Book Review-Bride By Mistake

Bride by Mistake
Devil Riders (5)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2012
309 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-24579-8
Author’s Website

Synopsis
Eight years ago, Lieutentant Luke Ripton made a hasty wartime marriage-in-name-only to protect a young girl from a forced union and left her protected in a remote mountain convent. Now, Luke is Lord Ripton, but he has been unable to obtain an annullment. Which leaves him no choice but to claim a wife he doesn’t want.

For nearly a decade, Isabella has waited like a princess locked in a tower, dreaming of her handsome, dark-haired prince. Her dreams are shattered when Luke reveals himself not as a prince, but an autocratic soldier, expecting her unquestioning obedience, which is something Isabella’s fiercely independent nature will not tolerate.

And while Luke and Isabella’s fiery personalities clash at every turn, they remain bound to their vows, never expecting that the passionate fury they share could become passion of a different kind…

My thoughts
Summary 
Eight years ago Luke Ripton married a thirteen year old girl that would be forced to marry at such a young age, so he offered her his protection in matrimony and left her in a convent in Spain. Now he has heard news that his offer for annulment from the church has been rejected, so he has no choice but to claim her and bring her to England. When he arrives in Spain he expects to find a meek and biddable young woman that is very obedient and more than willing to be claimed. What he doesn’t realize is that his wife is full of passion and zeal and seems intent on disobeying whenever the need arises, and it stirs his blood like no other. Bella has been in a convent for eight years forced to sew and has always felt like a prisoner among the walls of the convent. She yearns to be free and through the years has constantly done what she could to test her boundaries. She has dreamed of her handsome soldier of a husband, but feels less than adequate when she sees him again. Even though Luke and Bella wills seem to fight against each other constantly, a fiery desire also builds between them until it can no longer be denied.

The Hero (Luke Ripton)
Luke has changed much since he was a Lieutenant and fought in the war against Napolean. He remembers Isabella as a shy young girl almost afraid of her own shadow when he finds he being attacked and rescues her and offers her marriage. It has been eight years and Luke has suffered since the war, memories that continue to surface; memories he wish would stay buried. When he goes to Spain to get his wife and return her to London, she has changed into a young woman that is more than fit to be his wife. He finds her to be spirited and full of passion and is more than willing to seduce her even though he doubts he could ever give her a love match.

The Heroine (Isabella Vailant)
Isabella lost her mother at a young age. Her father then remarried and she always felt jealous of that new family and her half sister. But when her father passes away and she is attacked by her father’s men, a handsome soldier rescues her and offers his protection by marrying her. It has been eight years since and she has lived in a convent with her aunt since then and now she desires a man that doesn’t fully want her. She wants to feel beautiful, cherished and even loved. Isabella is determined to prove to Luke how much she desires him.

My Thoughts 
There were quite a few aspects I enjoyed about this wonderful conclusion to a adventurous series by Anne Gracie. Bride By Mistake is Luke’s story, and in the past books we see him as a scoundrel and famous among the ladies. Luke is a full blooded male, a fierce protector, tortured past, and determined to claim his wife when annulment is no longer available. Isabella, is the type of heroine I fell in love with from the beginning. Even though she cares for Luke, she has had to do things to survive. She has alot of passion and wildness about her, she has a longing for adventure. There was such a sense of fun and playfulness between these two. I lost count the number of times I burst out laughing. There was such a spark between these two. I loved how Isabella treats Luke, she isn’t a meek mouse, and takes him on a adventure. We see how she starts to have him wrapped around her finger—which is always great to see when the hero is too arrogant for his own good. There was alsoa enriching story full of emotion and sensuality to charm you. A beautifully crafted tale of love, exciting plot, adventure and an irresistable romance!!! Definitely “Chocolate and swoon” worthy of a read.

First Line 
“You’re a madman, Ripton!”

Favorite Quote 
“I don’t need gifts to seduce you”

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
The Stolen Princes
His Captive Lady
To Catch A Bride
The Accidental Wedding

Book Review-The Accidental Wedding

The Accidental Wedding
The Devil Riders (4)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published October 2010
326 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-23382-5
Author’s Website

Synopsis (Goodreads)
When Nash Renfrew wakes in the bed of lovely Maddy Woodford, he thinks he’s dreaming. Then he learns of his accident and the loss of his memory. But when it returns, Nash has no desire to leave Maddy’s side and continues pretending he has amnesia. With each passing day, Nash’s attraction to Maddy grows. But he’s a diplomat and she’s just a country girl. How can he even entertain thoughts of seducing her?

My Review
Summary 
Maddy along with her five young siblings, are all orphans since their father passed away. She has been living in a small cottage making it by on honey and the garden. When she finds a stranger slipping from his horse and falling on his head. Knowing that she just can’t leave him out, she beings him inside her cottage, and stays by his bedside. When he wakes up, he has no idea who he is, and is injured and recovering from a fever. Maddy knows how dangerous it is to have this man in her home, but there is something intriguing about the man that only draws her closer to him. When Nash Renfrew finds himself in the care of a young woman and five children, he is fascinated by her caring nature. When his memory does return, he doesn’t at first tell Maddy, wanting to kindle the desire that is growing between them. Maddy is not at all what he would wish for in a wife, but he wants her in his life even though he knows he could never give her love…but he can give her a life of passion and desire and tenderness.

The Hero (Nash Renfrew)
Nash has served his country as a diplomat for Russia and has spent years there. Now he has returned to England, to see his estate and family, and to find a suitable wife for his career. So he goes to his aunt for her help in securing a wife. He doesn’t believe in love after seeing how his parents loved each other but their love tore their marriage and their family apart. So he decided he only wants a practical union. So he then heads off to his estate to look things over. The next thing he remembers is waking up in a strange bed, and unfamilar surroudings. With five children scampering around him; and to top it off he doesn’t remember who he is or his life previous. He only knows the cottage and the beautiful Maddy who makes his body burn for her touch. Then after some time, his memory returns, only he doesn’t want to leave, or abandon the one woman who has shown him the beauty of life and love.

The Heroine (Maddy Woodford)
Maddy recently found out that she had five brothers and sisters. Her mother loved her father dearly but he didn’t return that love. When she dies, he remarries. But Maddy goes to live in France with her grandmother. So for ten years so lives in France and learns much from her grandmother (who is a Countess and served with the Queen). She then returns to England when her father passes away, and she is now responsible for five siblings she didn’t know about. Even though they are newer in her life, she loves them fiercely. Now they live in a small cottage barely making it, when she stumbles across a stranger in need of her help and who has amnesia and has no idea who he is. As time passes, she starts to bond with Nash in a intimate way and she can feel that she is falling hard for him…but will he ever return that love, or will she have to be content for a loveless relationship?

My Thoughts 
As the fourth in the series, I have truly enjoyed seeing these five friends, who are rakes, but to see love prove them wrong. There is a certain way about that way Anne Gracie puts together her stories. I won’t say she is my ultimate favorite author…but I have truly enjoyed reading her works. The Fourth book is Nash’s story. I do love a good amnesia story, and this one was well done.  Sometimes they aren’t always done very good, but this one had a bit more to the plot and I loved the witty humor that comes out of the story. There is also a fun lightheartedness about it that captivated me from the beginning. The five young children were absolutely delightful and they were a ROMP!! There is a instant attraction, but their relationship is more gradual too. We see how much they like each other, but the love side of things isn’t instataneous.  The level of sensuality was warm, not too strong in the story, but not light either. I felt like it was perfectly balanced along with the story line. The Accidental Wedding proved to be a memorable story that captured my heart from the first page. Definitely worth your time and you will not be disappointed.  The only con I could see in this story is it takes a little bit to get into the story, but once you do…you will be hooked! 🙂

First Line 
“Find you a suitable wife?” The Honorable Nash Renfrew’s aunt stared at him through her lorgnette. 

Favorite Quote 
He slanted a wicked grin at her. “And am I all right? Nothing broken? In need of attention?”
His head and his ankle were injured: she’d been looking right smack bang in between. Where she had no business to be looking. She squirmed with mortification. 
“It doesn’t matter,” she mumbled
“Actually I’m feeling a bit hot. And I’m sure there’s a swelling. And it’s aching. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to check me?” His expression was pure, laughing devil. 
“No, I–“
“Little liar.” He reached out a lazy hand, cupped the back of her head, and kissed her. 
It was a slow, soft kiss, warm as the morning sun, laced with the dark mystery of the night. Rich with promise. 

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm 

Other Books In The Series 
The Stolen Princes
His Captive Lady
To Catch A Bride
Bride By Mistake 

Book Review-To Catch A Bride

To Catch A Bride
Devil Riders (3)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published September 2009
308 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-23022-0
Author’s Website 

Synopsis
It was the perfect excuse to delay a dreaded marriage of convenience?head off on an exotic journey to track down a young lady missing in Egypt for six years. Rafe Ramsey, son of the Earl of Axebridge, is utterly besotted when he finally locates the beautiful and spirited Ayisha, who has taken a new name. But a mysterious past has made it impossible for her to return to England, and she is on the run from something far more serious than an unwanted betrothal.

My Review

Summary 
Ayisha, has lived in Egypt for most of her life, but when she was thirteen years old, her parents died and was left on her own. Now she is nineteen years old, and hides herself from others disguised as a boy. Only two people in her life knows about who she really is. She knows that every day she is being hunted and must make sure to conceal herself. But then a stranger, an Englishmen, comes to town looking for someone who looks just like her.  She ends up being caught in his snare, finding out that he only has good intentions. When it becomes clear that she must leave her life in Egypt and go to England to see her only living relative, her grandmother. Rafe, desperate to get a break from his life in England, is more than happy to retrieve Ayisha back to England where she truly belongs. Only he never thought she would turn his world upside down, and he finds that this innocent and beautiful young woman is everything he ever could have hoped for.

The Hero (Rafe Ramsey)
Rafe as the youngest son, knows that  he will have to enter into a marriage of convenience. He knows that soon he will have to marry a woman he barely knows, so when Ayisha’s grandmother comes to him for his help; he is more than willing to retrieve her missing granddaughter. When he comes to Egypt however, he is wondering how he will ever find her. When he does he is surprised to discover her enchanting personality that endears him to her even more. Before long, he knows that he wants her as his wife, the problem is convincing her to agree.

The Heroine (Ayisha Cleeve)
Ayisha, lost her parents to the plague when she was thirteen years old. The past six years so has been living on the streets, on her own for the most part. She knew that she would be sold as a slave if she didn’t disguise herself as a boy. So for these past years only two people in the world know of her true identity. When a stranger comes into the city, she knows that everything she has ever known is being threatened.

My Thoughts 
To Catch A Bride is the third addition in the Devil Riders Series. I have to say that every time I read from this author, I have enjoyed her immensely. There is something unique to the way she puts together a story. This story was a little bit different than the others I have read from her so far. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. When I read the blurb, it sounds interesting, but I had hoped I would be able to get into the story. When I started reading To Catch A Bride, it took a few chapters, but after that I was able to be fully entranced into the story. There was quite a bit of development on the character side of things. Rafe, is splendid and magnificent and doesn’t shy away from anything. He can be very bold and daring when he needs to be. There was something so charming about Rafe, I found him to be a very likeable character. Ayisha could be endearing at times and had some charming qualities, but I found her to be a bit lacking. But for the most part, Ayisha could be a character that you find yourself able to relate to on any level. She has flaws but she also is spirited and lively at times, and there certain times when I was cheering her on. The plot did have some elements of adventure and intigue that can hold you to your seat. This story is a very lively ride with elements to the story that could be deeply emotional and riveting. A fantastic read that will warm your heart.

First Line 
A whip cracked, shattering the stillness of the icy landscape.

Favorite Quote 
“What are you doing?”Rafe demanded as she rolled herself in the blanket. 
“Isn’t it obvious?”She lay down.
“No, its extremely tedious.” He got off the bed with a long suffering expression 
“I don’t care if you lie beside me on the floor,” she told him, “I won’t be tricked a second time, and you won’t be able to stand it on the floor for long.” She closed her eyes. 
“I have no intention of lying on the floor beside you. Its much nicer on the bed,” he said “See?” And taking the corners of her blanket he lifted her straight onto the bed. One flip and she rolled right out of the blanket. 
He slid into bed beside her. “That’s better,” he said, and when she opened her mouth to complain he simply leaned forward and kissed her. 

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
The Stolen Princess
His Captive Lady
The Accidental Wedding
Bride By Mistake

Book Review-The Stolen Princess

The Stolen Princess
Devil Riders (1)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2008
356 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-21898-3
Author’s Website

Synopsis 
From Anne Gracie come the Devil Riders—four soldiers back from war and forced to adapt to a new world. Here, meet Gabriel Renfrew, who rescues a runaway princess—and falls head over heels in love.

The estranged younger son of an earl, Gabriel Renfrew earned glory and honor on the battlefield, but now, without purpose, he finds himself deliberately courting danger at every turn. Then one night he races his horse along a dangerous moonlit cliff—and stumbles upon a beautiful woman obviously in need of saving.

A princess on the run, Callie has disguised herself and her son, the crown prince, as commoners, hoping to protect him from those intent on stealing the throne. She has no choice but to trust the handsome ex-officer who’s come to her rescue, even when he insists that only a marriage of convenience will provide her the ultimate protection. But while her new husband may keep Callie and her son safe from assassins, what will he do to her heart?

My Review
Summary 
Callie is on the run from dangerous men who seek to kill her son to gain access to the throne. When it becomes clear that she has no other options, she flees with her son and heads to the country that she has always considered to be home, England. When she arrives though, it is not the destination she had agreed to. Both herself and her son are tossed overboard and swim to shore, in a place she doesn’t recognize, but then a handsome stranger arrives and gives them shelter and food. Callie doesn’t know what to make of Gabe, he is strong and capable but she knows he could never protect her fully from the one man that would seek her harm, however she can’t seem to resist the temptation of his kisses or the strength of his arms, where for the first time in a long time she desires more than anything to be loved and desired as just a woman. Gabe finds Callie breathtakingly beautiful, and is instantly drawn to her and to her son. He senses that there is a real danger to them, and that Callie is way more than she appears to be. When he finds out the truth and circumstances force them to marry Gabe is more than willing, even if he can have her for a short time, he wants to prove to her how strong his love for her can be.

The Hero (Gabriel Renfrew)
Gabe, even though the son of a Earl, joined the English Military and served well. One of the most accomplished men on the battlefield, and has recently returned to England to build a life for himself now that he is back home. He plans on building a horse farm along with his brothers until he stumbles upon Callie and her son Nick. When he first meets Callie, he finds her irresistible, and senses beneath the tough exterior someone in need of love and comfort, more than anyone. When it comes clear that he will have to marry her in order to protect her, he wonders if it would be the right call, because he desperately loves her and knows he will only be able to have her for a short time…but will it be enough?

The Heroine (Caroline, Princess of Zandaria)
Callie, has royal blood within her. Her mother was a princess, even though her family was poor, she had distinguished blood. So her father when she came of age, desired she marry a royal. She ended up marrying a Prince from Zindaria. She first believed that he truly cared about her, and she had fallen in love with him. Only she later learned that he did everything as a act, now he is dead, her son in danger, and has no where to turn except for England, the one place she believes she can be protected. But when things don’t turn out as she thought they might, she ends up having to make a choice that will either be the worst mistake, or the best decision she could have ever made for herself and for her son and their future.

My Thoughts 
The Stolen Princess is the first in the series, and I found it to be so addicting, I could hardly put it down. I wondered what this one would be like, especially since the last one I read was good, but didn’t have me so enthralled like this one did. I love how charming this one was. I just absolutely adored Gabe. Gabe is not pure Alpha, he is so much better. He likes to take control and loves to be obeyed (he is a man and was in the military right?) and Callie just never does. She defies him on every turn, it aggravates him so. Which I found to be very amusing. These two just danced around each other, it was pretty hilarious. Callie was the type of heroine that I admired at times and got frustrated with at other times. Most times I liked her, she has gone to hell and back trying to protect her son, and I really liked that about her. But she is also afraid of her own shadow at times. But I did enjoy seeing her grow a bit more throughout the story, and become stronger and more sure of herself. I loved how she ended up fighting for Gabe and to keep him in her life. Now about the little boy Nick…I have to say I was utterly charmed by this mini scoundrel. He is so cute with the little phrases and how at the age of seven still fights for those that he cares about. Made me wish I had a child just like him. LOL. Overall a charming story that had me totally into the story from the first chapter, and I could hardly put it down. The way Gracie writes her story is just brilliant, and I loved the little intricacies this author displays. The plot was exciting and I was on the edge during many parts. I loved the way this story is weaved in such a way that makes you want to join in on the adventures. The love story was endearing and emotionally heart wrenching, and I loved seeing these two grow as the story progressed. A Winner hands down!! One you don’t want to miss out on.

First Line 
The Puppy was the last straw.

Favorite Quote 
“So you think I’m perfect, do you?” he said as he opened a stall door.
She looked bewildered ” How could you possibly think that?”
“You just told me I was”
“I did not!”
“You said I was a perfect strang–”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “I mean a complete stranger,” she corrected him. ” A wholly unknown person, and certainly not a person to be trusted with my son. And do not be flippant when I am reprimanding you!”
“No ma’am.” Gabe murmured. “You’re very pretty when you’re cross, you know.”

*a Paragraph later*
“Do you know, I have the perfect solution for the way you’re feeling,” Gabe told her.
“Oh, do you? And what might that be?”
“This.” And before she could even guess what he intended, he took a step forward. Which brought her hard against him, breast to chest.
She gasped. The most kissable mouth in the world formed a perfect O of surprise and Gabriel did what he’d been planning to do since he’d first clapped eyes on her.
He kissed her. 

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
His Captive Lady
To Catch A Bride
The Accidental Wedding
Bride By Mistake 

Book Review-His Captive Lady

His Captive Lady
Devil Riders (2)
Anne Gracie
Berkley Sensation
Paperback
Published September 2008
323 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780425-22324-6
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Fans of strong, rugged heroes won’t be able to resist the Devil Riders— four brave soldiers back from war, forced to make their way in a new world. Now, Anne Gracie introduces Harry Morant, who—despite his vow to never fall in love—finds himself captivated by an elusive lady…

Harry Morant’s tough, strong exterior hides a badly scarred heart. He’s the natural son of an earl, and high-born ladies have only one use for him—in the bedchamber. Now, after eight years at war, Harry’s breeding racehorses and planning a practical, unemotional marriage. But when he buys a new estate, Harry’s careful plans are threatened by an unexpected passion for—of all things—an earl’s daughter.

Lady Helen Freymore, otherwise known as Nell, is not interested. A lifetime of lies has brought Nell to the brink of ruin. Trapped by poverty and scandal, she trusts no man; she has her own secret quest of the heart. Harry’s pursuit of her, however, is relentless. Forced into a marriage she never sought, she soon finds herself powerfully drawn to this masterful but gentle soldier. But as Christmas draws near, Nell’s secret past threatens to shatter their newfound happiness.

My Review,

Summary 
Harry, upon first meeting Helen feels like he has been run over by a freight train. He is instantly mesmerized by her and can’t stop thinking about her. He wonders if their first meeting made a lasting affect on her as she has on him. When he purchases a piece of property that would be perfect for his business pursuits he is shocked to discover her on the property he is about to purchase. Helen, recently has suffered a shock, losing her father and losing everything she has known. When she returns home, she is stunned when she is informed that the home she grew up in and was in her family’s possession for generations has now been taken in exchange for her father’s gambling debts. When she meets Harry Morant, she instantly feels a spark of attraction, but knows that there is nothing she can do for it. She has other major concerns, she has a secret, one that must remain hidden, even from a man that she could see herself sharing a life with. But when circumstances occur that force her into a marriage with Harry, she starts to open her heart to him, a man that could give her everything she ever dreamed of.

The Hero (Harry Morant)
Harry has lived a life where he had to create his own luck. He was born a bastard and rejected by his father and most of his family. Then he was taken in by his aunt, who has loved him more than anyone so far. But when he falls in love for the first time, he is then rejected in the worst possible way. So he spent quite a few years in the army, and has now just returned. Dedicated to starting a new and fresh start, he is instantly drawn to Helen. Even though she keeps rejecting him, there is something about her that keeps him captivated, and committed to proving to her how right he is for her.

 The Heroine (Helen Freymore)
Helen, was attacked and raped and found herself pregnant. So her father forced her into hiding, and after giving birth, she became ill. While asleep her father stole her daughter from her, and hid her away in London. Now she is desperate to find her daughter, no matter the cost to herself. Having searched London, and out of money, she returns home. But she finds that her home has been taken away from her because of her father’s debts. So now she is forced to work as a companion to a woman who treats her worse than animals. But then Harry offers her a way out, but she knows that he may be her only chance at finding her daughter and discovering a powerful love.

My Thoughts 
Lately I have been reading some amazing reviews from books written by this author, and so I was very excited to read His Captive Lady. There was many things that I enjoyed about this one. Even though it was in the middle of the series, I didn’t feel very lost at all, and I think it could be read as a stand alone if desired. After liking this one so much, I plan on reading more books written by this author. It starts out with the first meeting between Helen and Harry taking place. We see a instant attraction, and my heart just went out to the hero from the beginning. He has a strong personality but we also see a sensitive side that only makes him even more attractive to me. I really just fell in love with the way he treats Helen. He is very protective of her and isn’t afraid of commitment or marriage despite his bad luck in the past. I also loved the vivid way this author writes her descriptions of England, and i just loved seeing these two fall in love. There was also a strong emotional bond that is vividly portrayed. And I will admit on shedding a tear or two. Definitely had its emotionally wrenching moments for sure. There was definitely a enchanting ring to this tale that just had me totally addicted to the charming tale of love and romance. A page turner that will move you on a emotional level. A Delightful tale that will warm you heart and leave you aching to read more from this author!!

The First Line 
She looked like a drowning Madonna. Harry Morant couldn’t help but stare. Her face was turned up to the sky, drenched, her skin accepting the misty drizzle the way a flower accepts the rain. 

My Favorite Quote 
“Lady Helen,” he said ” Forgive me, but–,”
To Nell’s shock, he kissed her. With complete assurance, he seized her by the waist and planted his mouth very firmly on hers. She’d never experienced such a thing in her life. Her mouth had been open in surprise  and the hot male taste of him coursed through her body like a red hot poker sizzling in a jug of spiced wine. 

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
The Stolen Princess
To Catch A Bride
The Accidental Wedding
Bride By Mistake