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The Brides of Bath #2
With His Ring
He Married For Money, Not For Love. Fortunately, His Wife Did Quite The Opposite...
Young and spirited Glee Pembroke had always been secretly in love with her brother's best friend, Gregory Blankenship. So when she learned that this dedicated bachelor must marry by his twenty-fifth birthday or lose his inheritance, she boldly proposed a marriage of convenience, while secretly planning to win his love. Knowing of her new husband's reputation as a lover of loose women, Glee decided she must become "fast" herself--in order to capture his attention.
Though marriage to Glee did seem a sensible solution to his dilemma, Gregory had no intention of giving up his rakish ways, and he certainly wouldn't tolerate his bride gallivanting about Bath like some wanton female. Her outrageous antics were causing him no end of aggravation--and strangely--inspiring a jealousy he was not used to feeling. When did he become so possessive about his wife? Surely, he was not succumbing to the one condition he had so studiously avoided...love?
Young and spirited Glee Pembroke had always been secretly in love with her brother's best friend, Gregory Blankenship. So when she learned that this dedicated bachelor must marry by his twenty-fifth birthday or lose his inheritance, she boldly proposed a marriage of convenience, while secretly planning to win his love. Knowing of her new husband's reputation as a lover of loose women, Glee decided she must become "fast" herself--in order to capture his attention.
Though marriage to Glee did seem a sensible solution to his dilemma, Gregory had no intention of giving up his rakish ways, and he certainly wouldn't tolerate his bride gallivanting about Bath like some wanton female. Her outrageous antics were causing him no end of aggravation--and strangely--inspiring a jealousy he was not used to feeling. When did he become so possessive about his wife? Surely, he was not succumbing to the one condition he had so studiously avoided...love?
349 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2002
1521 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
78 books1,665 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 4, 2024
DNF at 50%. Oh for the love of Pete...NO!
This had so much potential for being a sweet, fun and cute 'girl is in love with her brother's best friend' story. Of course, our hero never ever never wants to get married due to a horrible step-moster/mother, but it is up to our sweet heroine to convince him that marriage and having babies is not such a bad thing after all. And our perky heroine is up for the challenge!
Except... how she goes about it is beyond ridiculous. I actually made is to about 50% before deleting this from my ipad in disgust.... I just couldn't handle the heroine's stupidity and immaturity a page longer.
From her manipulation to get compromised, to insisting on becoming the type of woman that the hero is known to love (whores/mistresses, fast women).... it went downhill quickly. To become that woman, she persisted on calling his friends by their first names even though they begged her to stop, she mishandles money/debt in ways to seem like a 'fast woman' that were idiotic, she dresses ultra revealing in attempts to make her husband jealous, insists on referring to herself as 'one of the bloods' (meaning she is a part of his friends group?) I could go on and on. It seemed like a bad teenage movie in modern times.
Had the heroine acted with more maturity, subtlety and propriety, her attempts at winning over her husband would have been fun and cute to watch. Such a disappointment.
This had so much potential for being a sweet, fun and cute 'girl is in love with her brother's best friend' story. Of course, our hero never ever never wants to get married due to a horrible step-moster/mother, but it is up to our sweet heroine to convince him that marriage and having babies is not such a bad thing after all. And our perky heroine is up for the challenge!
Except... how she goes about it is beyond ridiculous. I actually made is to about 50% before deleting this from my ipad in disgust.... I just couldn't handle the heroine's stupidity and immaturity a page longer.
From her manipulation to get compromised, to insisting on becoming the type of woman that the hero is known to love (whores/mistresses, fast women).... it went downhill quickly. To become that woman, she persisted on calling his friends by their first names even though they begged her to stop, she mishandles money/debt in ways to seem like a 'fast woman' that were idiotic, she dresses ultra revealing in attempts to make her husband jealous, insists on referring to herself as 'one of the bloods' (meaning she is a part of his friends group?) I could go on and on. It seemed like a bad teenage movie in modern times.
Had the heroine acted with more maturity, subtlety and propriety, her attempts at winning over her husband would have been fun and cute to watch. Such a disappointment.
March 16, 2018
OMG!!!!! This was ridiculous. I hate giving anything less than 2 stars but🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
DNF. Some have been because not good writing, or not really my cup of tea. But this, is something else. I liked the first one. I think I decided to read the next because I wanted to read George’s second story. The characters weren’t impressive but the story moved a long. This on the other hand. I want to smack both characters and - no all characters, including his dumb friends. She’s a spoiled nimbcapoop who’s only saving grace is she understands his self centered “good guy” self.
They wanted to pull an 8 year old boy away from his mother. He wished he could help more poor kids, while his wife had just bought a vehicle with her “allowance” and he bought her diamonds which he suspected she lost. She wanted to be a loose woman for him and did things she knew would ruin her name, not for her fun, but to be what he wanted, even though he constantly told her he didn’t want that. She knows how to run a household, but not the price of dresses? It was just too much, and the commentary from each of them. Sickeningly insipid and ugh! I couldn’t find anyone to like, root for, or wonder about. So yeah won’t read the rest of the book or series.
But this is just my opinion, not everyone will or has to agree. And I believe this won’t hurt a lady who obviously is a very successful writer. Maybe I’m being too sensitive. I’m sure Ms. Bolen is a very talented writer and I just read the wrong story.
DNF. Some have been because not good writing, or not really my cup of tea. But this, is something else. I liked the first one. I think I decided to read the next because I wanted to read George’s second story. The characters weren’t impressive but the story moved a long. This on the other hand. I want to smack both characters and - no all characters, including his dumb friends. She’s a spoiled nimbcapoop who’s only saving grace is she understands his self centered “good guy” self.
They wanted to pull an 8 year old boy away from his mother. He wished he could help more poor kids, while his wife had just bought a vehicle with her “allowance” and he bought her diamonds which he suspected she lost. She wanted to be a loose woman for him and did things she knew would ruin her name, not for her fun, but to be what he wanted, even though he constantly told her he didn’t want that. She knows how to run a household, but not the price of dresses? It was just too much, and the commentary from each of them. Sickeningly insipid and ugh! I couldn’t find anyone to like, root for, or wonder about. So yeah won’t read the rest of the book or series.
But this is just my opinion, not everyone will or has to agree. And I believe this won’t hurt a lady who obviously is a very successful writer. Maybe I’m being too sensitive. I’m sure Ms. Bolen is a very talented writer and I just read the wrong story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2021
Victorian. A let-down.
Glee loved Gregory, her bro's best friend. She trapped
him into a MOC. (I'm not a fan of deception.) In order
to inherit his holdings + wealth (per the will) he needed
to wed prior to his 25th birthday.
They married. Glee provoked Greg w/ her words, actions,
and clothing choices. And Greg responded with anger.
The author repeated this cycle too many times. The leads
pretended to be a 'love match' to fool Greg's half brother
Jonathan, who was 2nd in line to inherit. Neither of the
leads seemed mature enough to make a commitment.
They became hurt & angsty. Too many lectures ensued.
My favorite character was Archie the urchin paid by gentry
men to watch their horses while they ran errands or had
appointments. His Mum had a job, but they experienced a
food & shelter shortage, as she preferred her gin.
Glee loved Gregory, her bro's best friend. She trapped
him into a MOC. (I'm not a fan of deception.) In order
to inherit his holdings + wealth (per the will) he needed
to wed prior to his 25th birthday.
They married. Glee provoked Greg w/ her words, actions,
and clothing choices. And Greg responded with anger.
The author repeated this cycle too many times. The leads
pretended to be a 'love match' to fool Greg's half brother
Jonathan, who was 2nd in line to inherit. Neither of the
leads seemed mature enough to make a commitment.
They became hurt & angsty. Too many lectures ensued.
My favorite character was Archie the urchin paid by gentry
men to watch their horses while they ran errands or had
appointments. His Mum had a job, but they experienced a
food & shelter shortage, as she preferred her gin.
April 4, 2022
Book 1 was good. Read it twice and decided to move on with the series, but I just don't want to finish this book with such stupid main characters.
December 19, 2014
JUST SO SO!!
"With His Ring" was good, but no were close to being as good as "The Bride Wore Blue". It was similar in place. The villains character and the plot resemble each other. We meet Gregory Blanks as he is called and Glee Pembroke in bk 1 TBWB. I have read this type of HR story, many times by, many different authors, but With His Ring didn't really grab me, but it was an ok read. Glee has been in love with her brother George's best friend Gregory since she was a child. Glee has now grown up and George's father has died an left him his fortune, with a hitch. marry before your 25th birthday or the money will go to your stepbrother. George has vowed never to marry and never to have children. His mother died on her child bed and his father remarried an hateful mean women who didn't want to have anything to do with Gregory. Gregory was not close to his father becasue of this. Resulting in him not wanting a family of his own. Glee finds out what Gregory must do to inherit his fathers fortune and she convinces Gregory to marry her. She believes she can seduce Gregory to fall in love with her and change his mind about having children. This is were the tug of war between the two begins. This is the same old story I have read by so many different HR authors over the years. It wasn't anything new. Nor impressive enough to give more the 3 stars. It wasn't romantic or sensual! Just so so!.
"With His Ring" was good, but no were close to being as good as "The Bride Wore Blue". It was similar in place. The villains character and the plot resemble each other. We meet Gregory Blanks as he is called and Glee Pembroke in bk 1 TBWB. I have read this type of HR story, many times by, many different authors, but With His Ring didn't really grab me, but it was an ok read. Glee has been in love with her brother George's best friend Gregory since she was a child. Glee has now grown up and George's father has died an left him his fortune, with a hitch. marry before your 25th birthday or the money will go to your stepbrother. George has vowed never to marry and never to have children. His mother died on her child bed and his father remarried an hateful mean women who didn't want to have anything to do with Gregory. Gregory was not close to his father becasue of this. Resulting in him not wanting a family of his own. Glee finds out what Gregory must do to inherit his fathers fortune and she convinces Gregory to marry her. She believes she can seduce Gregory to fall in love with her and change his mind about having children. This is were the tug of war between the two begins. This is the same old story I have read by so many different HR authors over the years. It wasn't anything new. Nor impressive enough to give more the 3 stars. It wasn't romantic or sensual! Just so so!.
April 11, 2020
I have had this book on my Kindle since 2011 (I know - I know!!) and finally decided to finish this. I’ve read one other book by the author, A Lady By Chance, and I liked it but didn’t love it. That theme continued with this book as well.
This was mostly cute but nothing unusual or particularly memorable - a few days later I’m already forgetting a lot of what happened in the book. This falls quite squarely in the late 90s regency romances with a spunky heroine and a rake who is misunderstood. I have read a lot of romance books published around this time and they mostly blend together. Some authors do a better job in setting stakes and making the character personality distinct from others - here not so much. The gender dynamics especially felt a little more dated than some other authors writing during the period.
I would have been fine with this except that the ending was abrupt and took the smile off my face. For a novel where the function is to basically be a pleasant read and break that was a no-no. So 2 stars in the end.
This was mostly cute but nothing unusual or particularly memorable - a few days later I’m already forgetting a lot of what happened in the book. This falls quite squarely in the late 90s regency romances with a spunky heroine and a rake who is misunderstood. I have read a lot of romance books published around this time and they mostly blend together. Some authors do a better job in setting stakes and making the character personality distinct from others - here not so much. The gender dynamics especially felt a little more dated than some other authors writing during the period.
I would have been fine with this except that the ending was abrupt and took the smile off my face. For a novel where the function is to basically be a pleasant read and break that was a no-no. So 2 stars in the end.
September 16, 2025
Clever, Well Told Regency Tale
Set in the Regency era, this is the story of Glee Pembroke, who has turned down countless offers of marriage because she has secretly been in love with her brother’s best friend, Gregory Blankenship (“Blanks”) her whole life. When she learns Gregory will lose his inheritance if he does not soon wed, she tricks him into a marriage of convenience. He thought they would have great fun with no responsibility, but he finds himself acting the protective and seduced husband while she tests his resolve by flirting with his friends and wearing daring gowns.
There is the inevitable misunderstanding, and the heartbreak—and the reconciliation. Some readers though the ending was rushed. Still, if you are a fan of Bolen’s Regency stories, you’ll likely be satisfied. There were a lot of typos that need fixing, however.
Set in the Regency era, this is the story of Glee Pembroke, who has turned down countless offers of marriage because she has secretly been in love with her brother’s best friend, Gregory Blankenship (“Blanks”) her whole life. When she learns Gregory will lose his inheritance if he does not soon wed, she tricks him into a marriage of convenience. He thought they would have great fun with no responsibility, but he finds himself acting the protective and seduced husband while she tests his resolve by flirting with his friends and wearing daring gowns.
There is the inevitable misunderstanding, and the heartbreak—and the reconciliation. Some readers though the ending was rushed. Still, if you are a fan of Bolen’s Regency stories, you’ll likely be satisfied. There were a lot of typos that need fixing, however.
April 16, 2022
Glee decides to snag her lifelong love with the single-minded stupidity and brainless enthusiasm of a thirteen-year-old girl. Blanks resists her with the single-minded stupidity and brainless stubbornness of a twelve-year-old boy. This book is not without a charming moment here and there but it’s hard to slog through an entire novel of people making the worst possible choices in every given situation and have any respect for them in the end. On the plus side, all the eye-rolling I did while reading might have burned two extra calories.
April 16, 2021
This book reminded me continually of Friday's Child, except with sex. I enjoyed the plot and the relationships between the main and side characters, even if I thought the leads were a tad immature. Be warned that this book leans more heavily into traditional gender roles than more recent historical romances.
April 17, 2021
A great story of the lengths a women will go to get her man, even if he’s determined to never, ever marry. I really enjoyed the escapades of Glee as a ‘fast women’ she made me laugh.
February 11, 2021
I read the whole thing, but I'm not sure why. The characters were awful, she traps him into marriage. Then they both act like idiots throughout the whole book. He ends up being a sap and falls for her and forgives all her awful behavior. Can't recommend it.
October 31, 2020
I have never disliked a book so fast in my entire life.
No wait, there may have been an old bodice ripper that I really couldn't get into, despite the fact I knew what it was, but this one ... oh this one tops the cake so much.
It was promising enough to start with, but then Glee went and FORCED Blanks into marrying her by pretending they were in a compromising position because she wanted to get her way, and he wasn't having it. Because he's an honourable bloke and all, he marries her, and boy, his misgivings for marriage were SO proven true with this little idiot. She basically did everything he didn't want her to do, when he explicitly told her he didn't want her to do it, practically spelling it out. She keeps trying to win his love, but instead of doing what she says at the start of the book - showering him with love - all she does is be an idiot. How he falls in love with her is beyond me.
On top of all that, she's stupid enough to somehow be unable to manage her finances, or keep track of them (even after being explained as intelligent, somehow), and she gets frustrated when he sees her have what he believes are "assignations" and an "affair", and is perplexed that he's mad at her, but then he does something by accident and she hightails it out of town!
I just can't with Glee. She kept on thinking she knew what was best for him, and in reality what happened was she forced him to change.
Just no.
No.
The supporting characters might have been alright but I couldn't get over how the main character grated badly on me, and I skimmed through the rest of the book.
Minus one star. I'm sure the author is a wonderful writer and people love her work, but sadly it isn't for me.
No wait, there may have been an old bodice ripper that I really couldn't get into, despite the fact I knew what it was, but this one ... oh this one tops the cake so much.
It was promising enough to start with, but then Glee went and FORCED Blanks into marrying her by pretending they were in a compromising position because she wanted to get her way, and he wasn't having it. Because he's an honourable bloke and all, he marries her, and boy, his misgivings for marriage were SO proven true with this little idiot. She basically did everything he didn't want her to do, when he explicitly told her he didn't want her to do it, practically spelling it out. She keeps trying to win his love, but instead of doing what she says at the start of the book - showering him with love - all she does is be an idiot. How he falls in love with her is beyond me.
On top of all that, she's stupid enough to somehow be unable to manage her finances, or keep track of them (even after being explained as intelligent, somehow), and she gets frustrated when he sees her have what he believes are "assignations" and an "affair", and is perplexed that he's mad at her, but then he does something by accident and she hightails it out of town!
I just can't with Glee. She kept on thinking she knew what was best for him, and in reality what happened was she forced him to change.
Just no.
No.
The supporting characters might have been alright but I couldn't get over how the main character grated badly on me, and I skimmed through the rest of the book.
Minus one star. I'm sure the author is a wonderful writer and people love her work, but sadly it isn't for me.
July 25, 2020
Author Cheryl Bolen brings us a heartwarming and charming tale with characters you can't help but love.
Glee is a strong and determined young lady in love with Gregory, her brother's best friend and taking this journey with them was so much fun to picture as their relationship grew as did their emotions and feelings, leading to a surprising and sweet everlasting love for each other. Highly recommended.
Glee is a strong and determined young lady in love with Gregory, her brother's best friend and taking this journey with them was so much fun to picture as their relationship grew as did their emotions and feelings, leading to a surprising and sweet everlasting love for each other. Highly recommended.
March 31, 2020
Just one of the boys
Glee has compromised herself after offering to be Gregory Blankenship aka Blanks wife! This is to be a marriage of convenience! Glee is just one of the boys! She has joined in with her husband and friends in all sorts of pranks! Gregory is befuddled by his bride! She seems just a great sport! Glee turns on the waterworks at the ending chapters! I made excuses for her age and Gregory being a pompous ass at times! Gregory was firm in his belief no sleeping with your wife and you will make no babies !??? Umm okay! Glee is young which you can tell by some of her decisions!!? Gregory is a wealthy privileged young Buck who is not good enough for Glee! Glee sets a plan to make Gregory change and give up his wild ways does she succeed??!
Glee has compromised herself after offering to be Gregory Blankenship aka Blanks wife! This is to be a marriage of convenience! Glee is just one of the boys! She has joined in with her husband and friends in all sorts of pranks! Gregory is befuddled by his bride! She seems just a great sport! Glee turns on the waterworks at the ending chapters! I made excuses for her age and Gregory being a pompous ass at times! Gregory was firm in his belief no sleeping with your wife and you will make no babies !??? Umm okay! Glee is young which you can tell by some of her decisions!!? Gregory is a wealthy privileged young Buck who is not good enough for Glee! Glee sets a plan to make Gregory change and give up his wild ways does she succeed??!
September 20, 2017
Spoiled and uninteresting characters
I almost put this boring book down and delete it from my library. How it could have won an award...? The two main characters are childish and lacking in much that would carry interest. Completely worthless read. What I don't understand about romance authors is how vacuous their storylines are. Many are actually good to excellent writers but intent on really one thing...to put out as much as they can to make money. I recommend passing on this one.
I almost put this boring book down and delete it from my library. How it could have won an award...? The two main characters are childish and lacking in much that would carry interest. Completely worthless read. What I don't understand about romance authors is how vacuous their storylines are. Many are actually good to excellent writers but intent on really one thing...to put out as much as they can to make money. I recommend passing on this one.
May 20, 2012
This is a good story although I thought Blanks took way too long to admit that he really loved his wife. I love it that the hero and the heroine started out as childhood friends. Glee is a riot and had me laughing out loud at her antics. At 19 she is hardly much older than a kid herself. This is the third book by Cheryl Bolen that I read in the past 2 weeks. I enjoyed them so much that I wrote about them on my blog.
September 14, 2017
A Worrisome Way to a Happy Ending
I enjoyed this book but wondered if this one-sided love would ever get solved. It's so evident that they'll be good together but it just took more time than I wanted. Glee tried to handle her insecurities so the marriage would survive and when she finally decided to leave Richard , he realized he loved her and that his worries about losing her during childbirth could be unfounded. A nice story without explicit sex scenes.
I enjoyed this book but wondered if this one-sided love would ever get solved. It's so evident that they'll be good together but it just took more time than I wanted. Glee tried to handle her insecurities so the marriage would survive and when she finally decided to leave Richard , he realized he loved her and that his worries about losing her during childbirth could be unfounded. A nice story without explicit sex scenes.
August 7, 2011
Didn't like it much. Her style of writing doesn't have the any fluidity or the maturity of the good authors (Kleypas, Julia Quinn etc). The secondary romance was just ridiculous. THe hero's sister & heroine's brother "fall in love" seeing each other - literally: they see each other riding in the park in the morning. This is w/o speaking to each or ANYTHING. How pathetic is that?
June 10, 2020
Great
I really enjoyed this book. Characters were great. The book flowed smoothly and at a good pace. It was quite entertaining. I've enjoyed book one and two, but after reading the blurb for book four that is at the end of this book, I'll not be reading it. I can't imagine Diana not being with George.
I really enjoyed this book. Characters were great. The book flowed smoothly and at a good pace. It was quite entertaining. I've enjoyed book one and two, but after reading the blurb for book four that is at the end of this book, I'll not be reading it. I can't imagine Diana not being with George.
June 15, 2020
I got this book for free off of Book Funnel. I loved this book! This took me back to my early teen years! I felt like I was reading a Barbara Cartland book from years ago! This is a clean read with romance. I was a little disappointed in the ending so that’s why I gave it 4 stars, but I’m hoping that when I read the rest of the series that I will get my answer. Great weekend read!
September 13, 2017
A lovely story
Glee has been in love with her brother's friend forever. When she finds out he has to marry by his twenty fifth birthday or lose his inheritance. She convinces him to her his bride.
Glee has been in love with her brother's friend forever. When she finds out he has to marry by his twenty fifth birthday or lose his inheritance. She convinces him to her his bride.
March 6, 2022
Neither characters nor plot succeeded in igniting my interest. At 25% I skimmed the rest of the book.
October 25, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the second in the Brides of Bath series. I do not recommend it.
This book is pretty awful. Early in the book, the main character, Blanks, fondly remembers his friend drinking hog’s urine on a bet. That is really disgusting. I assume that the author included this to show the depths to which he and his friend would sink, and it made him very unappealing to me. He drank, gambled, kept a mistress, etc. In addition, he did not care for his estate. But, with the love of a good woman that all turns around (this is meant to be a bit sarcastic). While I do think that love can have a life changing/life altering affect on people, it is not a well done story line here.
Glee (I am not sure of her full name) is 19 and has been in love with Blanks for years but he does not see her as grown up. When Blanks inherits his title, he has to be married by the age of 25 or he will lose the unentailed assets. What was not explained was what his father would have done if he, the father, were still around when his son turned 25 as (what a coincidence) that event is only a few months away. Glee and Blanks enter into a marriage of convenience.
Glee traps Blanks into marriage by pretending that Blanks was seducing her when her brother finds them. Blanks offers marriage. I think trapping someone like this was pretty manipulative but Glee thinks she knows him better than he knows himself.
Once they are married, Glee decides the best way to win his heart is to pretend to be a bit of a fast woman. She begins wearing low cut clothing and proclaiming an interest in racing. She even dresses like a man to go to an event. I do not think it speaks well for a relationship where she thinks he will be attracted to her if she does not act like herself. Or perhaps she simply becomes who she wants to be, but it is in conflict with the long term goal of becoming a wife and mother in a loving relationship.
Blanks did not want to get married because his own mother died in childbirth, and he does not want to risk that with a wife. His behavior seemed a little inconsistent as he had a mistress and other affairs. Did he not care about them? Or could he have used the available means to prevent pregnancy with his wife?
Blanks’ half brother, Jonathan, is one of the villains of the story as he would have inherited the assets if Blanks had not married. His step mother Aurora is a caricature of an evil stepmother. The other villain is William Jefferson who wants to get Glee in bed. He slowly tries to corner her into a relationship and is helped by her careless behavior (losing money gambling, etc).
Some of the wording is odd. For example, when Blanks puts his arm around Glee, the author writes “He felt rather as if he were squeezing a raw egg.”
I do not plan to continue reading this series or the author.
This book is the second in the Brides of Bath series. I do not recommend it.
This book is pretty awful. Early in the book, the main character, Blanks, fondly remembers his friend drinking hog’s urine on a bet. That is really disgusting. I assume that the author included this to show the depths to which he and his friend would sink, and it made him very unappealing to me. He drank, gambled, kept a mistress, etc. In addition, he did not care for his estate. But, with the love of a good woman that all turns around (this is meant to be a bit sarcastic). While I do think that love can have a life changing/life altering affect on people, it is not a well done story line here.
Glee (I am not sure of her full name) is 19 and has been in love with Blanks for years but he does not see her as grown up. When Blanks inherits his title, he has to be married by the age of 25 or he will lose the unentailed assets. What was not explained was what his father would have done if he, the father, were still around when his son turned 25 as (what a coincidence) that event is only a few months away. Glee and Blanks enter into a marriage of convenience.
Glee traps Blanks into marriage by pretending that Blanks was seducing her when her brother finds them. Blanks offers marriage. I think trapping someone like this was pretty manipulative but Glee thinks she knows him better than he knows himself.
Once they are married, Glee decides the best way to win his heart is to pretend to be a bit of a fast woman. She begins wearing low cut clothing and proclaiming an interest in racing. She even dresses like a man to go to an event. I do not think it speaks well for a relationship where she thinks he will be attracted to her if she does not act like herself. Or perhaps she simply becomes who she wants to be, but it is in conflict with the long term goal of becoming a wife and mother in a loving relationship.
Blanks did not want to get married because his own mother died in childbirth, and he does not want to risk that with a wife. His behavior seemed a little inconsistent as he had a mistress and other affairs. Did he not care about them? Or could he have used the available means to prevent pregnancy with his wife?
Blanks’ half brother, Jonathan, is one of the villains of the story as he would have inherited the assets if Blanks had not married. His step mother Aurora is a caricature of an evil stepmother. The other villain is William Jefferson who wants to get Glee in bed. He slowly tries to corner her into a relationship and is helped by her careless behavior (losing money gambling, etc).
Some of the wording is odd. For example, when Blanks puts his arm around Glee, the author writes “He felt rather as if he were squeezing a raw egg.”
I do not plan to continue reading this series or the author.
October 27, 2020
Glee Pembroke has turned down countless offers of marriage because she has secretly been in love with her brother's best friend, Gregory Blankenship, all her life. When she learns Gregory will lose his considerable fortune if he's not wed by his twenty-fifth birthday. Glee is determined that she can have him fall in love with her. Forget about his seductive mistress.
She gets him in a compromising position where her brother has to let him marry his sister. Though they have made a plot to show everyone it's a love marriage.
She is even willing to continue you allow him to have a mistress. Of course, just mind games. Glee doesn't want him anywhere near his mistress.
Gregory doesn't know why he wants to be loyal to his wife. Give up the mistress. Could this be he has sone undying feelings that he doesn't know he has had for her all these years?
What will happen with these two?
Will, he consummate their relationship? Will, he just sir come to not having a sexual appetite permanently now that he is married to his female best friend. Or respect his wife by giving her everything else a marriage can be.
Will, he finally admits he is in love with his wife, and in doing so, no more sex. He doesn't want to put a babe in the bun. Because he doesn't want her to die in childbirth.
Glee every two steps forward in their relationship, become 3 steps back. What will happen to this couple who are willing to sacrifice for each other?
The only thing I wish is for the HEA there was another sexy love scene. That they finally conquered the ods and love over obligation wins.
A must-read!!
She gets him in a compromising position where her brother has to let him marry his sister. Though they have made a plot to show everyone it's a love marriage.
She is even willing to continue you allow him to have a mistress. Of course, just mind games. Glee doesn't want him anywhere near his mistress.
Gregory doesn't know why he wants to be loyal to his wife. Give up the mistress. Could this be he has sone undying feelings that he doesn't know he has had for her all these years?
What will happen with these two?
Will, he consummate their relationship? Will, he just sir come to not having a sexual appetite permanently now that he is married to his female best friend. Or respect his wife by giving her everything else a marriage can be.
Will, he finally admits he is in love with his wife, and in doing so, no more sex. He doesn't want to put a babe in the bun. Because he doesn't want her to die in childbirth.
Glee every two steps forward in their relationship, become 3 steps back. What will happen to this couple who are willing to sacrifice for each other?
The only thing I wish is for the HEA there was another sexy love scene. That they finally conquered the ods and love over obligation wins.
A must-read!!
October 29, 2020
Immature heroine... Would not have won my heart
Heroine is infuriating to say the least. It is hard to believe that she would be able to convince the hero that marriage is beneficial to him with her outrageous behavior. I'm surprised that the ton had not turned on her already and made her husband look like a fool. She spent money like water by buying scandalous gowns, then on a vehicle that basically wipes out the rest of her "very generous" allowance of 300 pounds for the quarter.... simple math.... gowns are expensive and she purchased them first. The vehicle cost 275 pounds... How can you think "oh, maybe the tailors would accept a late payment for the gowns when I receive money the next quarter.".... Then LOSE all rest of the 25 pounds in a wager in which she had to use the diamond earrings that her husband just gave her as pawn?? No mathematical sense whatsoever... What's worse is, this supposedly happened all within the first two weeks of marriage! If I were the hero, I would be thoroughly convinced that getting married was the worst idea! How would she have been able to win the heart of Blanks with her shenniangans, I have no clue. Any redeeming factor would have been washed out by the stunts that she pulled. There is too much internal dialogue throughout the whole book for each of the characters that I felt the "reveals" weren't much of a surprise. All this happened within the short 1 month engagement and 3 weeks of marriage. Not realistic...
If you have time to spare, read it for entertainment. If you have better things to do, skip this one.
Heroine is infuriating to say the least. It is hard to believe that she would be able to convince the hero that marriage is beneficial to him with her outrageous behavior. I'm surprised that the ton had not turned on her already and made her husband look like a fool. She spent money like water by buying scandalous gowns, then on a vehicle that basically wipes out the rest of her "very generous" allowance of 300 pounds for the quarter.... simple math.... gowns are expensive and she purchased them first. The vehicle cost 275 pounds... How can you think "oh, maybe the tailors would accept a late payment for the gowns when I receive money the next quarter.".... Then LOSE all rest of the 25 pounds in a wager in which she had to use the diamond earrings that her husband just gave her as pawn?? No mathematical sense whatsoever... What's worse is, this supposedly happened all within the first two weeks of marriage! If I were the hero, I would be thoroughly convinced that getting married was the worst idea! How would she have been able to win the heart of Blanks with her shenniangans, I have no clue. Any redeeming factor would have been washed out by the stunts that she pulled. There is too much internal dialogue throughout the whole book for each of the characters that I felt the "reveals" weren't much of a surprise. All this happened within the short 1 month engagement and 3 weeks of marriage. Not realistic...
If you have time to spare, read it for entertainment. If you have better things to do, skip this one.
November 29, 2020
Great book, laughter and romance
"With His Ring" captured my heart from page 1 and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Which I did in less than 24 hours. Thank God for rainy, lazy Midwestern afternoons and a most understanding husband who lets his wife indulge in tea and a good book now and then! This book is book 2 in a series which I admit I read out of order though I own book 1. It can definitely be read as a stand alone as I did but I am glad I own book 1 so I can catch up on some things about the main characters family I missed. Which brings me to the characters. The female lead ,Glee, is so relatable that I found myself laughing , crying and even getting angry when she did. Cheryl Bolen is so descriptive with her writing I could feel the love and chemistry between Glee and Gregory burning up the pages as I read! It was easy to see why Glee could enchant everyone in her husband's company and at the same time infuriate her husband in equal amounts.
Overall, this is a very well written, delightfully enjoyable book to spend a rainy afternoon with. Well done, Cheryl!
"With His Ring" captured my heart from page 1 and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Which I did in less than 24 hours. Thank God for rainy, lazy Midwestern afternoons and a most understanding husband who lets his wife indulge in tea and a good book now and then! This book is book 2 in a series which I admit I read out of order though I own book 1. It can definitely be read as a stand alone as I did but I am glad I own book 1 so I can catch up on some things about the main characters family I missed. Which brings me to the characters. The female lead ,Glee, is so relatable that I found myself laughing , crying and even getting angry when she did. Cheryl Bolen is so descriptive with her writing I could feel the love and chemistry between Glee and Gregory burning up the pages as I read! It was easy to see why Glee could enchant everyone in her husband's company and at the same time infuriate her husband in equal amounts.
Overall, this is a very well written, delightfully enjoyable book to spend a rainy afternoon with. Well done, Cheryl!
February 24, 2021
After 3 1/2 weeks of fighting Covid I wanted something light and basically mindless to read. This book by Cheryl Bolen was perfect.
Our heroine Ghee was in love with Gregory Blankenship since she was a little girl. 8 1/2 suitors have requested her hand but she brushed them each away as none of them held her heart. After finding out that Gregory‘s father had placed a near impossible impediment to his inheriting the family fortune, she decided to offer a marriage of convenience. Somewhat of a rake, Gregory had decided that he never wanted to marry nor did he wish to be get an heir. After some thought and some shenanigans on her part, Gregory thought perhaps this marriage of convenience might work out.
Finding out the reason behind Gregory’s reticence toward marriage and his propensity toward his buxom mistress Mrs. Ennis proved very enlightening. Our young heroine was wise beyond her years and truly knew Gregory Blankenship.
I must say I did enjoy this read and look forward to reading a few more in the series. The introduction of ancillary characters was also quite interesting.
Our heroine Ghee was in love with Gregory Blankenship since she was a little girl. 8 1/2 suitors have requested her hand but she brushed them each away as none of them held her heart. After finding out that Gregory‘s father had placed a near impossible impediment to his inheriting the family fortune, she decided to offer a marriage of convenience. Somewhat of a rake, Gregory had decided that he never wanted to marry nor did he wish to be get an heir. After some thought and some shenanigans on her part, Gregory thought perhaps this marriage of convenience might work out.
Finding out the reason behind Gregory’s reticence toward marriage and his propensity toward his buxom mistress Mrs. Ennis proved very enlightening. Our young heroine was wise beyond her years and truly knew Gregory Blankenship.
I must say I did enjoy this read and look forward to reading a few more in the series. The introduction of ancillary characters was also quite interesting.
May 14, 2021
A good read for destressing
Hilarious sometimes but a very good parody. A few missed chances, like makeovers for the three friends who indulged the new bride. Also, the story line with the brother leads to a dead end. All that psychoanalysis for what? And we never learn what terrible malady afflicted the sister-in-law. The nonsuccess of the second prank was a bomber.
But I did enjoy the book, the two main characters, the chariot of fire, et al. There is one point where I was laughing so hard because I couldn't believe it and shouted out, "What the France?"
In Caribbean former English colonies France is a cuss word, used as above when people do things which are hard to believe but are absolutely hysterical and then as an alternative to help from the phrase go to hell. We say go to France.
Hilarious sometimes but a very good parody. A few missed chances, like makeovers for the three friends who indulged the new bride. Also, the story line with the brother leads to a dead end. All that psychoanalysis for what? And we never learn what terrible malady afflicted the sister-in-law. The nonsuccess of the second prank was a bomber.
But I did enjoy the book, the two main characters, the chariot of fire, et al. There is one point where I was laughing so hard because I couldn't believe it and shouted out, "What the France?"
In Caribbean former English colonies France is a cuss word, used as above when people do things which are hard to believe but are absolutely hysterical and then as an alternative to help from the phrase go to hell. We say go to France.
June 17, 2021
Loved this one!!!!
This was my first book from this author and I was not disappointed. It was such a sweet and heartbreaking story!
You instantly get sucked into this world and so want Glee to get everything she wants.
Gregory is so stubborn! He has no idea what he has in Glee and could quite possibly lose her...
This is book 2 and I didn’t read book 1 (book 2 was free) but you did not have to read book 1 to fall in absolute love with book 2. I’m seriously considering buying more, if not from this series, it’ll definitely be from this author. The way she writes pulls you in and smoothly takes you on an endearing ride. She loves her characters, this you can tell. Great storyline, excellent editing and the smooth flow all make me want to follow and read more from this author.
This was my first book from this author and I was not disappointed. It was such a sweet and heartbreaking story!
You instantly get sucked into this world and so want Glee to get everything she wants.
Gregory is so stubborn! He has no idea what he has in Glee and could quite possibly lose her...
This is book 2 and I didn’t read book 1 (book 2 was free) but you did not have to read book 1 to fall in absolute love with book 2. I’m seriously considering buying more, if not from this series, it’ll definitely be from this author. The way she writes pulls you in and smoothly takes you on an endearing ride. She loves her characters, this you can tell. Great storyline, excellent editing and the smooth flow all make me want to follow and read more from this author.
October 18, 2019
Glee has been in love with her brother's friend Blanks forever and sees a chance when he must marry or lose his inheritance. She decides she can change him and make him fall in love with her once they're married by acting like one of the fast ladies he likes.
This just wasn't for me. It's a trope used a lot in historical romances, and the writing and characters here just didn't make it interesting. The hero and heroine are immature and Glee is just bratty. I have no idea why she wanted to run away with a stablehand, but I wish she had and left poor Blanks alone. Their acts of charity didn't add anything to the story and only make them look more superficial. This wouldn't make me read Ms. Bolen's other books.
This just wasn't for me. It's a trope used a lot in historical romances, and the writing and characters here just didn't make it interesting. The hero and heroine are immature and Glee is just bratty. I have no idea why she wanted to run away with a stablehand, but I wish she had and left poor Blanks alone. Their acts of charity didn't add anything to the story and only make them look more superficial. This wouldn't make me read Ms. Bolen's other books.
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