Reviews

The Heiress Bride by Madeline Hunter

difficultwomanreads's review

emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

3/5. Releases 5/23/2023.

For when you're vibing with... a bit of light mystery, heroines with unique jobs, secrets, and the threat of *gasp* marrying for money!!!

I struggled with this one, for reasons that I'll get into below--it might actually be more like a 2.5-2.75 for me, but for reasons I'll, again, get into below, it doesn't seem fair to go there just yet.

Quick Takes:

--I often recommend reading romance series in order when possible, even though most romance novels can function as standalones. I stand by that. However, I also believe that the majority of romance novels, especially historicals that focus on individual couples per book, should be able to function as standalones. Reading in order should be, in most cases, something that adds benefit versus being a necessity.

I feel like this book was meant to stand alone... But it didn't really work that way, not for me. That's why I have a hard time rating it properly. This is the third book in a trilogy, and I just didn't fully follow the mystery plot. It wasn't overcomplicated, it just felt like I was missing some important information. The writing was solid, and I didn't dislike the characters, I just felt a little lost.

--If you like characters who, despite the mystery plot, are overall straightforward, you'll probably enjoy this. I could've used a bit more mystery between the leads and within their relationship. The hero just seemed to openly like her off the bat, she liked him even if she was hiding a thing or two, and I just... I didn't sense much internal conflict.

--Our heroine, Iris, is a rare books expert! I would love to see more niche jobs and interests from historical romance heroine. It gives you a peek at a world you don't normally see in romance in general, and it adds to general atmosphere.

The Sex Stuff:

Though the book is open door, I found the sex scenes to be a bit vague. Perhaps if I was more connected to the story, I'd enjoy it more.

Again, this was hard for me to rate, because I don't think the book stands alone. Should it have? I feel like yes--but perhaps those who've read the other books feel differently.

Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

readsbynush's review

4.0

*This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley*
4 STARS!!!

The Heiress Bride is an excellent novel with a riveting (and sexy!) plot. Iris and Hollinburgh have great chemistry. The twist at the end and the unraveling of the mystery is very entertaining and also I did not see THAT coming! The prose is smooth and humorous, and it contains just the right amount of angst!

Special shout out to the cat who was honestly my favorite character in this book.

If I had one issue it was just that the ending felt too abrupt!
This was my first book by Madeline Hunter, and now I am definitely excited to read more.
My thanks to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!