What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reluctant Bride Collection #2
To Tame a Lady
Lady Amelia Delaney is known for her sharp tongue, no-nonsense attitude, and a rather sizable fortune. Numerous suitors have tried to win her hand-- for the money, for the challenge, and for a rather unfortunate bet. She knows the unflattering reasons behind her numerous proposals; can she ever accept that a man would want to marry her just for herself?
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage; a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage; a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2012
910 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
Megan Bryce
20 books281 followersMegan Bryce sits in front of a computer all day making up stories for a living. Which means she is not nearly as interesting (as well as tall, svelte, and/or dressed) as her characters. She gets bored quickly and just can't be bothered with anyone in her head who doesn't make her laugh--which translates into fun books, outrageous situations, and witty characters.
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
December 15, 2014
Not bad for a Kindle freebie, so I suppose I'm grading it on a bit of a curve. This Regency romance novella features Amelia, a sharp-tongued lady with the nickname of "the Dragon," who specializes in fixing everyone else's problems, and Jameson, the childhood friend of Amelia's brother (and of Amelia herself), a handsome guy of the rakish and mischievous sort. Jameson has broken off an engagement to another young lady, which was Not Done, and Amelia is trying to fix his standing in society, as well as convince the other girl that she's better off without him and find her a better fiancé. Jameson decides that what he really needs a wife with some intelligence and a strong backbone, and it suddenly occurs to him that his old friend Amelia would fit the bill extremely well. The only trouble is convincing Amelia herself that this is a good idea.
It started off fairly strong but I thought the storyline got a little weak toward the end. But I liked the main couple and the story had some nice touches of humor and some pretty good banter, and I enjoyed it overall, so four stars it is. Well, maybe 3 1/2 stars, but I'm going to round up.
It started off fairly strong but I thought the storyline got a little weak toward the end. But I liked the main couple and the story had some nice touches of humor and some pretty good banter, and I enjoyed it overall, so four stars it is. Well, maybe 3 1/2 stars, but I'm going to round up.
own-need-to-read
December 13, 2014Kindle Freebie through 12/31/14 To Tame A Dragon (The Reluctant Bride Collection #2) by Megan Bryce http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Come back to a time when manners are everything and rules are made to never be broken. Come back to a time when men are in charge and women do what they are told. . .
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
To Tame A Dragon
Lady Amelia Delaney is known for her sharp tongue, no-nonsense attitude, and sizable fortune. Numerous suitors have tried to win her hand for the money, for the challenge, and for a rather unfortunate bet. She knows the unflattering reasons behind her numerous proposals– can she ever accept that a man would want to marry her just for herself?
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage– a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
~The Reluctant Bride Collection~ (books can be read in any order)
To Catch A Spinster
To Tame A Dragon
To Wed The Widow
To Tempt The Saint (coming Summer 2015)
Come back to a time when manners are everything and rules are made to never be broken. Come back to a time when men are in charge and women do what they are told. . .
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
To Tame A Dragon
Lady Amelia Delaney is known for her sharp tongue, no-nonsense attitude, and sizable fortune. Numerous suitors have tried to win her hand for the money, for the challenge, and for a rather unfortunate bet. She knows the unflattering reasons behind her numerous proposals– can she ever accept that a man would want to marry her just for herself?
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage– a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
~The Reluctant Bride Collection~ (books can be read in any order)
To Catch A Spinster
To Tame A Dragon
To Wed The Widow
To Tempt The Saint (coming Summer 2015)
June 15, 2019
I often download free books at ammy and more than half the time they rarely inspire me to leave a review. This book however, is worth leaving a word.
The hero a typical regency hero: rich, unrepentant rake, self-absorb, and a bored aristocrat who is considered a price catch of every scheming mama of the ton.
The heroine is what drew me more. She is an unrepentant outspoken lady of the ton and I like her more because she really impersonate her moniker 'dragon' well. However, the author presented her well because despite her dragon-ness, her fire rarely hits the innocents and she knew how to wield her power with discretion. Mostly, I loved her jaded view of the world especially since her opinion was formed through her own experience.
The romance? Er, is there one? I love how the author centered the main character's story not on the 'romance' part but in how they view their society, each other and themselves. I like how open their eyes to each other's faults and strengths. Also I laughed, I gasped, I shook my head, and then I laugh some more at how the hero pursue the heroine and how the heroine made the hero walk the line.
If the heroine was any other character, I would have thought she gave up easily on her resistance against the hero's pursuit but as her character is the no-nonsense-no-games kind of woman, I think her no fanfare acceptance is very appropriate to her character.
Overall, this was a fun read, and at least a bit out of the common regency romance in how the story progressed. I will definitely look for this author's other books.
The hero a typical regency hero: rich, unrepentant rake, self-absorb, and a bored aristocrat who is considered a price catch of every scheming mama of the ton.
The heroine is what drew me more. She is an unrepentant outspoken lady of the ton and I like her more because she really impersonate her moniker 'dragon' well. However, the author presented her well because despite her dragon-ness, her fire rarely hits the innocents and she knew how to wield her power with discretion. Mostly, I loved her jaded view of the world especially since her opinion was formed through her own experience.
The romance? Er, is there one? I love how the author centered the main character's story not on the 'romance' part but in how they view their society, each other and themselves. I like how open their eyes to each other's faults and strengths. Also I laughed, I gasped, I shook my head, and then I laugh some more at how the hero pursue the heroine and how the heroine made the hero walk the line.
If the heroine was any other character, I would have thought she gave up easily on her resistance against the hero's pursuit but as her character is the no-nonsense-no-games kind of woman, I think her no fanfare acceptance is very appropriate to her character.
Overall, this was a fun read, and at least a bit out of the common regency romance in how the story progressed. I will definitely look for this author's other books.
April 21, 2017
As ever with Bryce this was a curious little book. Short and snappy, light on plot, but, somehow, involving. The dialogue is entertaining and amusing (which is good because Bryce is very dialogue heavy).
Our hero, Jameson, had a tragic childhood . This is a heavy subject even in romance, a genre in which tragedy stalks the background of many a character, but Jameson became a carefree Dandy in response to it all. So it can all be handled in Bryce's typical lighthearted way.
Amelia, the heroine, is his lifelong best friend along with her brother Robin. She's a managing dragon who is constantly looking out for the two men in her life. She wants those around her to be happy and she'll interfere to make it happen. She's had her heart broken and scandal in the past but again it's handled with a lightness of touch (indeed, we never really get the full story, just a vague outline). In no sense are these two characters martyrs to their backgrounds.
This is a simple story of friends to lovers. Like I say, there's not a whole lot of plot but it held my full attention throughout (helped, no doubt, by the fact that it's not too long).
The reader can see these two are perfect for one another from the off. They're both unusual and quirky (in a non-irritating way) and they fit together. It's certainly obvious that Jameson is in love with Amelia (he catalogues her good qualities in complete obliviousness to what that might say about his feelings). Then one day, he just gets it: they should marry. And eventually after some lovely persuasion: she gets it too.
There are good secondary characters. In particular, four brothers who are never named and who (in a fantastically farcical moment) all propose to Amelia at the same time.
Much like the rest of this series, this was an entirely solid, interesting, engaging and well written book. It's not spectacular enough to be five stars but I do recommend it and the rest of Bryce's Reluctant Bride Collection.
Our hero, Jameson, had a tragic childhood . This is a heavy subject even in romance, a genre in which tragedy stalks the background of many a character, but Jameson became a carefree Dandy in response to it all. So it can all be handled in Bryce's typical lighthearted way.
Amelia, the heroine, is his lifelong best friend along with her brother Robin. She's a managing dragon who is constantly looking out for the two men in her life. She wants those around her to be happy and she'll interfere to make it happen. She's had her heart broken and scandal in the past but again it's handled with a lightness of touch (indeed, we never really get the full story, just a vague outline). In no sense are these two characters martyrs to their backgrounds.
This is a simple story of friends to lovers. Like I say, there's not a whole lot of plot but it held my full attention throughout (helped, no doubt, by the fact that it's not too long).
The reader can see these two are perfect for one another from the off. They're both unusual and quirky (in a non-irritating way) and they fit together. It's certainly obvious that Jameson is in love with Amelia (he catalogues her good qualities in complete obliviousness to what that might say about his feelings). Then one day, he just gets it: they should marry. And eventually after some lovely persuasion: she gets it too.
There are good secondary characters. In particular, four brothers who are never named and who (in a fantastically farcical moment) all propose to Amelia at the same time.
Much like the rest of this series, this was an entirely solid, interesting, engaging and well written book. It's not spectacular enough to be five stars but I do recommend it and the rest of Bryce's Reluctant Bride Collection.
October 29, 2018
Amelia and Jameson
Jameson Pendrake, the ninth Earl of Nighting, jilts his fiancee, Miss Clarice Underwood, at the altar. He is fearful of repeating his parent's mistakes. He needs a woman who can stand up against his past. His friend, Amelia Delaney, comes to the rescue to persuade Clarice that Jameson is not good husband material. Amelia feels that if she and Clarice put out in the gossip mill that it was Clarice's action to save herself from Jameson's indiscretions, they can avoid a scandal.
Jameson is a stylised devil-may-care dandy. His childhood friends -- Robin and Amelia -- know all his imperfections. They know he is not always the man with the charming smile and good looks. He needs a wife with backbone, who can accept the self-absorbed aristocrat. Jameson believes he has found the right woman; his friend Amelia. Amelia feels he is playing a funny joke. She doesn't take him seriously. How will Jameson convince her that his suit is true?
This is another fun, easy read. The novel is light on plot. We learn more about Jameson's background than we do Amelia's. The dialogue is great. I look forward to reading book three next.
Jameson Pendrake, the ninth Earl of Nighting, jilts his fiancee, Miss Clarice Underwood, at the altar. He is fearful of repeating his parent's mistakes. He needs a woman who can stand up against his past. His friend, Amelia Delaney, comes to the rescue to persuade Clarice that Jameson is not good husband material. Amelia feels that if she and Clarice put out in the gossip mill that it was Clarice's action to save herself from Jameson's indiscretions, they can avoid a scandal.
Jameson is a stylised devil-may-care dandy. His childhood friends -- Robin and Amelia -- know all his imperfections. They know he is not always the man with the charming smile and good looks. He needs a wife with backbone, who can accept the self-absorbed aristocrat. Jameson believes he has found the right woman; his friend Amelia. Amelia feels he is playing a funny joke. She doesn't take him seriously. How will Jameson convince her that his suit is true?
This is another fun, easy read. The novel is light on plot. We learn more about Jameson's background than we do Amelia's. The dialogue is great. I look forward to reading book three next.
September 12, 2013
"Kneed by his dainty bride-to-be and left groaning on the floor. How, how could a woman who weighed less than one of his hunting dogs have felled him so effectively? So embarrassingly."
So begins the Regency/Romance novel, To Tame A Dragon by Megan Bryce, book two in The Reluctant Bride Collection. Jameson Pendrake calls off his engagement a day before his wedding as he knows she's not right for him or he for her. In comes his friend since childhood, Lady Amelia Delaney, to pick up the pieces and set things right as she always does.
The devil-may-care dandy, Jameson Pendrake, has found the woman who would be perfect for his wife. A woman with a sharp tongue and a fiery spirit to sooth his trouble soul. Now he just needs to convince her, Lady Amelia Delaney, that he would make the perfect husband for her.
This is a sweet romance, no sex scenes, except the honeymoon - behind closed doors. However there is plenty of sexual tension, wit, and funny moments in this charming, Regency Romance.
So begins the Regency/Romance novel, To Tame A Dragon by Megan Bryce, book two in The Reluctant Bride Collection. Jameson Pendrake calls off his engagement a day before his wedding as he knows she's not right for him or he for her. In comes his friend since childhood, Lady Amelia Delaney, to pick up the pieces and set things right as she always does.
The devil-may-care dandy, Jameson Pendrake, has found the woman who would be perfect for his wife. A woman with a sharp tongue and a fiery spirit to sooth his trouble soul. Now he just needs to convince her, Lady Amelia Delaney, that he would make the perfect husband for her.
This is a sweet romance, no sex scenes, except the honeymoon - behind closed doors. However there is plenty of sexual tension, wit, and funny moments in this charming, Regency Romance.
April 22, 2014
And to think that book #1 was good, I can say that #2 is even better.
Amelia and Jameson are known since childhood. In fact, Robin, Amelia's brother, is Jameson's best friend sinc forever.
With her beauty, her blond hair, his charm, his wealth and his title of Earl, Jameson is considered a great bachelor. And he was about to get married, but came to his senses one day before the ceremony. With fear of repeating the mistakes of his parents, he came to the conclusion that his bride was not strong enough to face his past.
Leaving the former fiancée drowned amid gossip, Amelia came to rectify the situation.
But that meant he was available again plowing the marriage market, providing mothers with their daughters on a silver platter. The solution was to find a bride fast. But it needed to be someone who did not fear possible gossip about his past and not bore him to death. The answer was right in front of him.
The big question was Amelia did not accept his proposal. How could if they were friends since childhood?
Moreover, in her first season, she was involved in a scandal when a gentleman tried to commit her to marry for her dowry. The plan failed, but the gossip that came after not destroyed her only because she had a strong personality.
Now then, Jameson would have to tame the dragon and make her accept him, to be his forever....
The story is great. Funny with dynamic clashes between Amelia and Jameson.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
5 stars
Amelia and Jameson are known since childhood. In fact, Robin, Amelia's brother, is Jameson's best friend sinc forever.
With her beauty, her blond hair, his charm, his wealth and his title of Earl, Jameson is considered a great bachelor. And he was about to get married, but came to his senses one day before the ceremony. With fear of repeating the mistakes of his parents, he came to the conclusion that his bride was not strong enough to face his past.
Leaving the former fiancée drowned amid gossip, Amelia came to rectify the situation.
But that meant he was available again plowing the marriage market, providing mothers with their daughters on a silver platter. The solution was to find a bride fast. But it needed to be someone who did not fear possible gossip about his past and not bore him to death. The answer was right in front of him.
The big question was Amelia did not accept his proposal. How could if they were friends since childhood?
Moreover, in her first season, she was involved in a scandal when a gentleman tried to commit her to marry for her dowry. The plan failed, but the gossip that came after not destroyed her only because she had a strong personality.
Now then, Jameson would have to tame the dragon and make her accept him, to be his forever....
The story is great. Funny with dynamic clashes between Amelia and Jameson.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
5 stars
September 11, 2018
A Wonderfully Witty Clean Regency Romance!!!
Few books are so wonderfully witty, entertaining and so eminently well-written!! This story is utterly absorbing and captivating that though you know that it will have a happy ending, you are deucedly stumped on how it's going to get there!!!
It's a charming and original storyline that combines parts of Taming of the Shrew with best friend surprising each other by finding True Love and a completely unexpected twist at the end!!!
The exchanges between the main characters is so cleverly developed and delivered that you feel like you are living it as well and enjoying every minute of it.
All the characters in the story are well developed and believable. It's so highly entertaining that you must read this book!!!
Few books are so wonderfully witty, entertaining and so eminently well-written!! This story is utterly absorbing and captivating that though you know that it will have a happy ending, you are deucedly stumped on how it's going to get there!!!
It's a charming and original storyline that combines parts of Taming of the Shrew with best friend surprising each other by finding True Love and a completely unexpected twist at the end!!!
The exchanges between the main characters is so cleverly developed and delivered that you feel like you are living it as well and enjoying every minute of it.
All the characters in the story are well developed and believable. It's so highly entertaining that you must read this book!!!
November 12, 2017
This was quite a lovely novella! This is the second of Megan Bryce's books I've read, the first one being
To Catch A Spinster
(which was fantastic and I highly recommend!!). They're part of the same "collection," but thus far it really is a collection, not a series, and there is no need to read in order.
I preferred To Catch a Spinster, but this was still very enjoyable. I loved the relationship between Amelia and Jameson (and Robin, Amelia's brother and Jameson's best friend); as a trio, they're very funny (very funny!!) and the exchanges between them are really enjoyable—Amelia and Robin's mom is also another great addition. The back and forth dialogue is very sharp, with a great rhythm to it, and you can really see the sparks between Amelia and Jameson from the beginning (even though, to be clear, at the beginning, neither of them are considering the other in a romantic light).
They're also both a bit unusual as hero and heroine. Amelia is definitely not some wilting wallflower; she's a total #bosslady of her time, and we learn over the course of the story why she has had to harden her heart and be a bit of an Ice Lady (the "Dragon" is in reference to her). I wouldn't say Jameson is a fop, because that's a bit too much, but he is a pretty boy who knows it and puts effort into it and the image that goes along with it; he pretends not to take anything seriously and to be a devil-may-care sort of guy, but there's actually a lot more going on underneath.
It's a really great friends-to-lovers tale, with two people who are in some ways such opposites, but are also SO perfect for each other, because of it. They understand one another very well and are both very strong, stubborn people, but their weaknesses and strengths complement each other so, so well.
I preferred To Catch a Spinster, but this was still very enjoyable. I loved the relationship between Amelia and Jameson (and Robin, Amelia's brother and Jameson's best friend); as a trio, they're very funny (very funny!!) and the exchanges between them are really enjoyable—Amelia and Robin's mom is also another great addition. The back and forth dialogue is very sharp, with a great rhythm to it, and you can really see the sparks between Amelia and Jameson from the beginning (even though, to be clear, at the beginning, neither of them are considering the other in a romantic light).
They're also both a bit unusual as hero and heroine. Amelia is definitely not some wilting wallflower; she's a total #bosslady of her time, and we learn over the course of the story why she has had to harden her heart and be a bit of an Ice Lady (the "Dragon" is in reference to her). I wouldn't say Jameson is a fop, because that's a bit too much, but he is a pretty boy who knows it and puts effort into it and the image that goes along with it; he pretends not to take anything seriously and to be a devil-may-care sort of guy, but there's actually a lot more going on underneath.
It's a really great friends-to-lovers tale, with two people who are in some ways such opposites, but are also SO perfect for each other, because of it. They understand one another very well and are both very strong, stubborn people, but their weaknesses and strengths complement each other so, so well.
She remembered Jameson had said that she knew him, that she would have no hopes dashed as any other woman who dared to marry him. She knew his faults only too well, although he could on occasion surprise even her. She knew when he needed reining in and when he needed to make an ass of himself.P.S. This shouldn't really be a complaint, because every other has their different style, but this was really quite on the clean side. One wouldn't have necessarily thought so, since there is definite chemistry between them and their kiss is quite sizzling, but it's a total fade-to-black at all other points where things go farther than that. I can't remember how it was with To Catch a Spinster, so don't know if that is just Bryce's style, or it's only this book. Would personally have liked a little more—she built it up, strung me along, made me fall in love ... !!! Come on, I want the payoff!! ;-) lolol
But the opposite held just as true. He knew all her faults, her eccentricities, her bad tempers. He even knew how to get her out of them.
She smiled again. Then frowned. Then smiled.
There was a happy little place in her heart that she didn’t want to look at too closely. To know that someone knew her that well and still liked her, knew all the dark recesses that were hidden from public view and still chose her? Not her money, not her connections, but her.
And she knew his. All his dark secrets, all his fears. And she still chose him day after day. Perhaps not as a husband, because the idea was just silly, but she still had chosen him as her friend through more drama than either of them would care to admit. He was right, it was heady knowing someone knew you and still loved you.
August 23, 2018
Why did she write this book? Hmm it’s friends to marriage and it’s quite a vague kind of a book.. they are friends forever. She is one among the boys and he out of no where realised that he would happy and comfortable with her as his wife... so out of blue he asks her and persistently. She is annoyed in the beginning and realised “yeah... meh... why not” he kisses her and she likes the kisses and that’s it they decide to get married... no romance... no chemistry... no attraction... not even love.. I mean yeah sure they love each other like how cousins or friends do... this book was one of the most MEH kind of books I read... I should have stopped it in between but I dig friends for ever or loved you forever kind of stories so I had hopes for this one but it’s so meh that this book could be leader for meh books..
February 8, 2019
lecture sympathique, rafraichissante, drôle mais moins intéressante que le premier volume de cette série .
Aujourd'hui, en 2019, je préfère ce tome au précédent. L'héroïne est d'une grande lucidité et a une grande connaissance des réactions de la Haute Société. Généreuse, elle aime rendre heureux les autres mais d'une grande naïveté et un aveuglement total en ce qui la concerne.
Aujourd'hui, en 2019, je préfère ce tome au précédent. L'héroïne est d'une grande lucidité et a une grande connaissance des réactions de la Haute Société. Généreuse, elle aime rendre heureux les autres mais d'une grande naïveté et un aveuglement total en ce qui la concerne.
May 24, 2016
This book can be summed up as such:
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Will you marry me?"
Okay, fine."
It would have been good if the plot and characters had been a bit more complex, but as it is...meh.
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Will you marry me?"
Okay, fine."
It would have been good if the plot and characters had been a bit more complex, but as it is...meh.
January 19, 2024
Loved lady Amelia and her spunky personality
September 2, 2023
A fast, fun, light and lively read that could be set in any time period. Corsets and carriages could easily have been replaced by camisoles and Corvettes and it would have made no difference to this story as characters—vivid, outsized, entertaining characters—carried this story.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely read another.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely read another.
March 31, 2020
Hero unappealing, heroine an annoying, know-it-all busybody.
May 19, 2022
Ugh.... indubitably, my good man.
August 30, 2018
I have just read all the books in this series, and all of them are great ! If you want some Quick fun reads, about the Regency period that are different and have some great characters. All four books in this series are short stories, so the plot has to move along pretty quick but they are funny and cute and show a different side to an era where women were suppose to be cute and do evertything they were told. It's nice to see some real people in stories, not the perfect ones often in books. Women who don't care for fashion, aren't great at sewing or singing and don't care,
Give these books a chance, I have read some of the other reviews and some are pretty bad. Short books, have to
move quick, so not always time to develop strong feelings.
Olivia and Nathaniel, Amelia and Jameson, George and Elinor and George and Honora , each has their own story, problems, drama and will make you laugh, cry and get mad at one or the other but great summer reads.
I hope you enjoy them, best if read in order.
Give these books a chance, I have read some of the other reviews and some are pretty bad. Short books, have to
move quick, so not always time to develop strong feelings.
Olivia and Nathaniel, Amelia and Jameson, George and Elinor and George and Honora , each has their own story, problems, drama and will make you laugh, cry and get mad at one or the other but great summer reads.
I hope you enjoy them, best if read in order.
August 12, 2017
This Regency romance was quite hilarious. Amelia is friends with Jameson, who is best friends to her brother. She has always been the bossy one—the dragon—who keeps them both out of trouble and cleans up after their messes. When Jameson cancels his wedding the day before and inadvertently leaves his ex-fiancee at the pits of despair, feeling ruined for any future marriage proposals, Amelia goes about fixing his mistake. But meanwhile, Jameson begins to realize Amelia might be the only woman strong enough to deal with him and keep him in his place so he doesn’t make the same mistakes as his father before him. So begins a cat and mouse game, or rather two dragons stalking each other and seeing who can best the other. It’s hilarious. Loved this fun romance with the witty banter and playful games.
July 12, 2017
This is the second book in the collection, and the second one I've read so far. The maiden eager for a walk down the aisle is all too familiar; the one who's avoiding the matrimonial state like the plague sometimes comes across as equally extreme. So the concept of a reluctant bride is intriguing to me. I think Megan Bryce struck just the right balance with Amelia Delaney. She was hesitant without being ridiculous and contemplative without being outrageous. The only difference I would have liked to have seen would have been if one of the book's characters (preferably a male, but a female would have been better than none) had appreciated her unique personality as opposed to her being pretty universally viewed as beyond the pale. One would have been just the right touch.
September 10, 2017
This was my first novel by Megan Bryce. All the way through I wondered if I needed to have read the first book in this series first. It seemed as though I was missing so much information and there were so many hinting references to things in the past, yet the novel was short and really didn't dive into the characters or develop their personalities. While it was nice to see the comfort level the characters had with each other, I found their behaviour quite childish and they spoke so rudely to each other. I didn't feel any chemistry between them. Truly meh. Good thing it was free. I won't bother to read any others.
February 2, 2017
Freebie that I didn't finish. The writing was not bad, but the characterization was poor. The story would go from light and breezy to dark and morose very quickly and some things the characters said to each other seemed very insensitive once their pasts were revealed. Not to my taste.
March 10, 2016
It was just OK, characters were well developed but not very likable.
December 16, 2014
I will add this book to my "To be reread" library. I loved it!
December 21, 2020
On the whole, this does not have to be read as part of the series in order to be enjoyed for what it is. And what it is is a quick friends to lovers romance that doesn't require much thinking on the part of the reader. This is also something of a clean romance, while there is some kissing before (and after marriage), all acts taking place in the marital bed are inferred rather than written out in explicit detail.
Now, I really enjoyed the banter between Jameson and Amelia (especially when it bordered on the insulting). It made their prior friendship seem more real, and showcased just how much they meant to one another that they could speak freely that way without the other truly taking offense. In fact, more than once during their scenes together, I found myself laughing out loud.
However, aside from that banter? The characters seemed shallow and lacking some other crucial element. Even the secondary story-lines seemed to be nonexistent - between people following Jameson (only to apparently end up just being blokes who wanted to accuse him of cheating on a stupid bet), to Clarice first being mad at Amelia for "lying to her" and marrying Jameson herself, to suddenly marrying Amelia's brother... there were so many opportunities for the author to expand upon this world and these characters that were just missed out on.
There is still one more book left in the Reluctant Bride series for me to read (as I read books 1 and 3 a couple years back), so I will at least finish this series before deciding whether or not I will continue on with this author.
Now, I really enjoyed the banter between Jameson and Amelia (especially when it bordered on the insulting). It made their prior friendship seem more real, and showcased just how much they meant to one another that they could speak freely that way without the other truly taking offense. In fact, more than once during their scenes together, I found myself laughing out loud.
However, aside from that banter? The characters seemed shallow and lacking some other crucial element. Even the secondary story-lines seemed to be nonexistent - between people following Jameson (only to apparently end up just being blokes who wanted to accuse him of cheating on a stupid bet), to Clarice first being mad at Amelia for "lying to her" and marrying Jameson herself, to suddenly marrying Amelia's brother... there were so many opportunities for the author to expand upon this world and these characters that were just missed out on.
There is still one more book left in the Reluctant Bride series for me to read (as I read books 1 and 3 a couple years back), so I will at least finish this series before deciding whether or not I will continue on with this author.
August 22, 2020
Hilarious, almost every page has humour in it. Though I take issue on the following:
1. Chapter 4 ~ "... chatted with a few ladies known to have loose tongues, and decide that Jameson would be okay,..." OKAY is Colonial American and in this timeline, very UN~English... though maybe it was an editing flaw?
2. Chapter 5 ~ "... Sit back down, Amelia..." One of the most Annoying Americanisms (awkward phrasing, too) next to 'from here on out' of this century's idioms maybe to make up for the lol's... imo's... btw's... omg's... etc... in texting so we add more words in our speech. Irritating tautology that made me shun Contemporary works only to find such in a historical novel. Also... "... Since you seem not to be able to 'get a handle on it',..." Americanism, late 1972 'The New Yorker' or English, 1865 from Hereward by Charles Kingsley... other info from StackExchange (https://english.stackexchange.com/que...) that indicate usage and context to be outside of this book's timeline.
3. there are others in the next chapters like "process" and "wrapped" both involving thoughts and thought processes... both read and felt Contemporary to me.
4. Since I am not a Brit, I leave the rest of the UN~English words and idioms etc... to them.
1. Chapter 4 ~ "... chatted with a few ladies known to have loose tongues, and decide that Jameson would be okay,..." OKAY is Colonial American and in this timeline, very UN~English... though maybe it was an editing flaw?
2. Chapter 5 ~ "... Sit back down, Amelia..." One of the most Annoying Americanisms (awkward phrasing, too) next to 'from here on out' of this century's idioms maybe to make up for the lol's... imo's... btw's... omg's... etc... in texting so we add more words in our speech. Irritating tautology that made me shun Contemporary works only to find such in a historical novel. Also... "... Since you seem not to be able to 'get a handle on it',..." Americanism, late 1972 'The New Yorker' or English, 1865 from Hereward by Charles Kingsley... other info from StackExchange (https://english.stackexchange.com/que...) that indicate usage and context to be outside of this book's timeline.
3. there are others in the next chapters like "process" and "wrapped" both involving thoughts and thought processes... both read and felt Contemporary to me.
4. Since I am not a Brit, I leave the rest of the UN~English words and idioms etc... to them.
August 1, 2024
Having just read and thoroughly enjoyed “To Catch a Spinster” I moved on to “To Tame a Lady” by the same author, Megan Bryce.
Lady Amelia Delaney has a generally low opinion of men thanks to an unfortunate incident when she was younger.
She's very wealthy and has no shortage of suitors but has no interest in any of them.
She, her brother Robin, and Jameson Pendrake have been close friends since they were children.
Jameson lived with the Delaney family after the tragic deaths of his mother and father.
When the book starts Jameson has just broken off his engagement to Charlotte and taken a kick to groin from the normally sedate young woman.
While Amelia (aka the 'Dragon') tries to minimise the damage caused by the scandal Jameson comes up with a novel idea. Amelia is the only woman who knows him, understands him, and is not one to back down from a challenge … he's going to marry her.
Initially at least Amelia thinks he's gone mad but, given time (and kisses) comes around to the idea.
As with “To Catch a Spinster” there's not really much of a plot but the writing is exceptional and the dialogue is great fun.
4 Stars.
Lady Amelia Delaney has a generally low opinion of men thanks to an unfortunate incident when she was younger.
She's very wealthy and has no shortage of suitors but has no interest in any of them.
She, her brother Robin, and Jameson Pendrake have been close friends since they were children.
Jameson lived with the Delaney family after the tragic deaths of his mother and father.
When the book starts Jameson has just broken off his engagement to Charlotte and taken a kick to groin from the normally sedate young woman.
While Amelia (aka the 'Dragon') tries to minimise the damage caused by the scandal Jameson comes up with a novel idea. Amelia is the only woman who knows him, understands him, and is not one to back down from a challenge … he's going to marry her.
Initially at least Amelia thinks he's gone mad but, given time (and kisses) comes around to the idea.
As with “To Catch a Spinster” there's not really much of a plot but the writing is exceptional and the dialogue is great fun.
4 Stars.
March 12, 2018
Kindle freebie. Classic "friends to lovers" with some points because of the relationship dynamic. I enjoyed parts of it, specially the humour, but it falls short to be a good one because it's more concerned in being cheeky than honest.
Part of the problem of relying too much on dialogue (I think 99% of it is dialogue), even if the banter had humour, it felt like watching a tennis match, much interaction without substance. Both the hero and the heroine have a conflicted past that it's supposed to be important but it's brushed aside quickly. That took the emotional weight of the second half of the book. I don't think the "taming" should have been longer (the book is short), but I would have prefer to include more intronspection or emotional moments between the events.
The secondary couple was mildly interesting, but I didn't feel much about them because it happened mostly off screen.
Also, the initial scene drop us right in the middle of action, honestly, it took me a while to understand what was happening, who were the character and what was on stake.
All in all, it was nice enough to pass the time and entertain myself, but there are signs that it could have been better. I think the author is talented, but has a shallow approach.
Part of the problem of relying too much on dialogue (I think 99% of it is dialogue), even if the banter had humour, it felt like watching a tennis match, much interaction without substance. Both the hero and the heroine have a conflicted past that it's supposed to be important but it's brushed aside quickly. That took the emotional weight of the second half of the book. I don't think the "taming" should have been longer (the book is short), but I would have prefer to include more intronspection or emotional moments between the events.
The secondary couple was mildly interesting, but I didn't feel much about them because it happened mostly off screen.
Also, the initial scene drop us right in the middle of action, honestly, it took me a while to understand what was happening, who were the character and what was on stake.
All in all, it was nice enough to pass the time and entertain myself, but there are signs that it could have been better. I think the author is talented, but has a shallow approach.
June 20, 2019
Sweet sweet romance
Jameson has been friends with Robin and Amelia since childhood, even more so after his parents died when he was 12. Jameson aborts a wedding with Clarice the day before it happens, and Amelia has to fix it with the ton for Clarice so that her reputation isn't ruined. Then Jameson sets his sights on Amelia. She has the reputation of a dragon because of her sharp wit and tongue and her backbone, and he knows she's the only one strong enough to handle him. Amelia comes to recognize that he's the only one that will entertain her. Of course, they both come to realize they love each other. Even Robin and Clarisse find their happy ending.
The banter in this book is absolutely witty! I truly appreciated the epilogue!
Stand alone HEA.
Contains no sex scenes (barely any kissing), I don't remember any swear words, and no violence (off page brawl).
Jameson has been friends with Robin and Amelia since childhood, even more so after his parents died when he was 12. Jameson aborts a wedding with Clarice the day before it happens, and Amelia has to fix it with the ton for Clarice so that her reputation isn't ruined. Then Jameson sets his sights on Amelia. She has the reputation of a dragon because of her sharp wit and tongue and her backbone, and he knows she's the only one strong enough to handle him. Amelia comes to recognize that he's the only one that will entertain her. Of course, they both come to realize they love each other. Even Robin and Clarisse find their happy ending.
The banter in this book is absolutely witty! I truly appreciated the epilogue!
Stand alone HEA.
Contains no sex scenes (barely any kissing), I don't remember any swear words, and no violence (off page brawl).
August 2, 2017
Take everything you know about historical romance heroes and heroines ...
... and throw it in the air. If you're lucky it just might land as something resembling this bit of pure fun. But if you're as talented and witty as this writer, when she rewrote the "rules" for this genre, she came up with a gem of a story. While still being faithful to the setting she has peopled her story with real characters I'd love to meet. I occasionally read historical romances for my little bit of escapism, and my expectations generally aren't particularly high. The bar, however has just been well and truly raised with this contribution. Well done! Highly recommended.
... and throw it in the air. If you're lucky it just might land as something resembling this bit of pure fun. But if you're as talented and witty as this writer, when she rewrote the "rules" for this genre, she came up with a gem of a story. While still being faithful to the setting she has peopled her story with real characters I'd love to meet. I occasionally read historical romances for my little bit of escapism, and my expectations generally aren't particularly high. The bar, however has just been well and truly raised with this contribution. Well done! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews