BOOK REVIEW- LOVE ONLY ONCE by Johanna Lindsey

The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden—and is determined to make the rogue pay . . . with his heart.

A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him. Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has—and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings . . . and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.   AMAZON  3.5 STARS

This book did have action, angst, romance, misunderstanding and redemption.  But it also had a so-called hero Nicholas, who was his own worst enemy.  Oh, I get it after reading more of his history but still it often made him hard to like.  

The book did have really good interesting secondary characters.  All of Regina's uncles and family were without a doubt not your normal, traditional people. But the family love was definitely without a doubt and they all treasured Regina.  They also often tried to smother her with their protection.  She was a Malory though and often found a way to get her way when it was necessary.  Not in a spoiled, mean-spirited way but determined.  She actually was a caring, loving, passionate woman.  And she really didn't deserve all stuff Nicholas put her through.

Nicholas had only one person who was always in his corner.  His aunt Elanor or Ellie as she was called.  Well, his grandmother was in his corner, sort of.  But his mother was NOT one of those who cared for him.  In fact her hatred for him is 100%.

My main gripe that came about as time went on, was how block-headed Nicholas was.  I understood his reasons but after awhile it just wanted to yell, "Enough". 

There is a H.E.A. of course.  In fact, there is more than one.