Limecello’s review of Pregnancy Proposal (Saxon Brides, Book 3) by Tessa Radley
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 9 Dec 08

This is the third and final installment to Tessa Radley’s trilogy The Saxon Brides. I enjoyed all three books very much, and am sad to see it end. Pregnancy Proposal has a few plot twists one wouldn’t expect at the beginning, but fortunately don’t distract from the developing relationship of the hero, Heath, and heroine, Amy.

Pregnancy Proposal is a very cute story that has a great focus on the romance between Amy and Heath.

The heroine Amy Wright appeared in both Mistaken Mistress and Spaniard’s Seduction, but I didn’t have a feel for her personality until this one. She was affianced to Roland Saxon, the oldest Saxon brother who passed away at the beginning of Mistaken Mistress. In a way, I wasn’t sure if I’d like Amy because Roland wasn’t much of a winner, and someone who stayed with a man who constantly cheated on her and was rather smarmy doesn’t inspire confidence in the reader. Amy had a lot of issues to deal with – she convinced herself she had to be prim and proper, but Amy’s starched personality didn’t do a lot for me. I also wasn’t sold on her reasons for being such. Still, she’s friendly and likable – and provided depth to the story. It’s also nice that she begins to discover herself and emerges from her shell, making her a lot more personable and fun.

Heath Saxon is what made the book. I love the misunderstood hero – as long as he doesn’t become maudlin or mopey, which Heath didn’t. Heath also suffered from what seemed to be unrequited love, which also wins him sympathy points, and my affection. I love the heroes that suffer nobly. (Although Heath was by no means a saint, considering the plot.) Heath is a well developed character with a lot of emotional depth – he’s sweet, in that he tries so hard, but is in a difficult position. I like that he was a strong character, without being overbearing. He’s masculine, without any of the ridiculous or annoying posturing.

I’m not sure if it was meant to be more of a secret, but I felt like the book danced around a very obvious point. Maybe people who don’t read the back cover or book blurb may have been more surprised, but it was a bit frustrating to have to read through a lot of speculation and unnecessary drama before the issue was revealed. I know there had to be conflict, but the amount of time Amy spent being uncertain about Heath’s affections were grating. Some of what she thought or believed also was groundless and not entirely believable. She had cast Heath as a villain in her head – but there was no reason for her to do that.

Still, that’s only what bothered me. I really loved the cameo appearances by all the other characters from the previous novels. However, it was nice in that they only helped move things along, rather than distracted from the plot. I also like Megan Saxon, and I hope that she’ll get her own story as well. Another positive about Pregnancy Proposal are the sweet scenes between Amy and Heath. At times they’re so close but some minor detail will tip the balance and make them take a step back. All the little flashbacks were also nice – and helped fill in some holes from the previous two books.

The chemistry between Heath and Amy was unmistakable. I loved reading their relationship throughout the book, watching them become more familiar and safe with one another. The personality and humor that developed was quite enjoyable. All in all I liked this book and found it a nice way to wrap up the Saxon Brides trilogy. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Ms. Radley’s writing, as well as those who enjoy books from the Silhouette Desire Line.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews of all the books in this series by following its tag.

Summary:

Secret Pregnancy

His late brother’s fiancee was pregnant with a Saxon heir. Yet Amy Wright thought she could just leave town? Not even the black sheep of the mighty Saxons would allow that. So Heath Saxon propositioned Amy: avoid illegitimacy for her baby by marrying him. Convincing her wasn’t easy. Until he showed her what a night as his wife would be like.

But Amy has a very big secret about the Saxon baby. About just who the father really is…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series: