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Sydney Dovedale #2
The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne
Catch me if you can. —E.V.
When a scandalous lady...
By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking schemes and dreams up torments for her childhood nemesis—the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley. Her latest prank: "winning" the Hartley diamonds in a card game from James' mistress.
Steals from a notorious rake...
James finally has a lead on the thieving Count de Bonneville, tracking him to a disreputable inn. He bursts in on none other than the brazen, irritating, nearly naked Ellie Vyne. Convinced she is the count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep his enemies close. Very close. He must get those diamonds back, and seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait.
It can only end in a wicked wedding...
When a scandalous lady...
By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters' matchmaking schemes and dreams up torments for her childhood nemesis—the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley. Her latest prank: "winning" the Hartley diamonds in a card game from James' mistress.
Steals from a notorious rake...
James finally has a lead on the thieving Count de Bonneville, tracking him to a disreputable inn. He bursts in on none other than the brazen, irritating, nearly naked Ellie Vyne. Convinced she is the count's mistress, James decides it's best to keep his enemies close. Very close. He must get those diamonds back, and seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait.
It can only end in a wicked wedding...
402 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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January 3, 2013
Enjoyed the first 100 or so pages.
Ellie's mad skillz as a gambler and master of disguise? Don't get too excited. They're never employed beyond Chapter 2. Even there, you don't get to see them in action. Token catalyst to generate a McGuffin, which is also only ever mentioned as an afterthought.
"Theirs was a cataclysmic joining." Whew! Glad that was there to straighten me out, as my impression of events up to that point was "detached" and "perfunctory."
If someone insulted you over 10 years ago, either get over it or hold a proper grudge and don't let him put his penis in you. Apres penis, it's peurile to whine about a decade-old insult.
When presented with a life-altering revelation, it is always best to wait an entire day, until one has the privacy of a party attended by the entire town, before having the resultant confrontation. Locking yourself in a closet with a woman who is not the heroine is certain to go unnoticed under those circumstances! (Especially by the heroine. I mean, you banged her in the barn 20 whole seconds ago. You get the rest of the night off, right?)
"You're a whore! What do you mean, you're calling off our engagement? Rage kiss!" (I thought at the halfway point it was maybe a little late for them to still have no indication of affection toward each other, but page 356 of 402 is definitely too late to still be habitually mean and spiteful and expect me to believe these people should do anything other than get the hell away from each other. This isn't the Eighties, for fuck's sake. Hatemance is now known as "an abusive relationship.")
For a satisfying resolution, villians should all just give up and go away in the next-to-last chapter.
If a man called you a whore the last time you saw him, the last thing you should do is consent to the surprise wedding he springs on you this time--especially when he charmingly threatens to turn you over to the police if you don't cooperate. (The word "douchebag" was uttered several times at escalating volume during this final scene.)
Ellie's mad skillz as a gambler and master of disguise? Don't get too excited. They're never employed beyond Chapter 2. Even there, you don't get to see them in action. Token catalyst to generate a McGuffin, which is also only ever mentioned as an afterthought.
"Theirs was a cataclysmic joining." Whew! Glad that was there to straighten me out, as my impression of events up to that point was "detached" and "perfunctory."
If someone insulted you over 10 years ago, either get over it or hold a proper grudge and don't let him put his penis in you. Apres penis, it's peurile to whine about a decade-old insult.
When presented with a life-altering revelation, it is always best to wait an entire day, until one has the privacy of a party attended by the entire town, before having the resultant confrontation. Locking yourself in a closet with a woman who is not the heroine is certain to go unnoticed under those circumstances! (Especially by the heroine. I mean, you banged her in the barn 20 whole seconds ago. You get the rest of the night off, right?)
"You're a whore! What do you mean, you're calling off our engagement? Rage kiss!" (I thought at the halfway point it was maybe a little late for them to still have no indication of affection toward each other, but page 356 of 402 is definitely too late to still be habitually mean and spiteful and expect me to believe these people should do anything other than get the hell away from each other. This isn't the Eighties, for fuck's sake. Hatemance is now known as "an abusive relationship.")
For a satisfying resolution, villians should all just give up and go away in the next-to-last chapter.
If a man called you a whore the last time you saw him, the last thing you should do is consent to the surprise wedding he springs on you this time--especially when he charmingly threatens to turn you over to the police if you don't cooperate. (The word "douchebag" was uttered several times at escalating volume during this final scene.)
December 22, 2012
This book was an absolute delight to read! It is cute, fun, sassy and sexy and I loved smiling so much when reading it. I adored the fact that both Ellie and James are older, twenty seven and thirty seven respectively. Now, they both acted like the were younger than that in the beginning but they grew up throughout the story. I loved all the banter that flew between them and with the fact that it had been going on for almost seventeen years, you can see how they have formed a deep bond over knowing the worst in each other. Ellie is brazen and unapologetic with her argumentative nature and loves to laugh. James is a bit more serious yet a dashing rake and decides that it is time to take this woman in hand...and that naturally does not go over well. James decides he will marry Ellie, Ellie flatly refuses and comes up with a counter offer that leads them discovering all the passion they have together. Yet underneath all the fun and trickery, James is dealing with a hardship from his randy, carefree youth days and coming face to face with the past helps push him to the more steadfast man he becomes. There were a few things that could have used a bit more history explained such as why Ellie was so eager to please her step-family when all the did was tell her how to change and I also would have liked a bit more depth to James' past explained. The next book should be interesting as it features a young lady, twelve I believe, who is so in love with James she sneaks away in his carriage and is quite petulant so I am anxious to she how she grows and develops. Like I said, even though it lacked a bit of depth, it is a delightfully fun, sexy romance and was just what I needed after a long week of hard work! 4 stars
eARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley
eARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley
December 3, 2017
Entretenido y divertido.
No fue una narración tan brillante pero me mantuvo enganchada y he de decir que eso ya es algo, puesto que no soy de las que dura mucho tiempo con un libro sin darse por vencida con él. Por lo general, cuando duro muchos días con un libro, lo dejo pasar. Pero este tenia algo que me mantenía enganchada y, aunque desde que comencé a trabajar se me ha hecho difícil seguir leyendo, siempre encontraba un ratito para continuar con este.
Me gustó la historia, pues es atípica en el sentido que no es la típica debutante virginal que se termina casando con el soltero mas codiciado y todo ese cuenta que tanto nos gusta, esta vez son personajes mas "normales". Pero están muy bien armados y tienen personalidades tan chispeantes y divertidas que terminan gustando.
Si debo admitir, que ciertas cosas en la historia no me terminaron cuadrando, pero en general es excelente para pasar el rato.
No fue una narración tan brillante pero me mantuvo enganchada y he de decir que eso ya es algo, puesto que no soy de las que dura mucho tiempo con un libro sin darse por vencida con él. Por lo general, cuando duro muchos días con un libro, lo dejo pasar. Pero este tenia algo que me mantenía enganchada y, aunque desde que comencé a trabajar se me ha hecho difícil seguir leyendo, siempre encontraba un ratito para continuar con este.
Me gustó la historia, pues es atípica en el sentido que no es la típica debutante virginal que se termina casando con el soltero mas codiciado y todo ese cuenta que tanto nos gusta, esta vez son personajes mas "normales". Pero están muy bien armados y tienen personalidades tan chispeantes y divertidas que terminan gustando.
Si debo admitir, que ciertas cosas en la historia no me terminaron cuadrando, pero en general es excelente para pasar el rato.
January 28, 2013
A wickedly funny tale! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Poor and needing to cover her stepfather, the Admiral’s, expenses, Miss Ellie Vyne masquerades by evening as the Count of Bonneville, a name she made up, and gambles. During one such night, she won the Hartley diamonds from the mistress of James Hartley. Growing up, James had been Ellie’s nemesis. Still Ellie is known for the trouble she seems to find. Her two sisters, now married, thanks to Ellie’s help, are trying their hand at matchmaking, although they despair of her ever finding a husband. With no home of her own, she moves from house to house, despite her sisters’ grudging welcome. Due to an old scandal involving the Hartleys and the Vynes, the relationship between the two families is reminiscent of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Ellie and James cannot even be near each other without an argument ensuing and Ellie thrives on thinking of ways to irritate him. But she keeps the fact that she is the Count a closely guarded secret.
Months earlier, James Hartley had attended a party in Brighton. Escaping from some rather amorous females, he had drunkenly stumbled into a maze. There he discovered a lady masked as Marie Antoinette and struck up a conversation, which ended in a torrid kiss. Needing to wed, he decided this was the lady for him, but she escaped before he could discover her identity. Since then, he has been searching for her, even as he conducts his own investigation into finding the Hartley diamonds which his mistress lost in a card game to the Count of Bonneville. Receiving a lead on where to find the Count, James shows up at an inn and finds only Ellie, in bed and wearing the count’s shirt. He figures that she is the Count’s mistress, but he must reclaim the Hartley diamonds and decides that staying close to her will bring him to the Count. But after spending some time with her he discovers that she is the masked woman from the maze. The last person he suspected of being the masked lady was Ellie.
Soon the sparks flying between them ignite and things turn very heated. But as James struggles to convince her to marry him, she keeps putting up roadblocks and soon several complications ensue, one in the form of a blackmailer calling himself the Count of Bonneville. Can James protect her, or will they both be doomed to heartache?
Rompalicious! THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE, the latest novel by talented author Jayne Fresina, is a fun, witty, passionate historical romance that readers will hate to see end. As adversaries and lovers, James and Ellie were a delight to watch and were perfectly matched. At times, their antics will have you laughing out loud and then there are the moments when they singe the pages with their sensuality. Fans of Ms. Fresina’s work will remember that James was the spurned fiancé in her previous book, THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE. Brimming with wickedly funny humor, steamy situations, madcap antics, suspense, surprising plot twists, blackmail, amnesia, secrets, scandal, delicious repartee, romance and quite possibly, a wedding, this story is a definite keeper. The secondary characters add even more appeal and readers are introduced to capricious Lady Mercy, a twelve-year-old, and Rafe, a young man who barely tolerates her. As I read this story, I could not help thinking how much I would love to see a story about these two. Then to my delight, I discovered that this book is due to be released. As a fan of Ms. Fresina’s work, I eagerly await the release of LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL, which will be available in June, 2013. In the meantime, do not miss THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE. I highly recommend this delightful story!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Poor and needing to cover her stepfather, the Admiral’s, expenses, Miss Ellie Vyne masquerades by evening as the Count of Bonneville, a name she made up, and gambles. During one such night, she won the Hartley diamonds from the mistress of James Hartley. Growing up, James had been Ellie’s nemesis. Still Ellie is known for the trouble she seems to find. Her two sisters, now married, thanks to Ellie’s help, are trying their hand at matchmaking, although they despair of her ever finding a husband. With no home of her own, she moves from house to house, despite her sisters’ grudging welcome. Due to an old scandal involving the Hartleys and the Vynes, the relationship between the two families is reminiscent of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Ellie and James cannot even be near each other without an argument ensuing and Ellie thrives on thinking of ways to irritate him. But she keeps the fact that she is the Count a closely guarded secret.
Months earlier, James Hartley had attended a party in Brighton. Escaping from some rather amorous females, he had drunkenly stumbled into a maze. There he discovered a lady masked as Marie Antoinette and struck up a conversation, which ended in a torrid kiss. Needing to wed, he decided this was the lady for him, but she escaped before he could discover her identity. Since then, he has been searching for her, even as he conducts his own investigation into finding the Hartley diamonds which his mistress lost in a card game to the Count of Bonneville. Receiving a lead on where to find the Count, James shows up at an inn and finds only Ellie, in bed and wearing the count’s shirt. He figures that she is the Count’s mistress, but he must reclaim the Hartley diamonds and decides that staying close to her will bring him to the Count. But after spending some time with her he discovers that she is the masked woman from the maze. The last person he suspected of being the masked lady was Ellie.
Soon the sparks flying between them ignite and things turn very heated. But as James struggles to convince her to marry him, she keeps putting up roadblocks and soon several complications ensue, one in the form of a blackmailer calling himself the Count of Bonneville. Can James protect her, or will they both be doomed to heartache?
Rompalicious! THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE, the latest novel by talented author Jayne Fresina, is a fun, witty, passionate historical romance that readers will hate to see end. As adversaries and lovers, James and Ellie were a delight to watch and were perfectly matched. At times, their antics will have you laughing out loud and then there are the moments when they singe the pages with their sensuality. Fans of Ms. Fresina’s work will remember that James was the spurned fiancé in her previous book, THE MOST IMPROPER MISS SOPHIE VALENTINE. Brimming with wickedly funny humor, steamy situations, madcap antics, suspense, surprising plot twists, blackmail, amnesia, secrets, scandal, delicious repartee, romance and quite possibly, a wedding, this story is a definite keeper. The secondary characters add even more appeal and readers are introduced to capricious Lady Mercy, a twelve-year-old, and Rafe, a young man who barely tolerates her. As I read this story, I could not help thinking how much I would love to see a story about these two. Then to my delight, I discovered that this book is due to be released. As a fan of Ms. Fresina’s work, I eagerly await the release of LADY MERCY DANFORTHE FLIRTS WITH SCANDAL, which will be available in June, 2013. In the meantime, do not miss THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE. I highly recommend this delightful story!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
December 3, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
I feel terrible to say this, but The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was a disappointment. I really liked The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine, so I was hoping I would like this book as well. But it didn't turn out that way.
The good part about this book, before I go into the negatives, was the story itself. The plot was good. Not brilliant, but good. The ending was cute and left a smile on my face.
But, everything else didn't go too smoothly. For one thing, the pace was too slow. The plot tended to drag. And, obviously that makes for a dull book.
The biggest problem, however, was the main characters. Ellie and James. For some reason, I couldn't connect to them. I didn't dislike them, but I didn't like them either. I just couldn't get emotionally invested in them.
Ellie was the worst of the two. She tended to be mean-spirited.
For no justifiable reason, she would be mean to James. I know he was unkind to her in the past, but it was, like, ten years ago. Why is she still holding a youthful folly against him, even when he's trying to be nice? I just couldn't make myself feel sympathy for her, even with her messy past and less than perfect current situation. And obviously, not liking the heroine really put a damper on my enjoyment of the book.
James was a little better. He was charming and could be sweet. But, even so, I still couldn't connect with him. That was his issue. Despite all the things to recommend him, it was still difficult to connect with him. And the relationship between James and Ellie was passionate. But that passion tended to release in constant arguments between the two that became rather trying after a while.
The characters. That was the problem. I couldn't connect with them, so I couldn't enjoy the book. And I'm rather disappointed about that. I didn't hate this book. I didn't even dislike it. I just didn't particularly like it.
So, sorry, but: 2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
I feel terrible to say this, but The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was a disappointment. I really liked The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine, so I was hoping I would like this book as well. But it didn't turn out that way.
The good part about this book, before I go into the negatives, was the story itself. The plot was good. Not brilliant, but good. The ending was cute and left a smile on my face.
But, everything else didn't go too smoothly. For one thing, the pace was too slow. The plot tended to drag. And, obviously that makes for a dull book.
The biggest problem, however, was the main characters. Ellie and James. For some reason, I couldn't connect to them. I didn't dislike them, but I didn't like them either. I just couldn't get emotionally invested in them.
Ellie was the worst of the two. She tended to be mean-spirited.
For no justifiable reason, she would be mean to James. I know he was unkind to her in the past, but it was, like, ten years ago. Why is she still holding a youthful folly against him, even when he's trying to be nice? I just couldn't make myself feel sympathy for her, even with her messy past and less than perfect current situation. And obviously, not liking the heroine really put a damper on my enjoyment of the book.
James was a little better. He was charming and could be sweet. But, even so, I still couldn't connect with him. That was his issue. Despite all the things to recommend him, it was still difficult to connect with him. And the relationship between James and Ellie was passionate. But that passion tended to release in constant arguments between the two that became rather trying after a while.
The characters. That was the problem. I couldn't connect with them, so I couldn't enjoy the book. And I'm rather disappointed about that. I didn't hate this book. I didn't even dislike it. I just didn't particularly like it.
So, sorry, but: 2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Read
February 6, 2013James Hartley and Mariella Vyne aka Ellie, have been “enemies” for as long as they can remember. James's mother ran off with Ellie's stepfather's brother and therefore sent the families feuding as it were. There has been no love lost between Jame and Ellie over the years. Now James has followed a scoundrel by the name of the Count de Bonneville to an inn and who does he find instead? Ellie. She of course claims that the count just went out the window but Ellie is really the Count. She's been posing as a man to win funds that keep her half sisters and stepfather going but now she's in a pickle. James believes that Ellie and the count are lovers and since he feels that is all wrong he says he'll marry Ellie. It's kind of a strange proposal but of course Ellie doesn't take it seriously so she leaves town – only to have James follow her.
As the couple spend more time together Ellie realizes that she's loved James for years and James eventually realizes the same thing, but not before everyone and their mother and the horse they rode in on manages to try to keep them apart.
I have to say that this book has so many different tropes in it I honestly wasn't sure which one was the “main” one or which one I should focus on the most.
Ellie was posing as a man to get funds for her impoverished family
James was being forced by his grandmother to find a wife.
James had fathered an illegitimate child.
James bumps his head and has amnesia for a short time.
James was supposedly still in love with his previous love.
Ellie makes an agreement with James to marry him only if 5 nights of passion brings on a child.
Ellie's “real” father shows up to get money from both Ellie and James.
I think that's it but seriously – that's a lot going on for one book! Now saying that you would think that I didn't like the book but I really did. I can't honestly say that there was a dull moment while I was reading, that's for sure.
I did feel that there were all together too many misunderstanding's between James and Ellie but after their past of “hating” each other I guess it was understandable to a point. They had thought the worst of each other for years so why stop now, right?
The love story, at the crux of it, was pretty good. Despite all the crap that life had thrown at them they managed to realize that they couldn't let the other get away.
There were some pretty fun secondary characters as well. Grieves was James's valet and he was wonderful. He kind of reminded me of the butler from the movie Arthur in that he was definitely impertinent. But in this book he was softer and more friendly. He had some great pearls of wisdom and his scenes in the book always made me smile. Another character was Lady Mercy Danforthe and she was a royal PITA! Granted she was only 12 but I loved her parts in the story and I really liked seeing her realize that she could be a child and not have to act like a little adult at all times.
Overall it was a really cute book and was entertaining.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
As the couple spend more time together Ellie realizes that she's loved James for years and James eventually realizes the same thing, but not before everyone and their mother and the horse they rode in on manages to try to keep them apart.
I have to say that this book has so many different tropes in it I honestly wasn't sure which one was the “main” one or which one I should focus on the most.
Ellie was posing as a man to get funds for her impoverished family
James was being forced by his grandmother to find a wife.
James had fathered an illegitimate child.
James bumps his head and has amnesia for a short time.
James was supposedly still in love with his previous love.
Ellie makes an agreement with James to marry him only if 5 nights of passion brings on a child.
Ellie's “real” father shows up to get money from both Ellie and James.
I think that's it but seriously – that's a lot going on for one book! Now saying that you would think that I didn't like the book but I really did. I can't honestly say that there was a dull moment while I was reading, that's for sure.
I did feel that there were all together too many misunderstanding's between James and Ellie but after their past of “hating” each other I guess it was understandable to a point. They had thought the worst of each other for years so why stop now, right?
The love story, at the crux of it, was pretty good. Despite all the crap that life had thrown at them they managed to realize that they couldn't let the other get away.
There were some pretty fun secondary characters as well. Grieves was James's valet and he was wonderful. He kind of reminded me of the butler from the movie Arthur in that he was definitely impertinent. But in this book he was softer and more friendly. He had some great pearls of wisdom and his scenes in the book always made me smile. Another character was Lady Mercy Danforthe and she was a royal PITA! Granted she was only 12 but I loved her parts in the story and I really liked seeing her realize that she could be a child and not have to act like a little adult at all times.
Overall it was a really cute book and was entertaining.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
September 11, 2017
Gw baca langsung buku 2, karena uji coba dulu.. belom pernah baca mbak writer-nim kan, jadi pilih yg paling pengen gw baca dari summary trs gw baca (itu gw) dan ternyata bablas bacanya sampe pagi ehehehehe... seru dan lumayan kocak, trs ini temanya jg bkn ton aristrokat ya... ya masih lingkup ton sih, tp masnya sendiri cuma cucu Marquess (emaknya anak marquess) dan bapaknya pengusaha kaya raya, sementara mbaknya mamanya commoner dr Amerika, dan bapaknya itu tentara.. bapak angkat, karena mamanya seorang janda pas dateng ke London dlm kondisi hamil. Settingnya Sydney Dovedale dan London sih.. tp mayoritas di SD ahahahaha
Keluarga Hartley dan Vyne itu keluarga yg bermusuhan, sebabnya karena mamanya Hartley lari sama Vyne muda aka pamannya si mbak
gw gak bisa berenti bacanya eheheheh
Keluarga Hartley dan Vyne itu keluarga yg bermusuhan, sebabnya karena mamanya Hartley lari sama Vyne muda aka pamannya si mbak
gw gak bisa berenti bacanya eheheheh
December 17, 2012
This was a cute and funny read. Ellie, infamous troublemaker, is in need of money to pay off some family bills, so disguises herself as a French count and gambles. When she whens a set of jewelry from her nemesis, James Hartley, it brings more than money into her path. The two of them together are oil and water but they work together to uncover a mystery, they discover sometimes the most unlikely pairings cause sparks.
I liked Ellie, for the most part, with her quick wit and determination to be her true self no matter what any one else said. I wished she had told her friends and family where to stick it when they tried to manage her or mold her into someone more "acceptable". For such a strong character, she accepted a lot of recriminations from people who had no right to criticize. James, just as funny and quick-witted as Ellie, was a good match for her. Though indolent and a rake, he had a good heart and had an honest desire to help people when he could.
If I had a problem with this book, it was the lack of explanation or details to certain side parts to the story. We saw Ellie's determination to help her step-father and sisters but not details as to why. I didn't like them and their treatment of Ellie so it was hard to see why she was so eager to assist them. More back story would have been nice. Also, not much is shown about James's feelings about Rafe and his actions. The story starts off talking about it but then it seems to fizzle and nothing else important is mentioned.
Still, this was a good story featuring the type of characters I enjoy reading about: funny, strong, and with extraordinary personalities. I see possibilities with this author and look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
*Review copy from publisher via NetGalley.*
I liked Ellie, for the most part, with her quick wit and determination to be her true self no matter what any one else said. I wished she had told her friends and family where to stick it when they tried to manage her or mold her into someone more "acceptable". For such a strong character, she accepted a lot of recriminations from people who had no right to criticize. James, just as funny and quick-witted as Ellie, was a good match for her. Though indolent and a rake, he had a good heart and had an honest desire to help people when he could.
If I had a problem with this book, it was the lack of explanation or details to certain side parts to the story. We saw Ellie's determination to help her step-father and sisters but not details as to why. I didn't like them and their treatment of Ellie so it was hard to see why she was so eager to assist them. More back story would have been nice. Also, not much is shown about James's feelings about Rafe and his actions. The story starts off talking about it but then it seems to fizzle and nothing else important is mentioned.
Still, this was a good story featuring the type of characters I enjoy reading about: funny, strong, and with extraordinary personalities. I see possibilities with this author and look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
*Review copy from publisher via NetGalley.*
January 14, 2013
Written for: Beyond Reading
The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was one of the absolute most amusing books I've read recently and, since we're at the end, I get to say it's one of the absolute most amusing books I've read in 20-twelve. Jayne Fresina has a remarkable gift for words. Every character was well-written and well-rounded which resulted in an exciting, hilarious story.
I loved Ellie and Ellie's wit (which deserves demarcation) but, even more, I loved Ellie and James as a couple. Their relationship was loud and, in every way, messy - it bordered cantankerous at times, but only in the best possible sense. Despite that, they had moments of extreme tenderness and their sparks could ignite a room. My favorite character, though, would probably be Grieves - the hilarious butler.
The plot was a bit unexpected for a historical - hardly ever are characters so brazen when written in that time, but Fresina went against the usual flow and made a refreshing change while doing it (I was still surprised, mind you). There were plenty of twists and turns throughout the book and, I found, towards the end, the plot revolved around a certain character but, I suppose, that is what is to be expected in such a situation. I loved, though, absolutely loved, the glimpse we were given into Rafe and Mercy and, even more so, Molly and Carver - cute!
Every book has a few faults and, in this, the faults I found were inconsequential - I didn't like that we didn't get more from James and the certain character the plot revolved around at the end and Sophie, quite frankly, peeved me off a bit towards the conclusion.
With that, though, The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was a great read and I can hardly wait to read Mercy's book as well as Molly's.
The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was one of the absolute most amusing books I've read recently and, since we're at the end, I get to say it's one of the absolute most amusing books I've read in 20-twelve. Jayne Fresina has a remarkable gift for words. Every character was well-written and well-rounded which resulted in an exciting, hilarious story.
I loved Ellie and Ellie's wit (which deserves demarcation) but, even more, I loved Ellie and James as a couple. Their relationship was loud and, in every way, messy - it bordered cantankerous at times, but only in the best possible sense. Despite that, they had moments of extreme tenderness and their sparks could ignite a room. My favorite character, though, would probably be Grieves - the hilarious butler.
The plot was a bit unexpected for a historical - hardly ever are characters so brazen when written in that time, but Fresina went against the usual flow and made a refreshing change while doing it (I was still surprised, mind you). There were plenty of twists and turns throughout the book and, I found, towards the end, the plot revolved around a certain character but, I suppose, that is what is to be expected in such a situation. I loved, though, absolutely loved, the glimpse we were given into Rafe and Mercy and, even more so, Molly and Carver - cute!
Every book has a few faults and, in this, the faults I found were inconsequential - I didn't like that we didn't get more from James and the certain character the plot revolved around at the end and Sophie, quite frankly, peeved me off a bit towards the conclusion.
With that, though, The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne was a great read and I can hardly wait to read Mercy's book as well as Molly's.
December 14, 2012
James Hartley and Ellie Vyne have always bickered with each other. And they continue to bicker with each other throughout this whole book. They act like they can't stand each other. But it's pretty easy to see they use all that arguing to hide their true feelings and, really, themselves. Neither is completely the person they present to society and their family and friends. It's also a way for them to connect. They seem to really enjoy it and they bicker all the way to the end.
I did not like James when he appeared in the previous book. He acted like a real jerk. I wondered how Fresina was going to get me to like him. She presents a more complex James in this book. He's actually pretty sweet. And I liked his humor very much. James won me over.
I wouldn't have minded seeing a couple more sweet moments between the two. They always seem in conflict, even when they are intimate.
But the characters really make this book. They're fun.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
I did not like James when he appeared in the previous book. He acted like a real jerk. I wondered how Fresina was going to get me to like him. She presents a more complex James in this book. He's actually pretty sweet. And I liked his humor very much. James won me over.
I wouldn't have minded seeing a couple more sweet moments between the two. They always seem in conflict, even when they are intimate.
But the characters really make this book. They're fun.
ARC provided through NetGalley.
June 29, 2016
Cute story. Mostly brangling between hero and heroine, but their coming together was believable, just. I didn't see much motivation for either the hero or heroine, but it was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
September 3, 2014
There is a very fine line between hate and love. Ellie Vyne and James Hartley walk it for this entire book. It's SO entertaining.
March 13, 2018
Passar as últimas duas semanas lendo apenas romances históricos me trouxe a sensação ainda mais presente de que esse é o gênero literário que mais amo. E "Madrugas de Desejo" foi o primeiro que peguei da minha pilha de livro para ler e foi muito show.
Um homem e uma mulher que são inimigos declarados desde a infância tem um reencontro inusitado, onde nenhum deles sabe a identidade dos outro, mas esse dia toca ambos de uma forma profunda e com um suave toque de caça ás cegas. Ellie Vyne é uma jovem que mesmo com menos de 28 anos já é considerada uma solteirona e foge das tentativas de suas irmãs em casá-la, e James Harley é um libertino que gosta de suas aventuras e não quer se ligar á ninguém.
Quote: " - Senhor, é isso que acontece com libertino que vão envelhecendo. As mulheres passa a vê-los como inofensivos, como alguém que está do lado delas."
Ellie está muito tranquila com respeito a como sua vida está. Não quer casar e aproveita muito a liberdade que tem, no entanto, a única coisa que a preocupa é conseguir dinheiro para ajudar seu pai a se sustentar. E isso a leva a usar um disfarce, e como brincadeira do destino, Ellie rouba um pertence muito precioso de James e é como se uma caçada começasse.
Quote: " - Então, venha me encontrar novamente quando estiver sóbrio. Pegue-me, se for capaz."
James quer seu pertence de volta, mas não antes de fazer com que a Srta. Ellie seja dele. A personalidade da Ellie é algo contagiante e eu entendi porque o jeito aventureiro e sagaz da jovem o atormenta e o atrai como uma formiga para um doce, e eu fiquei cativada por isso. E mesmo sofrendo tanta pressão por partes das irmãs que em nenhum momento estão do lado dela ou sequer dão algum crédito para os seus desejos, Ellie arruma um jeito bem louco de ser livre. Mas James não a deixará tão livre assim.
Quote: "Ele percebeu que uma coisa era certa, ela nunca choraria em seu ombro com seus problemas. Ela não queria ser salva nem consolada por ele."
Nosso mocinho é um cavalheiro de posses que pela primeira vez vê em Ellie a ideia de constituir uma família. E é quando ela propõe cinco noites para receber seus serviços de garanhão mais cartas são postas nas mesas e mais envolvimento acontece. James é um ótimo personagem, porém cada vez que a Ellie abria a boca mais eu ficava enlaçada pelo jeito carismático e louca dela - e James também.
Quote: "Estranhamente, essa mulher a quem ele sempre criticou para quem ouvisse acabou se tornando a parceira perfeita para James."
Odeio quando dizem que as mocinhas de romances de época são "á frente de seu tempo", mas não existe outra expressão que explique melhor que tipo de pessoa Ellie é. Ela é realmente assim: com pensamentos próprios, com questionamentos diferenciados e propostas divertidas; tanto que a personagem é um tanto desprovida de decoro - o que é meio hilário devido á época -, no entanto, isso a torna muito interessante a cada virada de página.
E deixo como surpresa para o leitor o fator familiar da Ellie que foi algo que não esperava e que me pegou de jeito. Em nenhum momento suspeitei de nada, pois algo criado pela própria protagonista acaba se virando contra ela em certo momento no livro, e eu só queria gritar devido á imprevisto repentino que trouxe a trama. Amei mesmo!
Jayne Fresina é uma autora muito carismática que mesmo com uma narrativa em terceira pessoa mostrando os pontos de vista dos personagens principais consegue trazer diversidade na hora da escrita.
Um homem e uma mulher que são inimigos declarados desde a infância tem um reencontro inusitado, onde nenhum deles sabe a identidade dos outro, mas esse dia toca ambos de uma forma profunda e com um suave toque de caça ás cegas. Ellie Vyne é uma jovem que mesmo com menos de 28 anos já é considerada uma solteirona e foge das tentativas de suas irmãs em casá-la, e James Harley é um libertino que gosta de suas aventuras e não quer se ligar á ninguém.
Quote: " - Senhor, é isso que acontece com libertino que vão envelhecendo. As mulheres passa a vê-los como inofensivos, como alguém que está do lado delas."
Ellie está muito tranquila com respeito a como sua vida está. Não quer casar e aproveita muito a liberdade que tem, no entanto, a única coisa que a preocupa é conseguir dinheiro para ajudar seu pai a se sustentar. E isso a leva a usar um disfarce, e como brincadeira do destino, Ellie rouba um pertence muito precioso de James e é como se uma caçada começasse.
Quote: " - Então, venha me encontrar novamente quando estiver sóbrio. Pegue-me, se for capaz."
James quer seu pertence de volta, mas não antes de fazer com que a Srta. Ellie seja dele. A personalidade da Ellie é algo contagiante e eu entendi porque o jeito aventureiro e sagaz da jovem o atormenta e o atrai como uma formiga para um doce, e eu fiquei cativada por isso. E mesmo sofrendo tanta pressão por partes das irmãs que em nenhum momento estão do lado dela ou sequer dão algum crédito para os seus desejos, Ellie arruma um jeito bem louco de ser livre. Mas James não a deixará tão livre assim.
Quote: "Ele percebeu que uma coisa era certa, ela nunca choraria em seu ombro com seus problemas. Ela não queria ser salva nem consolada por ele."
Nosso mocinho é um cavalheiro de posses que pela primeira vez vê em Ellie a ideia de constituir uma família. E é quando ela propõe cinco noites para receber seus serviços de garanhão mais cartas são postas nas mesas e mais envolvimento acontece. James é um ótimo personagem, porém cada vez que a Ellie abria a boca mais eu ficava enlaçada pelo jeito carismático e louca dela - e James também.
Quote: "Estranhamente, essa mulher a quem ele sempre criticou para quem ouvisse acabou se tornando a parceira perfeita para James."
Odeio quando dizem que as mocinhas de romances de época são "á frente de seu tempo", mas não existe outra expressão que explique melhor que tipo de pessoa Ellie é. Ela é realmente assim: com pensamentos próprios, com questionamentos diferenciados e propostas divertidas; tanto que a personagem é um tanto desprovida de decoro - o que é meio hilário devido á época -, no entanto, isso a torna muito interessante a cada virada de página.
E deixo como surpresa para o leitor o fator familiar da Ellie que foi algo que não esperava e que me pegou de jeito. Em nenhum momento suspeitei de nada, pois algo criado pela própria protagonista acaba se virando contra ela em certo momento no livro, e eu só queria gritar devido á imprevisto repentino que trouxe a trama. Amei mesmo!
Jayne Fresina é uma autora muito carismática que mesmo com uma narrativa em terceira pessoa mostrando os pontos de vista dos personagens principais consegue trazer diversidade na hora da escrita.
January 21, 2018
It was ok, nothing stellar. The hero and heroine have known each other forever. The hero used to be in love with the heroine, Ellie, best friend , Sophie. Sophie broke the hero, james, heart and ended up marrying a farmer.
When they were younger, James used to make fun of Ellie and she has hated him ever since. Ellie has been responsible for supporting her step -father and her two ungrateful sisters for years. During this , she had been a nurse to a older Duke, so everyone in society thinks she was really his mistress. The Duke dies and Ellie is stuck living off the generosity of her 2 ungrateful sisters, whom in reality just want her to marry so they can be rid of her.
Ellie, needing money , disguises herself as the "Count" in order to gamble. During one of her gambling nights she plays against James's mistress whom happens to have his family diamonds. The mistress gives the "count" the diamonds in payment of her gambling debts. Shortly there after, James busts into Ellie's room looking for the count and his diamonds , but only see's ellie there and thinks she is the "counts " mistress. Unbeknownst to them both, another imposter is pretending to be the count also and is following them and interfering in their lives.
Also, there is a 10 year old girl, Lady mercy, that follows James around because he saved her life and she is in love with him.
The hero and heroine get together, but she feels that she will always be second to Sophie, his first love and her best friend. Also, the hero finds out that he has an illig. son that he thought was dead, but really isn't.
It was an ok book. The count plot piece actually is what made this a three star book for me. I felt it was "silly" . It was not developed very well and whom the other count was, just really made it fall flat. Also, there was just too much going on in the plot, so the author was unable to develope any one plot piece very well. Some cases, less is more. I wish todays authors didn't try and write a "stephine plum" novel as a historical romance. The little girl was somewhat amusing and kept the story moving. I probably would not reread this book.
Heat level- Steamy
violence- fistacuff
When they were younger, James used to make fun of Ellie and she has hated him ever since. Ellie has been responsible for supporting her step -father and her two ungrateful sisters for years. During this , she had been a nurse to a older Duke, so everyone in society thinks she was really his mistress. The Duke dies and Ellie is stuck living off the generosity of her 2 ungrateful sisters, whom in reality just want her to marry so they can be rid of her.
Ellie, needing money , disguises herself as the "Count" in order to gamble. During one of her gambling nights she plays against James's mistress whom happens to have his family diamonds. The mistress gives the "count" the diamonds in payment of her gambling debts. Shortly there after, James busts into Ellie's room looking for the count and his diamonds , but only see's ellie there and thinks she is the "counts " mistress. Unbeknownst to them both, another imposter is pretending to be the count also and is following them and interfering in their lives.
Also, there is a 10 year old girl, Lady mercy, that follows James around because he saved her life and she is in love with him.
The hero and heroine get together, but she feels that she will always be second to Sophie, his first love and her best friend. Also, the hero finds out that he has an illig. son that he thought was dead, but really isn't.
It was an ok book. The count plot piece actually is what made this a three star book for me. I felt it was "silly" . It was not developed very well and whom the other count was, just really made it fall flat. Also, there was just too much going on in the plot, so the author was unable to develope any one plot piece very well. Some cases, less is more. I wish todays authors didn't try and write a "stephine plum" novel as a historical romance. The little girl was somewhat amusing and kept the story moving. I probably would not reread this book.
Heat level- Steamy
violence- fistacuff
February 8, 2021
A fun, surprisingly sexy romp. After i read my first book by JF I wasn't sure i liked her lighthearted messy style but Ive really enjoyed the last 3. Fresina develops all her characters beautifully so the story feels authentic and real. James and Elle’s arcs were really well done. Elle was a joy but her backstory and motivations were a bit hard to swallow especially given the historical period, but in an odd way it helps explain her unique and brazen persona, even if the author didn’t develop it as well as it could have been developed. I really enjoyed watching James stumble through his process of self awareness--about himself and about how he felt towards Elle. Fresina writes great dialogue and banter and the plot was pretty well done after a confusing start, a bit silly at times but JF writes with her own form of self awareness so its easier to forgive.
June 27, 2019
I didn't realize this was a series, but I'm not sure that mattered. I liked this story a lot, up until the fake amnesia thing. It just didn't seem worth the spats and hissing any more, I mean the two clearly liked each other.
However, some funny lines and likable enough characters and a charming, droll valet. Sophie makes more than an appearance in this one, so I'll read her story as well.
However, some funny lines and likable enough characters and a charming, droll valet. Sophie makes more than an appearance in this one, so I'll read her story as well.
March 14, 2019
a little fantastic but saved by wit and conversation
ending wrapped up at warp speed which was unsettling, could have used an epilogue at the least rather than falling off the cliff on last page
however, laughed sufficiently to read another in this series
good enough recommendation for anyone
ending wrapped up at warp speed which was unsettling, could have used an epilogue at the least rather than falling off the cliff on last page
however, laughed sufficiently to read another in this series
good enough recommendation for anyone
August 17, 2018
Smart, funny, and tantalizing.
September 10, 2018
Meh. Too much dumb drama. Forgettable characters. Lack of communication is a major plot device.
June 5, 2019
Muito bom. Coerente, dinâmico e interessante.
A autora tornou uma das "mais" para mim. Parabéns!
A autora tornou uma das "mais" para mim. Parabéns!
June 25, 2019
Good book - interesting twist to the usual historical story. I'll read more from this author.
April 30, 2020
Pbs copy, 4.5 funny!
September 13, 2020
Loved the back and forth banter between the two main characters. Extremely witty and enjoyable to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
A fun read, would have preferred James to be a little more caring than controlling at the end, but overall enjoyable read.
December 22, 2021
Cute historical romance, but the heroine’s long lost father was way too cringeworthy.
April 18, 2024
Good Book
I enjoyed this book. It was witty and romantic. This author writes sophisticated stories that are also very entertaining. Enjoy
I enjoyed this book. It was witty and romantic. This author writes sophisticated stories that are also very entertaining. Enjoy
June 21, 2024
3.5 stars
How cute! Also hot at times
How cute! Also hot at times
June 16, 2025
There were some problematic things, and the whole thing smelled of misogyny. On the other hand, I honestly really enjoyed it. It was a fun, trashy, and spicy book. A guilty pleasure.
February 23, 2017
There were a lot of “seconds” surrounding The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne. Not only is this book two of Jayne Fresina’s Sydney Dovetale series, but the story is about two characters taking a second look at one another and finding love; about creating a second chance to make your life the way you want it. And for me, reading this book was a second chance for the author to make a positive impression on me as a reader after a disappointing debut story last year. While I believe all of the elements were within this book to have made it a winner, I think something was lacking in the execution and it didn’t quite renew my excitement in the series as a whole.
Miss. Ellie Vyne and James Hartley have a long and rather infamous history with one another going back seventeen years from the start of our story. Due to some bad blood between their families, both Ellie and James grew up with the preconceived notion to hate the other person. As they got older, that ill regard became an all-out war between them; with each seizing opportunities to take shots at the other across every ballroom, sitting room or club across London. It has become so ingrained within their personality to dislike one another that neither one have realized that the animosity had long since become a cover for something much deeper between them.
The crux of James and Ellie’s story is rediscovering the truth about someone you thought you already knew. James has always seen Ellie as a bit of a wild woman, without any discipline in her life and perhaps creating more problems for herself than a woman should. What he fails to see in Ellie is her strength of character, her drive to succeed when her situation has provided her few opportunities and her long suppressed need to belong to someone who will accept all of her without wanting her to change who she is. For Ellie, she too has been prejudiced against James for what she perceived were gaps in his honor and for his rakish behavior. He also made the grievous error of falling in love with her best friend while a small portion of her own heart had been captured by him and he never saw her. What she comes to learn about James is that so much of his behavior is his own search for someone who cares for the man and not the reputation. He is also fighting against the memory of a youthful mistake that he failed to rectify at the time and feels he will never have the chance to fix it.
The entire flow of the story is dependent on the reader wanting to see James and Ellie discover that other side of one another, to open themselves up to scrutiny and find something worthwhile in both themselves and each other. I was right there with both characters for the first 80-pages or so; seeing them spar with one another and seeing the deeper meaning behind many of the cuts they were taking. However by that same 80-page mark I had hoped to see some progress in their relationship beyond just a surface understanding. Unfortunately Ellie’s character is so wary of trusting James that any progress they make is a shuffle of one step forward, one step back, with very little really moving either the story or their relationship forward.
I also disliked how the author kept relying on silly contrivances to attempt to make the story interesting. She starts off with James falling for a mystery woman at a party who the reader knows is Ellie, so I figured that the book would be about James having to discover that his “love” had been there all along. Then, we are thrown in another direction with the inclusion of a diamond necklace that Ellie uses as collateral against creating a pseudo-relationship with James in order to get her pregnant. The final straw for me was when James, in order to teach Ellie a lesson (why do men in these book always want to choose the most awkward ways to teach lessons?) pretends he has amnesia and becomes her manservant. One of these plot devices would have been enough on top of the already in place enemies-to-lovers trope, but to include three or more into the narrative just started taking away from the underlying romance. It seemed like Ms. Fresina either had a lot of ideas that she wanted to cram into the book or she wasn’t quite sure how to get James and Ellie together so the tried everything but the kitchen sink! Removing all silly set-ups would have improved my impression of the story and probably would have made the read all the more engaging. As it was I had to fight myself to get to the end and wasn’t 100% satisfied by the conclusion.
There is definitely something compelling about the characters within the Sydney Dovetale world Ms. Fresina has created because even though both books one and two weren’t on my recommended list, I still find myself curious about the next title in the series with two next-generation characters finding love. Perhaps for this author the third time will be the charm?
Miss. Ellie Vyne and James Hartley have a long and rather infamous history with one another going back seventeen years from the start of our story. Due to some bad blood between their families, both Ellie and James grew up with the preconceived notion to hate the other person. As they got older, that ill regard became an all-out war between them; with each seizing opportunities to take shots at the other across every ballroom, sitting room or club across London. It has become so ingrained within their personality to dislike one another that neither one have realized that the animosity had long since become a cover for something much deeper between them.
The crux of James and Ellie’s story is rediscovering the truth about someone you thought you already knew. James has always seen Ellie as a bit of a wild woman, without any discipline in her life and perhaps creating more problems for herself than a woman should. What he fails to see in Ellie is her strength of character, her drive to succeed when her situation has provided her few opportunities and her long suppressed need to belong to someone who will accept all of her without wanting her to change who she is. For Ellie, she too has been prejudiced against James for what she perceived were gaps in his honor and for his rakish behavior. He also made the grievous error of falling in love with her best friend while a small portion of her own heart had been captured by him and he never saw her. What she comes to learn about James is that so much of his behavior is his own search for someone who cares for the man and not the reputation. He is also fighting against the memory of a youthful mistake that he failed to rectify at the time and feels he will never have the chance to fix it.
The entire flow of the story is dependent on the reader wanting to see James and Ellie discover that other side of one another, to open themselves up to scrutiny and find something worthwhile in both themselves and each other. I was right there with both characters for the first 80-pages or so; seeing them spar with one another and seeing the deeper meaning behind many of the cuts they were taking. However by that same 80-page mark I had hoped to see some progress in their relationship beyond just a surface understanding. Unfortunately Ellie’s character is so wary of trusting James that any progress they make is a shuffle of one step forward, one step back, with very little really moving either the story or their relationship forward.
I also disliked how the author kept relying on silly contrivances to attempt to make the story interesting. She starts off with James falling for a mystery woman at a party who the reader knows is Ellie, so I figured that the book would be about James having to discover that his “love” had been there all along. Then, we are thrown in another direction with the inclusion of a diamond necklace that Ellie uses as collateral against creating a pseudo-relationship with James in order to get her pregnant. The final straw for me was when James, in order to teach Ellie a lesson (why do men in these book always want to choose the most awkward ways to teach lessons?) pretends he has amnesia and becomes her manservant. One of these plot devices would have been enough on top of the already in place enemies-to-lovers trope, but to include three or more into the narrative just started taking away from the underlying romance. It seemed like Ms. Fresina either had a lot of ideas that she wanted to cram into the book or she wasn’t quite sure how to get James and Ellie together so the tried everything but the kitchen sink! Removing all silly set-ups would have improved my impression of the story and probably would have made the read all the more engaging. As it was I had to fight myself to get to the end and wasn’t 100% satisfied by the conclusion.
There is definitely something compelling about the characters within the Sydney Dovetale world Ms. Fresina has created because even though both books one and two weren’t on my recommended list, I still find myself curious about the next title in the series with two next-generation characters finding love. Perhaps for this author the third time will be the charm?
October 19, 2013
Cleverly written, and fiercely entertaining, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE is a delightful read. Jayne Fresina has struck gold with the second installment of the Sydney Dovedale series.
Ellie Vyne lurks around London's various gambling hells dressed as a man...the Count de Bonneville. Under disguise, no one is aware of her true identity and she encounters little strife for her efforts until she gets her hands on the Hartley diamonds. This brings her face to face with her greatest enemy, James Hartley, a far too handsome rake who has tortured her since childhood. When James' search for the diamonds and the Count brings him to Ellie, he can hardly believe his misfortune. Believing she is the Count's lover, he is convinced keeping her close is the only way to retrieve his diamonds. Knowing Ellie for all these years, James realizes that someone has to take her in hand to reform her wicked ways. Fortunately for Ellie, James is willing to sacrifice himself in marriage to tame her once and for all. Now the only problem left is getting her to say ‘I do.'
From beginning to end, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE is an amazing journey. It's light, funny, witty...everything you could possibly want from a unique historical romance. The dialogue is so vivid between these two characters it feels like it just snaps right off the pages. Their banter makes them truly captivating characters and far too endearing. Unsurprisingly, Ms Fresina doesn't just get it right with the lead characters. Her secondary characters add just as much, if not more, to the overall story. Most obvious is a feisty young girl that is fantastically daring and outspoken. She is not one to mince words and her brutal comments will have you smiling and laughing. Luckily, it looks like her story will be featured in the next Sydney Dovedale novel giving you something else to look forward to in this series.
The developing romance between Ellie and James is a little bit of everything. It's cheeky, sweet, and downright scorching. From the first chapter, their arguments take on the spirit of an old married couple, showing how perfect they truly are for each other. It hooks you into their story immediately and provides pages of entertainment. Once they move past the teasing, their attraction is irresistible. Mainly because Ms Fresina has crafted two perfectly flawed characters and supports it by writing a mesmerizing tale of seduction with love scenes that leave readers breathless.
I love both characters equally for many reasons. One out of many is because Ellie is not the typically unmarried heroine. She is strong, independent and certainly not the sweet virginal wallflower. She dares to be bold and has plenty of fun causing more than her share of mischief. James on the other hand is the dashing rake looking for a second chance. He doesn't want to continue his life hopping from one bed to another, but rather to settle down and grow up. Believing the world has always viewed him in the wrong light, he takes the time to see things from all perspectives. He is never one to accept the first and obvious conclusion.
New readers should not hesitate to read this novel. Although the hero is a popular character in the first book, I feel that the uncomplicated back story will make it easy for newcomers to catch on quickly. Yet if you are a stickler for reading things in order, it might be best to pick up the first novel, The Most Improper Sophie Valentine. There are a few major plot points that involve actions from the first novel. They are fully explained in this novel, though. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy that novel nearly as much as Ellie and James' journey, so don't be discouraged if you don't fall madly in love with book one.
THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE is undoubtedly a keeper! This bold and sassy novel with keep you up well into the night, desperate to finish it. With lovely characters, witty dialogue and a strong romance, Jayne Fresina has penned a novel that is wickedly good.
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
Ellie Vyne lurks around London's various gambling hells dressed as a man...the Count de Bonneville. Under disguise, no one is aware of her true identity and she encounters little strife for her efforts until she gets her hands on the Hartley diamonds. This brings her face to face with her greatest enemy, James Hartley, a far too handsome rake who has tortured her since childhood. When James' search for the diamonds and the Count brings him to Ellie, he can hardly believe his misfortune. Believing she is the Count's lover, he is convinced keeping her close is the only way to retrieve his diamonds. Knowing Ellie for all these years, James realizes that someone has to take her in hand to reform her wicked ways. Fortunately for Ellie, James is willing to sacrifice himself in marriage to tame her once and for all. Now the only problem left is getting her to say ‘I do.'
From beginning to end, THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE is an amazing journey. It's light, funny, witty...everything you could possibly want from a unique historical romance. The dialogue is so vivid between these two characters it feels like it just snaps right off the pages. Their banter makes them truly captivating characters and far too endearing. Unsurprisingly, Ms Fresina doesn't just get it right with the lead characters. Her secondary characters add just as much, if not more, to the overall story. Most obvious is a feisty young girl that is fantastically daring and outspoken. She is not one to mince words and her brutal comments will have you smiling and laughing. Luckily, it looks like her story will be featured in the next Sydney Dovedale novel giving you something else to look forward to in this series.
The developing romance between Ellie and James is a little bit of everything. It's cheeky, sweet, and downright scorching. From the first chapter, their arguments take on the spirit of an old married couple, showing how perfect they truly are for each other. It hooks you into their story immediately and provides pages of entertainment. Once they move past the teasing, their attraction is irresistible. Mainly because Ms Fresina has crafted two perfectly flawed characters and supports it by writing a mesmerizing tale of seduction with love scenes that leave readers breathless.
I love both characters equally for many reasons. One out of many is because Ellie is not the typically unmarried heroine. She is strong, independent and certainly not the sweet virginal wallflower. She dares to be bold and has plenty of fun causing more than her share of mischief. James on the other hand is the dashing rake looking for a second chance. He doesn't want to continue his life hopping from one bed to another, but rather to settle down and grow up. Believing the world has always viewed him in the wrong light, he takes the time to see things from all perspectives. He is never one to accept the first and obvious conclusion.
New readers should not hesitate to read this novel. Although the hero is a popular character in the first book, I feel that the uncomplicated back story will make it easy for newcomers to catch on quickly. Yet if you are a stickler for reading things in order, it might be best to pick up the first novel, The Most Improper Sophie Valentine. There are a few major plot points that involve actions from the first novel. They are fully explained in this novel, though. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy that novel nearly as much as Ellie and James' journey, so don't be discouraged if you don't fall madly in love with book one.
THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE is undoubtedly a keeper! This bold and sassy novel with keep you up well into the night, desperate to finish it. With lovely characters, witty dialogue and a strong romance, Jayne Fresina has penned a novel that is wickedly good.
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
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