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Book Review of The Proposal (Survivor's Club, Bk 1)

The Proposal (Survivor's Club, Bk 1)
The Proposal (Survivor's Club, Bk 1)
Author: Mary Balogh
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
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My first Balogh.
This is the first in a series that focuses on the survivors of war. There are: Vincent (blind), Flavian (stutters), Benedict (cripple), Ralph (facial scar), Imogene (witnessed murder and torture of spouse), and Hugh (emotionally wounded). They meet once a year at the Duke of Stanbrook's home. The Duke lost his only son in war. I enjoyed this group and the ease around each other. The ability to joke and kid each other.
This is Hugh's story. While at their yearly get together he rescues Gwen after she sprains her ankle on the beach. Both have had things happen, but have come out on the other side. Gwen lost her husband several years prior and she herself was injured after she fell off a horse. She also suffered an additional tragedy that she shares with Hugh. Hugh shares his guilt that so many died under his command; while he himself was uninjured.
Both characters had depth and I liked the writing (it may have been overly descriptive in parts). What dragged the rating down, was the slowness. I felt both (mostly Hugh) were too angsty when it came to their class differences. Gwen is a Lady. Did I mention she is a Lady? While Hugh's father was a merchant who was very good at it and made a shitload of cash. Hugh was granted his title by the Crown for his service in war, but he was raised middle class. Did I mention Gwen is a Lady? This was annoying after a time and went on far too long, IMO.
This was 2 people falling in love (slowly). No other conflict(s) (no kidnapping, blackmail, etc, etc). And did I mention Gwen is a Lady?