. I don't if I'd recommend this romance. It's sweet and tender relationship wise, but you'll definitely need a cold shower afterwards...… (meer)

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2014/08/passion-and-propriety-blog-tour-book...

Passion and Propriety is a story that follows a man named William. William has a death wish. He has come home from the war and has little interest on continuing life. He is covered wit scars and injuries that won't heal and wants to be left alone. But all of that changes when his childhood friend, Hannah, finds him on the brink of death. Instead of listening to the rumors of William's cursed family, she gets close enough to save him. They both realize they have feelings for each other, but society and superstitions have other plans.

I am really in love with de Sallier. When I saw her name attached to this book on Netgalley, I jumped on it as quickly as possible. Her writing is just so engrossing. I find myself easily lost in her books. You immediately get attached to the characters and their world. I don't read a lot of historical romances, so I am extra happy I landed on de Sallier and her work.

I loved Hannah. Hannah is a self-proclaimed spinster. Spinsters are unmarried women who intend on staying unmarried. Men don't take an interest, so she doesn't bother. She is a woman not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. These are character traits that, of course, may not make a suitable wife. William however, finds her captivating even though he shouldn't. He is of a higher class than her and would be expected to find someone of equal class to be with. But he also is not that interested in marriage given his family curse. Any woman he ends up with will be met with a terrible fate. I really loved William. He does come off quite the jerk in the beginning. But as the story goes on, you can't blame him for being bitter.

The best thing about this book was the connection between Hannah and William. The way it was paced and how they came together was simply perfect for me. Nothing was rushed and unrealistic. The reasons for their doubts were appropriate for the time period. I loved it. Another aspect I found interesting was the descriptions of the characters. They are immediately referred to as "gorgeous" and "perfect". William has scars (both internal and external) as well as a limp. Hannah is not considered traditionally beautifully, but still attractive. I just thought that was an interesting change not having characters that are basically supermodels. Hell, they were both virgins before being together. Yeah, you read that right. I have to say, it is nice when the hero of the story isn't a manwhore. Maybe it is just me, but it gives the story something extra. It makes it more intriguing. Again, maybe just me.

This isn't a story with a villain or anything like that. Instead, de Sallier uses circumstances as the real "antagonist" of the story. William's family is cursed. His family were very greedy and vicious. That viciousness is in the blood now. The women die at childbirth and William's bloodline is now non-existent. You also have their social classes. William is an officer and an aristocrat. Hannah is the vicar's daughter. They shouldn't be anywhere near each other. It is bad enough that Hannah has been taken care of William's every need without someone around (specifically a man). People are bound to talk.

I really loved this story. de Sallier definitely has a voice and i must be heard. It is refreshing and intriguing. The characters are impossible not to love. They are the kind of characters that you will cling to. Their insecurities and personalities make them unforgettable. This story is unforgettable. Despite the time period, I think we can all find something to relate to in this book. I recommend this even if historical romance isn't your thing. Add de Sallier on your authors to watch list. You will be glad you did.… (meer)