Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.24 AVERAGE
3.24 AVERAGE
This was pretty good! Fun to read. The hero was a bit of an idiot, but that's kind of normal in regency romance, I find
This one gets a 3.5 stars. Glad to find a new author to love.
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this book. I did expect them to actually be married for most of the book. Looking forward to the next in the series. Slightly predictable, but overall enjoyable.
I went back and forth on whether I liked this or not as I read– Gabriel is very much of the Darcy mold and Livia is just so young (18!) that much of the book’s conflict is Not Talking About Your Problems.
It’s also passive aggressive in an Austen-esque way, but I enjoyed that tension here, even if the plot drags from all of the repression. I’ve already read the third book in the series, but I’ll happily read the others now.
It’s also passive aggressive in an Austen-esque way, but I enjoyed that tension here, even if the plot drags from all of the repression. I’ve already read the third book in the series, but I’ll happily read the others now.
This book reads like it was written by two different people.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Gabriel Penhallow, is part of a long and noble blood line and knows that it is time to marry and have an heir. It is his responsibility and he never shirks in his responsibilities. He has been raised knowing what his future would be. His bride has already been picked out for him...Lady Cecilia. A woman of good birth and standing in society. But there is another that draws his eye, and while at a ball he finds himself embroiled in a scandal of his own making....being caught kissing this stranger out on the balcony a woman who has put him on a merry chase and the last woman he ever thought he would marry. But he always does the expected and right thing and agrees to marry her. Livia, has had to work for her own cousin, with her parents gone, she has no other means to support herself. She never imagined that she would end up the future bride of Gabriel Penhallow or enter a world she has no wish to enter. She fears losing the very core of herself in all the rank and duties of being a member of high society. Livia and Gabriel learn their way to desire and love even if there are some stumbling blocks along their path...
Gabriel Penhallow, is wealthy and arrogant. He has been raised to know his station and exceed expectations. But Gabriel isn't all that he appears to be in many ways. He craves the freedom he once had serving in the military and traveling the world. He would rather face the French and stray bullets, than dealing with his picky grandmother and the responsibilities that he was born with. I will say that I never really truly loved Gabriel as our hero. He was a alright likable character but was way too high handed and arrogant for my liking. I really struggled with his character because of how he treats Livia in many ways. Even though he does have some redeeming qualities, I couldn't quite love him like I wanted to.
Livia, was raised for the first part of her life in India. Her parents loved each other and detached themselves from society to be together. But then her parents died, and she had to return to England to her only remaining relatives who treated her like a servant. Livia, despite her treatment, still is good natured and patient, and resilient. I think what I really struggled with was how her character just slides during her "training" with Gabriel's grandmother. All of her fire and personality practically dies and although it comes back it takes a while. It just didn't really fit with the Livia we see in the beginning and later half of the story.
You May Kiss The Bride is the debut novel of Lisa Berne through Avon. Now honestly, I was really drawn to the cover which is why I was so relieved to get an opportunity to review this for Avon. I don't try new historical authors as much as I would like and even though this wasn't what I was expecting I did enjoy this book for the most part, I just had a few things I struggled with especially in the first half. Now the second half really does improve the story, so I would recommend sticking with it, it proves to get better the more you read it. The first interactions between Gabriel and Livia were awkward. It felt a bit too off for the story, the angst was a bit too dramatic at times and this is where I really struggled. But for some reason I didn't want to put it down, because even though I couldn't stand the writing in the beginning, there was something about this couple that drew me in. I am so glad that I stuck with it because it did prove to be a wonderful story in the end and I enjoyed what evolves in the story.
And not just our couple here, but also the grandmother. Now the grandmother, she could be blunt and mean at times, especially in the beginning. But she was so funny to read, like really, she had me laughing so much in this book. And even though her character is pretty rigid in the beginning, she softens through the later part of the story which I loved seeing another side to her. This book though left me with a smile on my face for quite some time. And we get a lovely teaser for the hero for book two which I can't wait to get my hands on because he was delicious and a Scot too, so yeah super thrilled to see what this new author has up for us next!!
What a gorgeous cover, I just LOVE the blue in this. Her dress is so so pretty, and I love the pose here, very gentle yet sexy, and the backdrop is a beautiful touch.
You May Kiss The Bride is a journey of ansty lovers that don't know which way is up or down when it comes to love....intense, dramatic and sensual!!
[foogallery id="27088"]
Summary
Gabriel Penhallow, is part of a long and noble blood line and knows that it is time to marry and have an heir. It is his responsibility and he never shirks in his responsibilities. He has been raised knowing what his future would be. His bride has already been picked out for him...Lady Cecilia. A woman of good birth and standing in society. But there is another that draws his eye, and while at a ball he finds himself embroiled in a scandal of his own making....being caught kissing this stranger out on the balcony a woman who has put him on a merry chase and the last woman he ever thought he would marry. But he always does the expected and right thing and agrees to marry her. Livia, has had to work for her own cousin, with her parents gone, she has no other means to support herself. She never imagined that she would end up the future bride of Gabriel Penhallow or enter a world she has no wish to enter. She fears losing the very core of herself in all the rank and duties of being a member of high society. Livia and Gabriel learn their way to desire and love even if there are some stumbling blocks along their path...
The Hero
Gabriel Penhallow, is wealthy and arrogant. He has been raised to know his station and exceed expectations. But Gabriel isn't all that he appears to be in many ways. He craves the freedom he once had serving in the military and traveling the world. He would rather face the French and stray bullets, than dealing with his picky grandmother and the responsibilities that he was born with. I will say that I never really truly loved Gabriel as our hero. He was a alright likable character but was way too high handed and arrogant for my liking. I really struggled with his character because of how he treats Livia in many ways. Even though he does have some redeeming qualities, I couldn't quite love him like I wanted to.
The Heroine
Livia, was raised for the first part of her life in India. Her parents loved each other and detached themselves from society to be together. But then her parents died, and she had to return to England to her only remaining relatives who treated her like a servant. Livia, despite her treatment, still is good natured and patient, and resilient. I think what I really struggled with was how her character just slides during her "training" with Gabriel's grandmother. All of her fire and personality practically dies and although it comes back it takes a while. It just didn't really fit with the Livia we see in the beginning and later half of the story.
Plot and Story Line
You May Kiss The Bride is the debut novel of Lisa Berne through Avon. Now honestly, I was really drawn to the cover which is why I was so relieved to get an opportunity to review this for Avon. I don't try new historical authors as much as I would like and even though this wasn't what I was expecting I did enjoy this book for the most part, I just had a few things I struggled with especially in the first half. Now the second half really does improve the story, so I would recommend sticking with it, it proves to get better the more you read it. The first interactions between Gabriel and Livia were awkward. It felt a bit too off for the story, the angst was a bit too dramatic at times and this is where I really struggled. But for some reason I didn't want to put it down, because even though I couldn't stand the writing in the beginning, there was something about this couple that drew me in. I am so glad that I stuck with it because it did prove to be a wonderful story in the end and I enjoyed what evolves in the story.
Perhaps, at last, those long, lonely years could be swept away from her memory, from her spirit, like a cobweb brushed away, making space for---
For something new, something better.
Something to last a lifetime and beyond.
Love, laughter, family, home.
With Gabriel, ever and always, at the center of it all
And not just our couple here, but also the grandmother. Now the grandmother, she could be blunt and mean at times, especially in the beginning. But she was so funny to read, like really, she had me laughing so much in this book. And even though her character is pretty rigid in the beginning, she softens through the later part of the story which I loved seeing another side to her. This book though left me with a smile on my face for quite some time. And we get a lovely teaser for the hero for book two which I can't wait to get my hands on because he was delicious and a Scot too, so yeah super thrilled to see what this new author has up for us next!!
I do love him, with all my heart and soul
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover, I just LOVE the blue in this. Her dress is so so pretty, and I love the pose here, very gentle yet sexy, and the backdrop is a beautiful touch.
Overall View
You May Kiss The Bride is a journey of ansty lovers that don't know which way is up or down when it comes to love....intense, dramatic and sensual!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="27088"]
Fun, new to me series. I already have Book 2 on hold at the library.
You May Kiss the Bride is book 1 in The Penhallow Dynasty series. This is a new author for me since it's her debut book and I wound up really enjoying the author's writing style. I already know I'll have to grab book two when it is released. This novel is a rags to riches type trope and I adored the leading lady immediately.
We start off meeting Livia Stuart, an orphan living in her Uncle's humble care with frequent visits from her "friend" Cecily and Cecily's mother. In one of those visits we learn that a wealthy gentleman (Gabriel Penhallow) is traveling to meet Cecily in hopes to marry her. And since this book isn't about Cecily we quickly see everyone going to a ball and one horribly timed moment leads to Gabriel and Livia caught in a situation that can't be explained away. So now our couple are pretty much forced to get married and boy do they wind up having issues along the way. Livia is whisked off to Bath with Gabriel and his Grandmother in order to teach her how to be a proper lady. I loved seeing both Livia and Gabriel slowly growing feelings for one another. Then drama would unfold with a misunderstanding between the two and those scenes really kept my interest. I kept rooting for them and hoped they would figure things out before one did something they would both regret.
You May Kiss the Bride is a promising start to a new series. I enjoyed how independent Livia was and came to appreciate Gabriel's character as well. I think my favorite bits had to be Livia coming to know what she wants and who she is. Her character really blossomed and it made for an enjoyable read. All in all, if you're a fan of Historical Romance with a rags to riches feel I think you'd love this book.
We start off meeting Livia Stuart, an orphan living in her Uncle's humble care with frequent visits from her "friend" Cecily and Cecily's mother. In one of those visits we learn that a wealthy gentleman (Gabriel Penhallow) is traveling to meet Cecily in hopes to marry her. And since this book isn't about Cecily we quickly see everyone going to a ball and one horribly timed moment leads to Gabriel and Livia caught in a situation that can't be explained away. So now our couple are pretty much forced to get married and boy do they wind up having issues along the way. Livia is whisked off to Bath with Gabriel and his Grandmother in order to teach her how to be a proper lady. I loved seeing both Livia and Gabriel slowly growing feelings for one another. Then drama would unfold with a misunderstanding between the two and those scenes really kept my interest. I kept rooting for them and hoped they would figure things out before one did something they would both regret.
You May Kiss the Bride is a promising start to a new series. I enjoyed how independent Livia was and came to appreciate Gabriel's character as well. I think my favorite bits had to be Livia coming to know what she wants and who she is. Her character really blossomed and it made for an enjoyable read. All in all, if you're a fan of Historical Romance with a rags to riches feel I think you'd love this book.