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bahogan92's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
melfierro's review against another edition
4.0
Nick, a reclusive Earl with no intentions of falling in love or being part of the fickle society he was born into, finds himself a somewhat reluctant partner to Emma's schemes. But is it out of honor, or is there something more that keeps him engaged?
Can Emma and Nick solve the mystery of Lena's death and will they find what they are looking for in the process?
Again, the element of a mystery to solve drew me to this story. That combined with H/H thinking they know what they want in life yet having that one special someone upend their lives in unexpected ways make this a winner.
amym84's review against another edition
4.0
After being forsaken by his father, Nick has shut down his heart and closed himself off from society. His only interest now lies in upstaging his father. Showing him that he can be a success without his help. This leaves him no time to ponder a family and love. Truthfully, he has no interest in it whatsoever. Unfortunately, his dealings with Lady Emma Cavensham are testing his resolve on this matter completely as he tries to keep her from ruining her reputation by going against what society deems "appropriate" for women.
Emma Cavensham wants more out of her life than to be someone's wife. She wants to stand on her own independently. After the sudden and tragic death of a friend (by all accounts at the hands of her husband), Emma is more determined than ever to see that: 1) Justice is rightfully served, and 2) that she doesn't fall into the same predicament as her friend. As she starts to take action against the man who caused her friend's death, Emma keeps coming up again Nick, who is trying to keep her from making a mistake that could cost her, her life. While Emma can't deny that she's always found Nick attractive, she is determined not to let it lead anywhere.
I thought it was very interesting on Janna MacGregor's part to write two characters who were so opposed to the idea of matrimony, yet pretty much having them be so attracted to one another you don't know where else (in the day and age in which the story is written) their relationship would progress besides marriage.
I also loved the contemplation about women's rights. Emma struggles in what is basically a "man's world", but she wants so much more for herself than what she's seen in society. But she's so focused on looking outward that I think she misses what is right in front of her: her family. Both her parents and her cousin Claire (the heroine of [b:The Bad Luck Bride|31451201|The Bad Luck Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #1)|Janna MacGregor|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476386370s/31451201.jpg|52153974]) have solid, happy marriages and don't feel confined by society. This just makes the fears she has, due to her friend's death, all the more palpable.
I do wish that we had gotten more of a villain in that regard. We do somewhat, but mostly the story revolves around Emma and Nick figuring out if they can be with one another given they each have such strong convictions regarding marriage.
For Nick, he can't see giving his heart to anyone after the heartbreak he suffered from his own family. His mother died in childbirth, and his father was always gold toward him before he cut him off. So, in Nick's case it's about forgiveness in order to move on. Can he forgive what happened in the past? If not, just his feelings for Emma will never be enough because he won't be able to deepen their relationship because part of him will always be holding back in order to keep from getting hurt again.
I rather liked the vulnerability that is displayed in Nick's character. It's a nice contrast to Emma, who by stereotype, is supposed to be vulnerable due to her sex, instead she's headstrong and very self-possessed.
So far, I've really enjoyed this series. The couple for the third book is kind of subtly set-up towards the end of this one, and I can't wait to see what happens next for the Cavenshams.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
iskanderjonesiv's review against another edition
4.0
He would do anything to protect her. Even marry her…
The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once―an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse…
Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.
The Bride Who Got Lucky is a sweeping Regency romance from Janna MacGregor in her Cavensham Heiresses series.
*Praise for Janna MacGregor’s *THE BAD LUCK BRIDE
“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”―Cathy Maxwell
“Sparkling.” ―*Publishers Weekly
*“Will leave you swooning.”―Sabrina Jeffries**
**
He would do anything to protect her. Even marry her…
The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once—an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse…
Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.
The Bride Who Got Lucky is a sweeping Regency romance from Janna MacGregor in her Cavensham Heiresses series.
*Praise for Janna MacGregor’s *THE BAD LUCK BRIDE
“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”—Cathy Maxwell
“Sparkling.” —*Publishers Weekly
*“Will leave you swooning.”—Sabrina Jeffries**
**
Review
"MacGregor creates a delightful near romp of a romance with just the right amount of angst, sensuality and emotion. With its realistic dialogue, quick pace and “friendship to love” theme, it’s the readers who are lucky enough to relax with another Cavensham heiress and the man of her dreams. MacGregor is well on her way to becoming a fan favorite." ― RT Book Reviews
"Rising star MacGregor once again demonstrates her remarkable gift for effortlessly elegant writing, richly nuanced characterization, and lushly sensual love scenes in the second brilliant installment in her new Cavensham Heiresses series, following The Bad Luck Bride." ― Booklist (Starred Review)
"MacGregor has a real talent for developing every facet of a romance." ― Kirkus Reviews
"A heady mix of action, wit, and sexual tension. Readers will eagerly turn the pages to see how this intense story concludes." ― Publishers Weekly
"Deliciously provocative in historical detail...there is everything in this novel and more. There is tingling suspense, an intriguing mystery, sizzling chemistry between Emma and Nick, emotional upheavals and of course a scorching romance. This is definitely a keeper! The Bride Who Got Lucky is absolutely brilliant!" ― Romance Junkies (5 stars)
"This book is truly enchanting." ― Bookriot
"MacGregor has another smashing success on her hands with her second novel." ― Lindsey Gray
“The cover quote for The Bride Who Got Lucky by Janna MacGregor is from Eloisa James. The quote simply states, “CAPTIVATING.” Ms. James: You are completely correct. I would also add that The Bride Who Got Lucky is delightful and totally enchanting.” ― Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
"Janna MacGregor is a new voice in historical romance and is off to a resounding great start." ― Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
"This well-written book is captivating, touching, as well as, heart-wrenching. The Bride Who Got Lucky is a story well told." ― Write-Escape
"What a sweet, utterly romantic book by the consistently wonderful Janna MacGregor!" ― Lady with a Quill
"What a delightful book! Ms. MacGregor has a flair for creating real characters--their wants, passions, regrets and mistakes." ― Two Ends of a Pen
"With thanks to Eloisa James for recommending this author, a new favorite for sure. This is a terrific read and I'm looking forward to more in this series." ― Book Bitch
About the Author
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers. Janna is the author of The Cavensham Heiresses books (The Bad Luck Bride, The Bride Who Got Lucky).
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
4.0
The fact that neither Somerton or Emma wanted to marry was perfect- they could love and explore each other without the traditional entrapment theme that is common in regency romances.
I loved the character of Emma- how she continues to pursue what she feels is appropriate despite social barriers. And her evolution through her grief and awakening to society’s abandonment was such a well done character development- even having her sink into the realization that the laws and the way people react to women being in danger and killed means that they, and therefore she, doesn’t matter is accurate to a woman’s emotional journey. Then she gets up and does something about it. And it was these women who changed the course of society for all of us that came after.
Even the conflict with Somerton was well done (not manufactured) as it represented a normal emotional situation that two people will have to navigate- where do you compromise, where do you not, and does that mean you’re choosing something else over your loved one or is it even appropriate for them to ask that of you?
It was perfectly muddy and complicated, which led to well-written character development. And that how it ought to be done.
waclements7's review
4.0
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
4.0
But before old wounds can heal and justice has been handed out. Nick and Emma explores the passion that is growing between them. Both characters are adamant about never getting married. What do they say about the word never? Never say never, I believe? Nick claims the reluctant Emma to be his. I believe his exact words are, “ you are mine”. Once the possessive words are spoken, our romantic mystery solving duo has been caught in the cross hairs with two brothers who sees only blood. Pushed, but not forced. The duo, Nick and Emma stands together as one.
Together, they battle against the evil that has challenged them to learn to heal, while seeking vengeance for one devastated family and close friends. I recommend this book. Until next time my fellow readers...read on. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
dukefn99's review against another edition
4.0
Read the whole review at https://novelsalive.com/2021/04/08/4-star-review-the-bride-who-got-lucky-by-janna-macgregor/
suey_library's review against another edition
4.0
Gosh I love Historical Fiction - seriously... shimmer my timbers. When it is good, I mean it is good comrades! I have said it before and I will say it again, when an author has the ability to lead the imagination of the reader to envision the timeframe while becoming enamored with the creative fiction placed before them - then the author did it right.
I mean it - the atmosphere both had the details needed for the timeframe to develop the premise with enough intrigue to understand that there were creative spots that the author added a special touch on the world. The world building was beautifully written. At no point did I feel the need to question the setting, regardless of any inaccurate premise motives, this is her book and quite frankly that is why it is historical fiction. Taking that atmosphere and turned it into a cunningly charming, swoon worthy yet sweet romance that aided in my ability to imagine the book happening.
Admittedly, I adored Nickolas. He was beyond the most roughest of closet sweethearts. He had a shitty hand dealt with his life thus creating a barrier in his head keeping people at arms length - minus a view close buddies and now Emma. His concern over her was absolutely stunning. I feel as though he was the perfect alpha male yet allowed Emma to be of equal to his person, which I think is something really clashes in romances yet this was written beautifully. I loved his character, his attentive protectiveness through to the end, he is an amazing male lead.
It was Emma who I struggled with in the long run of the read. Not necessarily in a bad light, but I do have pet peeves that irked me with Emma. I liked that she was a stubborn, strong willed female who was both naive and fierce in just a smallest of scenes. She was a bustling woman of many depths stuck in a world she did not feel she was equal to. What I do have an issue with is that her character was so stubborn at times, it wasn't so much putting her reputation in faults but the fact that she was willing to not only risk her life but others for a cause. Granted this cause was justified, but I feel like she could have dealt with it in another light, she was too strong willed and head fast to the situation without thinking it through. This even applied with her relationship to Nick, sometimes she opened up to make the most sweetest or sensual of moments yet in the same factor would almost belittle his entire personality. It was Emma who constantly voiced her concerns to be equal to her spouse or fellow man, Nick would grant this - happily and respectfully, treating her as an equal person yet she would turn a one eighty and not pursue her own advice when in concerns to giving men the same respects. She just irked me at times...
Trying to fight the world she thinks all is against her when really she is more battling her over thoughts on the situation - if she looked around and slowed it a bit, she would know she had many people (Nick included...) in her corner.
It was mostly the connection and chemistry that kept me going, completely engulfed in the tension between the two. I loved their chemistry. There was a certain level of sexual frustration, need for one another yet general respect that really developed throughout their relationship. There was a general friendship and strong attraction that was undeniably delicious - I loved Nick's sex appeal.
Overall, this was a great read. Once I started I honestly couldn't stop. It was a fast paced romance read with the best slow build of their connection in all the right ways. I loved the atmosphere, it really captured the era of the historical fiction that was not too exaggerated to not be believable - I definitely loved it. I will be sure to pick up the rest of this series!