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Royal Bridesmaids
In this original anthology, New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley, and Loretta Chase tell us what it really takes to get the bride to the royal altar. They need to do more than "smile, wave, and look delighted"!
Stephanie Laurens: A Return Engagement
Lady Nell Daughtry has her hands full getting her reluctant bride sister safely married to the Prince of Lautenberg. Then she learns she's paired with Robert Knightley...the fiancé who walked away.
Gaelen Foley: The Imposter Bride
Lady Minerva must ensure her country's princess is wed to handsome Prince Tor. Then the bride bolts, and bridesmaid becomes—bride!
Loretta Chase: Lord Lovedon's Duel
When Chloe Sharp hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel—for love and honor.
Stephanie Laurens: A Return Engagement
Lady Nell Daughtry has her hands full getting her reluctant bride sister safely married to the Prince of Lautenberg. Then she learns she's paired with Robert Knightley...the fiancé who walked away.
Gaelen Foley: The Imposter Bride
Lady Minerva must ensure her country's princess is wed to handsome Prince Tor. Then the bride bolts, and bridesmaid becomes—bride!
Loretta Chase: Lord Lovedon's Duel
When Chloe Sharp hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel—for love and honor.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2012
141 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,589 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
dnf
November 2, 2012I can't believe the publisher had the face to charge $6 for the paperback edition of this book. Even the $2 for the ebook seems excessive, considering that of 179 pages, only 90 are actually story and the rest are ads excerpts. The book is basically just one big coming attraction, designed to rouse interest in the three series its authors are currently writing.
Not being into Laurens or Foley, I only read the Loretta Chase story, which is very short (20 pages) and charming in a self-conscious way.
Not being into Laurens or Foley, I only read the Loretta Chase story, which is very short (20 pages) and charming in a self-conscious way.
July 9, 2012
Overall Rating: B
Cute, charming, and silly stories that will surely tickle you royally.
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens - Rating: C+ ... Heat: Sweet
This tale revolves around Nell, elder of the Daughtry daughters, and her struggle to get her sister to the alter to marry Frederick, the Prince of Lautenberg. Helping her with her mission is her past beau, Robert Knightley, diplomatic envoy to Lautenberg.
And it isn't an easy mission for Nell, no matter how dedicated and steadfast she is. The Daughtry women suffer from Gamophobia, or something similar. An apparent fear of weddings or the days leading to them. So as Nell's sister suffers panic attacks, Nell must remain poised and composed.
Robert, once a suitor of Nell's, is charged with making sure the wedding goes through smoothly. For the good of England's relations with Lautenberg. After learning of Nell's family's phobia, he finally understands why Nell withdrew from him just as he was going to propose nine years ago. Since then he has focused on his career, all the while carrying a tendre for Nell still.
A Return Engagement is cute—light on the romance. It centered mostly on Nell's sister and getting her to the alter. Would have enjoyed it more if it had focused more on Nell and Robert and their emotions and feelings.
The Imposter Bride by Gaelen Foley - Rating: B- ... Heat: Warm
The lands of Saardova and Rydalburg have been warring and feuding for years. When this story begins, Prince Tor of Rydalburg has beaten his enemy and is poised to claim victory. Prince Tor's father, however, is blood thirsty and doesn't want to simply defeat the Saardovans, he wants to destroy them.
In an effort to make peace between the two, Tor decides to claim Princess Guilietta as his prize and unite the two lands.
But Guilietta is spoiled and self-centered and, on her wedding day, escapes into the woods. Which leaves Minerva, her lady-in-waiting, with a difficult choice. Tell Tor his bride has ran away, and possibly cause war to break out again, or pretend to be Guilietta and marry him herself.
The pace at the end sped up a bit too much, the resolutions happening one after another. And said resolutions felt forced, which took away from the story as a whole. Still, The Imposter Bride had a charming, fairy tale feel to it... A delightful faraway quality to the setting and time.
Lord Lovedon’s Duel by Loretta Chase - Rating: A- ... Heat: Sweet
Lord Lovedon's Duel started with a splash and ends with a bang... Sort of.
Chloe, after hearing Lord Lovedon say some very insensitive things about the Bride (her sister) and Groom -- and, well, a few too many glasses of champagne -- demands satisfaction from him. A duel at dawn. And, once the alcohol-induced fog has lifted and Chloe no longer requires said duel, Lovedon is not about to let it go.
This story had such a silly, fun plot. Chloe is a spitfire and Lovedon is an eccentric. It’s the shortest of the trio but it also packed the most punch. My only complaint? That it had to end. I could’ve read an entire novel featuring these two.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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Cute, charming, and silly stories that will surely tickle you royally.
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens - Rating: C+ ... Heat: Sweet
This tale revolves around Nell, elder of the Daughtry daughters, and her struggle to get her sister to the alter to marry Frederick, the Prince of Lautenberg. Helping her with her mission is her past beau, Robert Knightley, diplomatic envoy to Lautenberg.
And it isn't an easy mission for Nell, no matter how dedicated and steadfast she is. The Daughtry women suffer from Gamophobia, or something similar. An apparent fear of weddings or the days leading to them. So as Nell's sister suffers panic attacks, Nell must remain poised and composed.
Robert, once a suitor of Nell's, is charged with making sure the wedding goes through smoothly. For the good of England's relations with Lautenberg. After learning of Nell's family's phobia, he finally understands why Nell withdrew from him just as he was going to propose nine years ago. Since then he has focused on his career, all the while carrying a tendre for Nell still.
A Return Engagement is cute—light on the romance. It centered mostly on Nell's sister and getting her to the alter. Would have enjoyed it more if it had focused more on Nell and Robert and their emotions and feelings.
The Imposter Bride by Gaelen Foley - Rating: B- ... Heat: Warm
The lands of Saardova and Rydalburg have been warring and feuding for years. When this story begins, Prince Tor of Rydalburg has beaten his enemy and is poised to claim victory. Prince Tor's father, however, is blood thirsty and doesn't want to simply defeat the Saardovans, he wants to destroy them.
In an effort to make peace between the two, Tor decides to claim Princess Guilietta as his prize and unite the two lands.
But Guilietta is spoiled and self-centered and, on her wedding day, escapes into the woods. Which leaves Minerva, her lady-in-waiting, with a difficult choice. Tell Tor his bride has ran away, and possibly cause war to break out again, or pretend to be Guilietta and marry him herself.
The pace at the end sped up a bit too much, the resolutions happening one after another. And said resolutions felt forced, which took away from the story as a whole. Still, The Imposter Bride had a charming, fairy tale feel to it... A delightful faraway quality to the setting and time.
Lord Lovedon’s Duel by Loretta Chase - Rating: A- ... Heat: Sweet
Lord Lovedon's Duel started with a splash and ends with a bang... Sort of.
Chloe, after hearing Lord Lovedon say some very insensitive things about the Bride (her sister) and Groom -- and, well, a few too many glasses of champagne -- demands satisfaction from him. A duel at dawn. And, once the alcohol-induced fog has lifted and Chloe no longer requires said duel, Lovedon is not about to let it go.
This story had such a silly, fun plot. Chloe is a spitfire and Lovedon is an eccentric. It’s the shortest of the trio but it also packed the most punch. My only complaint? That it had to end. I could’ve read an entire novel featuring these two.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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July 21, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Note that my review and rating is solely based on Gaelen Foley novella, “The Imposter Bride” (4 stars) and Loretta Chase novella, “Lord Lovedon’s Duel” (4 stars).
“The Imposter Bride”, Gaelen Foley
My exact thoughts after the abrupt ending of this novella by GF:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Seriously! I mean, why oh why this isn’t a full novel? I was loving it, LOVING it!!!
I know I’m beginning to repeat myself but this novella of about 40 pages or so was excellent. I’ve been wondering since I started reading the Inferno Club series where has the ‘old’ Gaelen Foley gone? I say ‘old’ because, for me, that series doesn’t compare to her earlier work, which is where the Ascension trilogy comes in, a series I adored. And “The Imposter Bride” gave me Ascension vibe all over it.
Two countries (make believe names but situated in Europe), Rydalburg and Saardova, are always fighting with each-other. There is just too much bloodshed, so the crown prince of Rydalburg, Tor, against his father, the King’s wishes, decides to marry the crown princess of Saardova, Giulietta after they defeat Saardova. He wants this bloodshed to end. But, Guilietta is a spoiled brat who has never lifted a finger in her life to do anything. And so, her parents send some of her ladies-in-waiting with her, the head of them were Minerva Messina, the General’s daughter. Minerva has been with Giulietta for a long time, they’re close in age and so she knows what kinda trouble the bratty princess can create. Minerva was send almost against her wishes, as she was about to attend the university as the first woman ever to do so in Saardova. I thought this was really weird. They use camel caravans to travel and swords to fight but Minerva is thinking of taking classes in the coming Autumn... ummm... well, pretty confusing.
When they arrive in Rydalburg, it was apparent that both countries were misinformed about each-other. Big, blond and blue-eyed Rydalburgers are the reserved, cool sort, while dark hair and eyed Saardovans are passionate and lusty (at least the men are!). The women of Saardova wear veils to protect themselves from lusty men. Anyway, they meet the Royal family, Minerva can’t help but have a look at Tor, who is also like any other Rydalburger but she is still attracted to this big warrior. Now, I was hoping for a little dislike here since Tor was the one who cut off one of her father’s legs in the recent war. Even though the General asked Minerva to remember that Tor didn’t kill him when he had the chance and what’s best for the country, it still felt a bit weird to me that she won’t harbor any ill will for a man who hurt her father! But I’m not complaining that big since Tor wasn’t a brute and war is war.
Minerva knows it too. Even though she’s attracted and checks him out well enough, she knows Tor is supposed to be for Giulietta, however spoiled she is. Minerva thinks maybe Tor’s steady hands are what they require to control the princess. Now, the fun was, because of the veil, Tor doesn’t see the face of any of the women, including Minerva and Giulietta. Tor’s friends even make good-natured joke out of it, that what if the girl is plain looking or something. Tor has also heard about the brat of a princess but he’s an understanding man and will do his duty. The marriage was to take place the next day but Minerva senses something wrong with Giulietta. But being very tired, she doesn’t pay much mind to it. Of course, the dense and self-centered princess does something equally dense and makes a mess out of the whole situation, leaving Minerva the only choice; to step into Giulietta’s shoes to avoid imminent trouble. I think you can guess from the title where this was going...
To me, the best thing of this novella was the relationship build up between Tor and Minerva. It definitely left me wanting more, yet I felt that they belonged together from the beginning. Tor was such an adorable hero; big, beautiful and sort of an awkward warrior who just wanted to make his wife happy. He fell for Minerva hard. I especially loved the wedding night scene and his words to Minerva. *sigh*
As a heroine, Minerva was smart, just the type I want to read about. I understood why she did what she did. She wanted the best for the two countries and not knowing then that Tor isn’t the ogre they think Rydalburgers are she had to rely on her own judgments. Even though it’s a novella, it still gave me a feeling of completion because of the way the plot was structured. You even get a big mis, along with the emotional turmoil between Tor and Minerva. But only because it’s a novella, the scope of exploration was limited. I REALLY wish that this was a full novel. Could’ve been a great start to a series IMO! I saw characters that I liked and wished their relationships also had a chance of better exploration, i.e. Giulietta’s rakish brother, the crown prince of Saardova, Orson and Tor’s sister, the crown princess of Rydalburg, Katarina. Even, Giulietta herself and that Roma gypsy prince. I was sensing fun from whatever little I got about them.
As to the complaint, apart from the fact that I wanted more of this story, the abrupt ending. It just ended and you already know my reaction to that! Even a small epilogue would’ve been great, if not anything else between Tor and Minerva.
4 stars, with a lot of sighing to go with it.
Fun:
Tor:
now.
Minerva: Yesh you arrree babe! *rwarr* And,
.
*heehee*
**********
“Lord Lovedon’s Duel”, Loretta Chase
This one was just F.U.N. OMG I loved this novella!! Superrrrrrrrrrrr in one word.
I know I’m acting crazy but “Lord Lovedon’s Duel” was about 30 pages of pure goodness. This is the LC I love to read, fun and interesting, with an adorable H and h!
I have to tell you at first that there are the mentions of recurring characters here from LC’s old novels, especially Don't Tempt Me. There are mentions of minor characters from the Dressmaker’s series too. I’m indicating because I know some people might get lost. Duke and Duchess of Marchmont are the H and h of Don't Tempt Me and it’s in Marchmont’s castle, De Grey, where the story starts with a wedding...
Chloe’s sister Althea is marrying a Prince, Prince Louis of A-Name-I-Can’t-Pronounce to be precise. But then, there was James Bransby, The Earl of Lovedon, who just about now, on her sister’s wedding day, killed the fun for them and made Althea cry. The two sisters accidentally eavesdrop and hear James talking about Louis’s lady love and that he’d abandoned the woman for this marriage to Althea, which’ll definitely help him with his poor financial conditions. James is Louis’ close foreign friend, so might be telling the truth. Althea is distraught hearing this, because they all thought it was a love at first sight with Louis. Whereas Althea, the youngest is sort of soft-hearted and too trusting, Chloe the eldest is smart and outspoken and right now, she is mad as a hellcat at James. How dare he ruin her sister’s wedding day so callously? Chloe would take revenge on his clumsy Lordship, damn if she doesn’t! She finds the earl and challenges him outright in a duel, in front of his gawking friends and her own sister, Sarah and friend Amelia.
The funny thing was, Chloe’s family, even though very rich, is commoner as her father is a lawyer. They dress at Maison Noirot FGS, which is the best and most expensive French lady’s milliner’s shop! I don’t think I have to introduce Maison Noirot to anyone who has read LC’s new series, the Dressmakers. Chloe’s family, the Sharps and Amelia’s, the Renfrews (also commoners) are two of the most important patrons of Maison Noirot and have been mentioned, on occasion, in both Silk Is For Seduction and Scandal Wears Satin. The setting is similar to the Dressmakers series. Now that the intro part is done, let’s get back to the story. Chloe is drunk too, so is James but he holds his alcohol far better than her. What ensue afterwards are some really funny scenes with Chloe drunk and challenging duels, James trying to apologize for something, what, he doesn’t really know about. I was so enjoying this. But even in all this chaotic situation, James notices Chloe. There was this thing between them from the first scene that I couldn’t deny. Love at first sight? I don’t know but it was definitely there... James helps her out when he figures it won’t be good for her sister’s reputation as a princess if the guests find her drunk as a skunk. Chloe was misinformed about James as well. She thought James is one of those spoiled aristocrats who don’t care about anything but themselves. But as I got to learn more about James, I begin to admire him, as did Chloe. I was so glad that she never fought against this thing between them.
Well, James is a bit on the arrogant side as any aristocrat, mind you, but he has a romantic heart too, which he hides. And it’s said that he’s not handsome, not in the classical sense at least but has a killer bod! Of course Chloe has noticed the killer bod part but she is determined to keep her mind to the revenge part. On the other hand, now that James has taken a good look at Chloe (totally appreciating whatever he saw) and learned that she’s full of spirits, he is attracted to her like a moth to a flame. The next day, they exchange a list of funny messages to each-other regarding the duel. Loved those notes. And then comes the dueling part... Note that Chloe’s friend, Amelia, is acting as her second, as James’ acquaintance, Mr. Bates is acting as his. I saw something, however small, forming between Amelia and Mr. Bates. I think there was an indication of another story here. I certainly hope so! I won’t go to the duel (yes, there was one), which was hilarious. I mean this novella was just fun, did I mention it? Oh, sorry, guess I did... So, just read it!
Even with the lack of love scenes (and I wanted some here definitely), this novella stole my
. I wish it was a full novel. *sigh* 4 stars.
Fun:
James: Told you, you won’t be able to get rid of me so easily, now that you’ve caught my eyes.
Chloe: Babe, who said I wanted to?
Me?
(in happiness of course, lol). Overall, 4 happy stars.
This ARC was provided to me by Avon/HarperCollins via edelweiss which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Note that my review and rating is solely based on Gaelen Foley novella, “The Imposter Bride” (4 stars) and Loretta Chase novella, “Lord Lovedon’s Duel” (4 stars).
“The Imposter Bride”, Gaelen Foley
My exact thoughts after the abrupt ending of this novella by GF:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Seriously! I mean, why oh why this isn’t a full novel? I was loving it, LOVING it!!!
I know I’m beginning to repeat myself but this novella of about 40 pages or so was excellent. I’ve been wondering since I started reading the Inferno Club series where has the ‘old’ Gaelen Foley gone? I say ‘old’ because, for me, that series doesn’t compare to her earlier work, which is where the Ascension trilogy comes in, a series I adored. And “The Imposter Bride” gave me Ascension vibe all over it.
Two countries (make believe names but situated in Europe), Rydalburg and Saardova, are always fighting with each-other. There is just too much bloodshed, so the crown prince of Rydalburg, Tor, against his father, the King’s wishes, decides to marry the crown princess of Saardova, Giulietta after they defeat Saardova. He wants this bloodshed to end. But, Guilietta is a spoiled brat who has never lifted a finger in her life to do anything. And so, her parents send some of her ladies-in-waiting with her, the head of them were Minerva Messina, the General’s daughter. Minerva has been with Giulietta for a long time, they’re close in age and so she knows what kinda trouble the bratty princess can create. Minerva was send almost against her wishes, as she was about to attend the university as the first woman ever to do so in Saardova. I thought this was really weird. They use camel caravans to travel and swords to fight but Minerva is thinking of taking classes in the coming Autumn... ummm... well, pretty confusing.
When they arrive in Rydalburg, it was apparent that both countries were misinformed about each-other. Big, blond and blue-eyed Rydalburgers are the reserved, cool sort, while dark hair and eyed Saardovans are passionate and lusty (at least the men are!). The women of Saardova wear veils to protect themselves from lusty men. Anyway, they meet the Royal family, Minerva can’t help but have a look at Tor, who is also like any other Rydalburger but she is still attracted to this big warrior. Now, I was hoping for a little dislike here since Tor was the one who cut off one of her father’s legs in the recent war. Even though the General asked Minerva to remember that Tor didn’t kill him when he had the chance and what’s best for the country, it still felt a bit weird to me that she won’t harbor any ill will for a man who hurt her father! But I’m not complaining that big since Tor wasn’t a brute and war is war.
Minerva knows it too. Even though she’s attracted and checks him out well enough, she knows Tor is supposed to be for Giulietta, however spoiled she is. Minerva thinks maybe Tor’s steady hands are what they require to control the princess. Now, the fun was, because of the veil, Tor doesn’t see the face of any of the women, including Minerva and Giulietta. Tor’s friends even make good-natured joke out of it, that what if the girl is plain looking or something. Tor has also heard about the brat of a princess but he’s an understanding man and will do his duty. The marriage was to take place the next day but Minerva senses something wrong with Giulietta. But being very tired, she doesn’t pay much mind to it. Of course, the dense and self-centered princess does something equally dense and makes a mess out of the whole situation, leaving Minerva the only choice; to step into Giulietta’s shoes to avoid imminent trouble. I think you can guess from the title where this was going...
To me, the best thing of this novella was the relationship build up between Tor and Minerva. It definitely left me wanting more, yet I felt that they belonged together from the beginning. Tor was such an adorable hero; big, beautiful and sort of an awkward warrior who just wanted to make his wife happy. He fell for Minerva hard. I especially loved the wedding night scene and his words to Minerva. *sigh*
As a heroine, Minerva was smart, just the type I want to read about. I understood why she did what she did. She wanted the best for the two countries and not knowing then that Tor isn’t the ogre they think Rydalburgers are she had to rely on her own judgments. Even though it’s a novella, it still gave me a feeling of completion because of the way the plot was structured. You even get a big mis, along with the emotional turmoil between Tor and Minerva. But only because it’s a novella, the scope of exploration was limited. I REALLY wish that this was a full novel. Could’ve been a great start to a series IMO! I saw characters that I liked and wished their relationships also had a chance of better exploration, i.e. Giulietta’s rakish brother, the crown prince of Saardova, Orson and Tor’s sister, the crown princess of Rydalburg, Katarina. Even, Giulietta herself and that Roma gypsy prince. I was sensing fun from whatever little I got about them. As to the complaint, apart from the fact that I wanted more of this story, the abrupt ending. It just ended and you already know my reaction to that! Even a small epilogue would’ve been great, if not anything else between Tor and Minerva.
4 stars, with a lot of sighing to go with it.
Fun:
Tor:
now. Minerva: Yesh you arrree babe! *rwarr* And,
.*heehee*
**********
“Lord Lovedon’s Duel”, Loretta Chase
This one was just F.U.N. OMG I loved this novella!! Superrrrrrrrrrrr in one word.
I know I’m acting crazy but “Lord Lovedon’s Duel” was about 30 pages of pure goodness. This is the LC I love to read, fun and interesting, with an adorable H and h!
I have to tell you at first that there are the mentions of recurring characters here from LC’s old novels, especially Don't Tempt Me. There are mentions of minor characters from the Dressmaker’s series too. I’m indicating because I know some people might get lost. Duke and Duchess of Marchmont are the H and h of Don't Tempt Me and it’s in Marchmont’s castle, De Grey, where the story starts with a wedding...
Chloe’s sister Althea is marrying a Prince, Prince Louis of A-Name-I-Can’t-Pronounce to be precise. But then, there was James Bransby, The Earl of Lovedon, who just about now, on her sister’s wedding day, killed the fun for them and made Althea cry. The two sisters accidentally eavesdrop and hear James talking about Louis’s lady love and that he’d abandoned the woman for this marriage to Althea, which’ll definitely help him with his poor financial conditions. James is Louis’ close foreign friend, so might be telling the truth. Althea is distraught hearing this, because they all thought it was a love at first sight with Louis. Whereas Althea, the youngest is sort of soft-hearted and too trusting, Chloe the eldest is smart and outspoken and right now, she is mad as a hellcat at James. How dare he ruin her sister’s wedding day so callously? Chloe would take revenge on his clumsy Lordship, damn if she doesn’t! She finds the earl and challenges him outright in a duel, in front of his gawking friends and her own sister, Sarah and friend Amelia.
The funny thing was, Chloe’s family, even though very rich, is commoner as her father is a lawyer. They dress at Maison Noirot FGS, which is the best and most expensive French lady’s milliner’s shop! I don’t think I have to introduce Maison Noirot to anyone who has read LC’s new series, the Dressmakers. Chloe’s family, the Sharps and Amelia’s, the Renfrews (also commoners) are two of the most important patrons of Maison Noirot and have been mentioned, on occasion, in both Silk Is For Seduction and Scandal Wears Satin. The setting is similar to the Dressmakers series. Now that the intro part is done, let’s get back to the story. Chloe is drunk too, so is James but he holds his alcohol far better than her. What ensue afterwards are some really funny scenes with Chloe drunk and challenging duels, James trying to apologize for something, what, he doesn’t really know about. I was so enjoying this. But even in all this chaotic situation, James notices Chloe. There was this thing between them from the first scene that I couldn’t deny. Love at first sight? I don’t know but it was definitely there... James helps her out when he figures it won’t be good for her sister’s reputation as a princess if the guests find her drunk as a skunk. Chloe was misinformed about James as well. She thought James is one of those spoiled aristocrats who don’t care about anything but themselves. But as I got to learn more about James, I begin to admire him, as did Chloe. I was so glad that she never fought against this thing between them.
Well, James is a bit on the arrogant side as any aristocrat, mind you, but he has a romantic heart too, which he hides. And it’s said that he’s not handsome, not in the classical sense at least but has a killer bod! Of course Chloe has noticed the killer bod part but she is determined to keep her mind to the revenge part. On the other hand, now that James has taken a good look at Chloe (totally appreciating whatever he saw) and learned that she’s full of spirits, he is attracted to her like a moth to a flame. The next day, they exchange a list of funny messages to each-other regarding the duel. Loved those notes. And then comes the dueling part... Note that Chloe’s friend, Amelia, is acting as her second, as James’ acquaintance, Mr. Bates is acting as his. I saw something, however small, forming between Amelia and Mr. Bates. I think there was an indication of another story here. I certainly hope so! I won’t go to the duel (yes, there was one), which was hilarious. I mean this novella was just fun, did I mention it? Oh, sorry, guess I did... So, just read it!
Even with the lack of love scenes (and I wanted some here definitely), this novella stole my
. I wish it was a full novel. *sigh* 4 stars.Fun:
James: Told you, you won’t be able to get rid of me so easily, now that you’ve caught my eyes.
Chloe: Babe, who said I wanted to?
Me?
(in happiness of course, lol). Overall, 4 happy stars.This ARC was provided to me by Avon/HarperCollins via edelweiss which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2012
This anthology features a collection of historical short stories, featuring royal weddings where the bridesmaids find love. I was excited for this one, as I enjoy all three authors. I knew the stories would be short, but I was unprepared for how short, especially when the entire ebook was 181 pages.
"A Return Engagement" (S Laurens) - I didn't really love this one because so little of it actually focused on the romance between the hero and heroine. That would be a problem in any story, but it's even more pronounced in a short story like this one. Nell and Robert were an item nine years ago, but he never proposed when she thought he would and their romance ended abruptly. Now the two of them are thrown together as Nell's sister prepares to marry the prince Robert works for. Most of the story centers on the wedding and Nell & Robert's efforts to make it happen. There just isn't enough about the two of them and their feelings for each other to make me care about their future one way or the other. 31 pages.
"The Imposter Bride" (G Foley) - This one, I did enjoy. The prince and princess of two warring nations have agreed to marry to make peace. But the night before the wedding, the bride runs away, leaving her lady in waiting, Minerva, to assume her identity and take her place at the altar. Minerva quickly falls for her new husband, Tor. But how long can she keep up the charade? The story was a little predictable, but I really liked Minerva and the chemistry between her and Tor. Sweet and a little sexy. 38 pages.
"Lord Lovedon's Duel" (L Chase) - Probably the best in the bunch. It's based loosely in the Dressmakers world. Just after Chloe's sister is married to a duke, the women overhear some men saying the groom married for money and not love. Angered over the hurt it causes her sister --and just a little bit drunk-- Chloe confronts Lord Lovedon, the man speaking most disparagingly of the match. She demands a duel, sparking his attention and a witty banter which evolves into a relationship. It was funny and sassy. 21 pages.
If you do the math, you'll find that the short stories make up 90 of the 181 pages of the ebook. The rest of the space is filled with previews and excerpts of future Avon historicals, from the featured authors as well as Carla Swafford, Alice Gaines, Candis Terry, and Anna Randol. If that's something you're interested in, that's great, but it frustrated me. It was more tease than substance.
Rating: C
*ARC Provided by Avon
September 6, 2018
There were a few hits and misses, and a great number of wish-fulfillment, particularly with Gaelen Foley's story, "The Imposter Bride". I found "A Return Engagement" to be the strongest, but the twist relied on being able to swallow a pretty silly premise.
---
A Return Engagement: 4
This was a rather sweet and enjoyable read, particularly since it was a second-chance romance. I loved it, up until the twist. It took a great deal for me to overcome that element, but otherwise the rest of the story was believable and oh-so-cute!
The Imposter Bride: 4
I really enjoyed this, once I told myself that it was a fantasy, rather than historical romance. How large and far away are the countries if one is near the ocean and the other is in the mountains? Anyways, as usual, I enjoyed Gaelen Foley's turn of phrase, but the ending was much too quick and abrupt. I wanted the overtures to be at least more detailed than it was, but unfortunately, t'was not to be, given that it was a short story.
Lord Lovedon's Duel: 3
I had read this previously, but having skimmed through it again, I'm still of the opinion that it's somewhat lacking in substance. The pair of them went from antagonistic to in-love in a matter of pages, and it was hard for me to tell when that had happened. :|
---
A Return Engagement: 4
This was a rather sweet and enjoyable read, particularly since it was a second-chance romance. I loved it, up until the twist. It took a great deal for me to overcome that element, but otherwise the rest of the story was believable and oh-so-cute!
The Imposter Bride: 4
I really enjoyed this, once I told myself that it was a fantasy, rather than historical romance. How large and far away are the countries if one is near the ocean and the other is in the mountains? Anyways, as usual, I enjoyed Gaelen Foley's turn of phrase, but the ending was much too quick and abrupt. I wanted the overtures to be at least more detailed than it was, but unfortunately, t'was not to be, given that it was a short story.
Lord Lovedon's Duel: 3
I had read this previously, but having skimmed through it again, I'm still of the opinion that it's somewhat lacking in substance. The pair of them went from antagonistic to in-love in a matter of pages, and it was hard for me to tell when that had happened. :|
February 12, 2022
Three VERY short novellas that seemed to be throwaways by all the authors - even Loretta Chase couldn't save this anthology - following each novella were excerpts from upcoming books that helped pad the book out - complete waste of time and money for this reader.
May 22, 2018
I'm annoyed because the shorts in this book are barely even short stories. There isn't really anything to them at all. Even Loretta Chase's, though it had a charming beginning, just kind of flipped the page and was like oops over. Plus there was nothing at all tying these stories together. 90% of the content of this book was teaser chapters for other works by the authors. And that was deeply annoying.
February 5, 2017
3.5 stars overall.
To be fair, I'm not the biggest fan of short stories; it may color my experience of anthologies in general. I picked this one because I've enjoyed a few of Loretta Chase's novels and it's free to borrow from my library. Along with the shorts, included are a bunch of excerpts.
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens
2.5 stars.
At times I felt the author was overreaching – trying to write beyond her ability. I picture her desperately searching through her thesaurus. Some passages end up sounding unnatural. The story itself? Meh: somewhat repetitive; the premise doesn't make a lot of sense; the heroine is a Mary Sue. The lone love scene: yeah, they did it, but the description is fairly clean and just plain boring.
The excerpt, the beginning of The Lady Risks All, is surprisingly well written, with none of the awkward style of the short story. It's something I might actually want to read.
The Imposter Bride by Gaelen Foley
3.5 stars.
Now, that's more like it. This one feels complete and completely enjoyable.
Lord Lovedon's Duel by Loretta Chase
4 stars.
Very cute, with tie-ins to the Dressmakers series.
To be fair, I'm not the biggest fan of short stories; it may color my experience of anthologies in general. I picked this one because I've enjoyed a few of Loretta Chase's novels and it's free to borrow from my library. Along with the shorts, included are a bunch of excerpts.
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens
2.5 stars.
At times I felt the author was overreaching – trying to write beyond her ability. I picture her desperately searching through her thesaurus. Some passages end up sounding unnatural. The story itself? Meh: somewhat repetitive; the premise doesn't make a lot of sense; the heroine is a Mary Sue. The lone love scene: yeah, they did it, but the description is fairly clean and just plain boring.
The excerpt, the beginning of The Lady Risks All, is surprisingly well written, with none of the awkward style of the short story. It's something I might actually want to read.
The Imposter Bride by Gaelen Foley
3.5 stars.
Now, that's more like it. This one feels complete and completely enjoyable.
Lord Lovedon's Duel by Loretta Chase
4 stars.
Very cute, with tie-ins to the Dressmakers series.
January 7, 2016
Loretta Chase's story is quite fun, but the others are just terrible.
March 1, 2016
The second and third story is the best.
June 10, 2020
A Return Engagement - Stephanie Laurens ⭐⭐
Setting: 1826
Tropes: Second chance romance, matchmaking family members
Page count: 68
Nell and Robert were courting once upon a time, but a marriage proposal was not in the offing and the two parted ways. Nine years later, they find themselves back in each other's orbit when Nell's sister Frances marries Robert's friend Prince Frederick in some small German principality.
"Bland" is the first word that comes to mind. Is this meant to be part of a series? I feel like these two are secondary characters from a previous novel, and all of their history and previous interactions are detailed there but glossed over here. This story is mostly about the Vayne Family Curse, of all the females having panic attacks prior to their weddings, and how Nell has to manage Frances within an inch of her life to make sure these panic attacks don't ruin her royal wedding. Frankly, I think it'd be more impressive if a noble-but-not-royal bride didn't have panic attacks in the run up to her wedding, so this whole Family Curse business was overplayed 1000%. Meanwhile, there is no romance - Nell and Robert go from looking longingly in each other's direction when the other isn't looking to ultra-purple-prose flowery sex without so much as a by-your-leave. It was like romance whiplash.
The Imposter Bride - Galen Foley - ⭐1/2
Setting: ???
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, big misunderstanding
Page count: 82
This story was a hot mess, right from the start. There is no setting given, so we're supposed to take the context clues to figure it out. Two fictional kingdoms which lay side by side in the Alps are constantly at war with each other, and Prince Tor of the northern kingdom decides enough is enough and he'll seal a marriage treaty with Princess Guiletta of the southern kingdom to bring peace to their people. The northerners are described as Viking Tuetonic Danes, whereas the southerners are a weird amalgamation of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, complete with veiled women, polyamory, and camels for transport. Is this supposed to be medieval times with that marriage treaty and Viking hero? Or some more modern period, considering our Viking Danish hero is basically a 21st century man parading around with his lion's mane and Adonis body? And so many cringey cultural stereotypes about "hot blooded southern women" vs the "barbarian northerners." Just, yuck.
The story could've been interesting, if our heroine Minerva (BFF of the bratty Princess Guiletta) had used her words. She steps in to fulfill the marriage ceremony after Guiletta flees into the night, but doesn't bother to tell her new husband of this until Prince Orsino, Guiletta's older brother, unexpectedly shows up and demands to know where his sister is, almost setting off yet another war between the kingdoms. Everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end and it's just, WTF did I just read??
Lord Lovedon's Duel - Loretta Chase - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1835
Page count: 45
The shortest and BY FAR the best story in the collection. Chloe Sharp overhears Lord Lovedon insulting her sister on her sister's wedding day, and challenges him to a duel. They are both falling down drunk, but Chloe has piqued Lovedon's interest, so he holds her to her vow even after she regrets making it the next morning. The two do actually duel, with a rather surprising conclusion!
The characters are sharp and witty and fun, and the pacing was very nicely done. Ms Chase didn't try to tell too much story in too few pages, and though this does tie in with her Dressmakers series, it isn't overshadowed by the recurring series characters. If you only read one story in this collection, let it be this one.
I impulse-bought the paperback edition released by Avon in April 2020. A mere 195 pages are actual stories, with the rest being filler material excerpts from other books by these authors. Is it worth paperback prices? No. Is the original digital anthology worth the price? No. Do yourself a favor and find another way to read this Chase story (preferably the library!). The other two can be left alone and nothing of value will be lost.
Setting: 1826
Tropes: Second chance romance, matchmaking family members
Page count: 68
Nell and Robert were courting once upon a time, but a marriage proposal was not in the offing and the two parted ways. Nine years later, they find themselves back in each other's orbit when Nell's sister Frances marries Robert's friend Prince Frederick in some small German principality.
"Bland" is the first word that comes to mind. Is this meant to be part of a series? I feel like these two are secondary characters from a previous novel, and all of their history and previous interactions are detailed there but glossed over here. This story is mostly about the Vayne Family Curse, of all the females having panic attacks prior to their weddings, and how Nell has to manage Frances within an inch of her life to make sure these panic attacks don't ruin her royal wedding. Frankly, I think it'd be more impressive if a noble-but-not-royal bride didn't have panic attacks in the run up to her wedding, so this whole Family Curse business was overplayed 1000%. Meanwhile, there is no romance - Nell and Robert go from looking longingly in each other's direction when the other isn't looking to ultra-purple-prose flowery sex without so much as a by-your-leave. It was like romance whiplash.
The Imposter Bride - Galen Foley - ⭐1/2
Setting: ???
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, big misunderstanding
Page count: 82
This story was a hot mess, right from the start. There is no setting given, so we're supposed to take the context clues to figure it out. Two fictional kingdoms which lay side by side in the Alps are constantly at war with each other, and Prince Tor of the northern kingdom decides enough is enough and he'll seal a marriage treaty with Princess Guiletta of the southern kingdom to bring peace to their people. The northerners are described as Viking Tuetonic Danes, whereas the southerners are a weird amalgamation of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, complete with veiled women, polyamory, and camels for transport. Is this supposed to be medieval times with that marriage treaty and Viking hero? Or some more modern period, considering our Viking Danish hero is basically a 21st century man parading around with his lion's mane and Adonis body? And so many cringey cultural stereotypes about "hot blooded southern women" vs the "barbarian northerners." Just, yuck.
The story could've been interesting, if our heroine Minerva (BFF of the bratty Princess Guiletta) had used her words. She steps in to fulfill the marriage ceremony after Guiletta flees into the night, but doesn't bother to tell her new husband of this until Prince Orsino, Guiletta's older brother, unexpectedly shows up and demands to know where his sister is, almost setting off yet another war between the kingdoms. Everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end and it's just, WTF did I just read??
Lord Lovedon's Duel - Loretta Chase - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting: 1835
Page count: 45
The shortest and BY FAR the best story in the collection. Chloe Sharp overhears Lord Lovedon insulting her sister on her sister's wedding day, and challenges him to a duel. They are both falling down drunk, but Chloe has piqued Lovedon's interest, so he holds her to her vow even after she regrets making it the next morning. The two do actually duel, with a rather surprising conclusion!
The characters are sharp and witty and fun, and the pacing was very nicely done. Ms Chase didn't try to tell too much story in too few pages, and though this does tie in with her Dressmakers series, it isn't overshadowed by the recurring series characters. If you only read one story in this collection, let it be this one.
I impulse-bought the paperback edition released by Avon in April 2020. A mere 195 pages are actual stories, with the rest being filler material excerpts from other books by these authors. Is it worth paperback prices? No. Is the original digital anthology worth the price? No. Do yourself a favor and find another way to read this Chase story (preferably the library!). The other two can be left alone and nothing of value will be lost.
April 9, 2014
Stephanie Laurens: A Return Engagement
Lady Nell Daughtry has her hands full getting her reluctant bride sister safely married to the Prince of Lautenberg. Then she learns she's paired with Robert Knightley . . . the fiancé who walked away.
Lady Cornelia (Nell) Daughtry is accompanying her your sister Frances and her parents to the small country of Lautenberg, where her sister will marry its Prince. To her surprise, the man she never stopped loving in nine years, Lord Robert Knightly is working as an aide to the Prince. The marriage is very important to the British Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Robert and all his family, are highly appreciated diplomats. Nine years ago, Nell and Robert were a very nice couple, but to her surprise, Robert suddenly withdrew himself and never proposed to her, as she was expecting. So far, no man has tempted her into marriage.
And now they will have to work closely together, as Nell will be her sister’s chaperone, and Robert will go wherever the Prince goes.
But nothing is as simple as it seems, all the women in Nell’s extended family suffer from some strange kind of curse, severe wedding nerves to the point of running away, even when they are very much in love. As her sister is with her Prince, and Prince Frederick is with Frances. So every time Nell sees those signs of stress in Frances, she steps in and steers her sister clear by distracting her. Of course Robert notices these strange occurrences as well, and he demands an explanation.
Robert ensures Fredericks’s help in keeping his lovely bride distracted, and all goes well, the couple grows even closer together because of this. But Robert also suddenly understands Nell’s behaviour, why she seemed to change her mind about their courtship, and he is determined to make her his wife. For in his heart, he never stopped loving her, and he never considered marrying someone else.
A lovely short story, I really enjoyed this. This case of nerves was fun and original, and it explained what happened, as the woman who has those nerves, also doesn’t know when it happens to her or what she does when it strikes. So both parties thought the other was withdrawing and of course a real gentleman does not pursue where he is not wanted. When Robert understands what has happened, he knows what he has to do, and this time, he will not be a gentleman if it comes to that …
I liked how Nell cared about her sister, how she encouraged her and loved her and was there for her. As the bride to be, her sister was the main focus, and Nell had only a few moments with Robert together, but it was enough for me to believe in them as a couple that really belonged together. I always like my main characters a bit older than debutantes as they are just mature adults and behave like such.
8 stars.
Gaelen Foley: The Imposter Bride
Lady Minerva must ensure her country's princess is wed to handsome Prince Tor. Then the bride bolts, and bridesmaid becomes - bride!
I disliked this story from the first page. Two European countries at war with each other. One in the Alps, the other near the coast. Okay, I can go for that. One country is inhabited by Vikings though, who are warriors through and through, and emotionless. Hmm Vikings living in the Swiss/Italian/Austrian mountain range. No. The other country with passionate people, where men have multiple wives. At first described like Venetia, so, no. The Bride goes to her Bridegroom on the back of an elephant. No. There are also camels. No. The females remain completely veiled until they are married. No.
They also have a custom of being half naked acrobats doing acrobatic things with long silk banners hanging from the ceiling. Both men and women do that when they are young. Really? Never heard of that except in the circus.
The Vikings have a lot of horses, described like the famous Spanish horses and how they perform with them. No. The Viking prince has a hobby of plants, and how to “crossbreed” them for better crops. No.
The Bride runs away on the night before her wedding, her guard sets out to find her, and is looking for her day after day. Her best maid marries the prince in her stead, and they fall in love. Until the Bride’s brother shows up, something he swore he would never do, and knows this is not his sister, but her best friend. How did he know who she is if he has never seen her unveiled? But the plot is destroyed, the fake Bride locked in the tower, where she promptly escapes with the help of her husband’s sister, with one of those famous silk banners. No. And within hours she finds the missing princess, while riding a strange horse through a completely unknown country side, while dozens of men did not find a trail off her at all. No.
And she then persuades the spoiled princess to come back with her and prevent the duel between her brother and her groom.
I don’t buy anything about this story and all those inaccuracies spoiled what could have been a pleasant little story. The author did not do any research about European countries at all, mixing European people and some Eastern desert people or something like that. Perhaps because I am European it hit me all wrong, if you know nothing about us at all, you might find this entertaining.
I really liked the prince, he was not a fierce warrior after all, he was kind and gentle with his wife. And Minerva was a good friend who wanted to go to university and become a doctor, but she sacrificed her future for her country and married the Viking prince Tor instead.
4 stars.
Loretta Chase: Lord Lovedon's Duel
When Chloe Sharp hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel - for love and honor.
Chloe’s sister Althea has just gotten married to her own Prince Charming, when the two sisters overhear Lord Lovedon tell his friends that this is not a match made in love, but in money. Her prince needs money to fix his castles, and he has forsaken a sweetheart back home in order to marry Althea. Of course it is rubbish, but it takes Chloe a lot of time to get Althea back to being happy in love with her Prince, as much as he is in love with her. So when Althea is back inside the ballroom with their guests, the feisty and slightly drunken Chloe goes of in search of the nasty Lord Lovedon. Finding him in the picture gallery, she then slaps him in the face with her glove, throws a glass of champagne in his face, and challenges him to a duel for ruining her sisters’ weddingday.
Lord Lovedon is slightly drunk as well, but he suddenly notices Chloe and becomes interested in her. Of course he won’t agree to a duel with a lady, but when Chloe’s best friend and an other sister drag her away from him and his friends, he knows he has to make repairs before this story gets into royal ears.
I had fun reading this story. Of course it is slightly ridiculous, but it was short and well written and I could understand Lord Lovedon becoming interested in this little miss who shows a lot of character. And for Chloe, she is not used to interacting with the ton, her father is a lawyer, her sister really did make a lovematch. So when Lord Lovedon helps her get home without embarrassing her family for being drunk, and for arranging for a fake duel the next day, she is intrigued with him as well.
Very short, but characters I did like, and well, just fun.
8 stars.
So, 2 nice stories, and one very bad one. There are also some excerpts about other books by these authors, so the stories are even shorter than you think they are. If you are a die hard fan of one of these authors, I say go for it. I am a big Stephanie Laurens fan, and I am glad I read her story. I don’t think Gaelen Foley is for me at all, but I might try another Loretta Chase book some day.
Lady Nell Daughtry has her hands full getting her reluctant bride sister safely married to the Prince of Lautenberg. Then she learns she's paired with Robert Knightley . . . the fiancé who walked away.
Lady Cornelia (Nell) Daughtry is accompanying her your sister Frances and her parents to the small country of Lautenberg, where her sister will marry its Prince. To her surprise, the man she never stopped loving in nine years, Lord Robert Knightly is working as an aide to the Prince. The marriage is very important to the British Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Robert and all his family, are highly appreciated diplomats. Nine years ago, Nell and Robert were a very nice couple, but to her surprise, Robert suddenly withdrew himself and never proposed to her, as she was expecting. So far, no man has tempted her into marriage.
And now they will have to work closely together, as Nell will be her sister’s chaperone, and Robert will go wherever the Prince goes.
But nothing is as simple as it seems, all the women in Nell’s extended family suffer from some strange kind of curse, severe wedding nerves to the point of running away, even when they are very much in love. As her sister is with her Prince, and Prince Frederick is with Frances. So every time Nell sees those signs of stress in Frances, she steps in and steers her sister clear by distracting her. Of course Robert notices these strange occurrences as well, and he demands an explanation.
Robert ensures Fredericks’s help in keeping his lovely bride distracted, and all goes well, the couple grows even closer together because of this. But Robert also suddenly understands Nell’s behaviour, why she seemed to change her mind about their courtship, and he is determined to make her his wife. For in his heart, he never stopped loving her, and he never considered marrying someone else.
A lovely short story, I really enjoyed this. This case of nerves was fun and original, and it explained what happened, as the woman who has those nerves, also doesn’t know when it happens to her or what she does when it strikes. So both parties thought the other was withdrawing and of course a real gentleman does not pursue where he is not wanted. When Robert understands what has happened, he knows what he has to do, and this time, he will not be a gentleman if it comes to that …
I liked how Nell cared about her sister, how she encouraged her and loved her and was there for her. As the bride to be, her sister was the main focus, and Nell had only a few moments with Robert together, but it was enough for me to believe in them as a couple that really belonged together. I always like my main characters a bit older than debutantes as they are just mature adults and behave like such.
8 stars.
Gaelen Foley: The Imposter Bride
Lady Minerva must ensure her country's princess is wed to handsome Prince Tor. Then the bride bolts, and bridesmaid becomes - bride!
I disliked this story from the first page. Two European countries at war with each other. One in the Alps, the other near the coast. Okay, I can go for that. One country is inhabited by Vikings though, who are warriors through and through, and emotionless. Hmm Vikings living in the Swiss/Italian/Austrian mountain range. No. The other country with passionate people, where men have multiple wives. At first described like Venetia, so, no. The Bride goes to her Bridegroom on the back of an elephant. No. There are also camels. No. The females remain completely veiled until they are married. No.
They also have a custom of being half naked acrobats doing acrobatic things with long silk banners hanging from the ceiling. Both men and women do that when they are young. Really? Never heard of that except in the circus.
The Vikings have a lot of horses, described like the famous Spanish horses and how they perform with them. No. The Viking prince has a hobby of plants, and how to “crossbreed” them for better crops. No.
The Bride runs away on the night before her wedding, her guard sets out to find her, and is looking for her day after day. Her best maid marries the prince in her stead, and they fall in love. Until the Bride’s brother shows up, something he swore he would never do, and knows this is not his sister, but her best friend. How did he know who she is if he has never seen her unveiled? But the plot is destroyed, the fake Bride locked in the tower, where she promptly escapes with the help of her husband’s sister, with one of those famous silk banners. No. And within hours she finds the missing princess, while riding a strange horse through a completely unknown country side, while dozens of men did not find a trail off her at all. No.
And she then persuades the spoiled princess to come back with her and prevent the duel between her brother and her groom.
I don’t buy anything about this story and all those inaccuracies spoiled what could have been a pleasant little story. The author did not do any research about European countries at all, mixing European people and some Eastern desert people or something like that. Perhaps because I am European it hit me all wrong, if you know nothing about us at all, you might find this entertaining.
I really liked the prince, he was not a fierce warrior after all, he was kind and gentle with his wife. And Minerva was a good friend who wanted to go to university and become a doctor, but she sacrificed her future for her country and married the Viking prince Tor instead.
4 stars.
Loretta Chase: Lord Lovedon's Duel
When Chloe Sharp hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel - for love and honor.
Chloe’s sister Althea has just gotten married to her own Prince Charming, when the two sisters overhear Lord Lovedon tell his friends that this is not a match made in love, but in money. Her prince needs money to fix his castles, and he has forsaken a sweetheart back home in order to marry Althea. Of course it is rubbish, but it takes Chloe a lot of time to get Althea back to being happy in love with her Prince, as much as he is in love with her. So when Althea is back inside the ballroom with their guests, the feisty and slightly drunken Chloe goes of in search of the nasty Lord Lovedon. Finding him in the picture gallery, she then slaps him in the face with her glove, throws a glass of champagne in his face, and challenges him to a duel for ruining her sisters’ weddingday.
Lord Lovedon is slightly drunk as well, but he suddenly notices Chloe and becomes interested in her. Of course he won’t agree to a duel with a lady, but when Chloe’s best friend and an other sister drag her away from him and his friends, he knows he has to make repairs before this story gets into royal ears.
I had fun reading this story. Of course it is slightly ridiculous, but it was short and well written and I could understand Lord Lovedon becoming interested in this little miss who shows a lot of character. And for Chloe, she is not used to interacting with the ton, her father is a lawyer, her sister really did make a lovematch. So when Lord Lovedon helps her get home without embarrassing her family for being drunk, and for arranging for a fake duel the next day, she is intrigued with him as well.
Very short, but characters I did like, and well, just fun.
8 stars.
So, 2 nice stories, and one very bad one. There are also some excerpts about other books by these authors, so the stories are even shorter than you think they are. If you are a die hard fan of one of these authors, I say go for it. I am a big Stephanie Laurens fan, and I am glad I read her story. I don’t think Gaelen Foley is for me at all, but I might try another Loretta Chase book some day.
© 2014 Reviews by Aurian
February 11, 2022
So one author says to another let’s take some short stories that we couldn’t sell, put them in a book and use them to sell some more books. Stephanie Laurens’ story did not surprise me. I do not think the woman could write herself out of a paper bag. There was no plot, there was no depths of character, it was a poorly written bit of nothing. Gaelen Foley must have never read a geography or history book in her life. Her illiterate ramblings about an imaginary country where there were Lipizzan horses, lived in the mountains, had Celtic tattoos on their bodies, were the descendants of Vikings, and looked Germanic. They lived within walking distance of a country that had gondolas, camels, elephants, and the women wore veils, all without crossing the Mediterranean. Was she thumbing her nose at her readers or is she really that stupid? The third book was by Larreta Chase and actually I would give it a three but it could not save the -fives that the other two stories got. What a rip off.
December 9, 2018
This book wins the first ever award I've ever come up with: the most boring book ever written. Look, I love historical romance. I love short stories. Translation: my two loves combined.
Well, turns out not.
There was nothing wrong with these stories. They're all good authors, authors I have heard of and know people love. The stories were just so BORING! I don't know if it was because they were short, the characters were dull, or what the hell the problem was but I am literally crying tears of boredom.
Holy cow.
Well, turns out not.
There was nothing wrong with these stories. They're all good authors, authors I have heard of and know people love. The stories were just so BORING! I don't know if it was because they were short, the characters were dull, or what the hell the problem was but I am literally crying tears of boredom.
Holy cow.
July 8, 2020
Considered the purchase of this book as support of the authors. Lots of excerpts for their then upcoming books, which were probably the same length if not longer than the actual novellas. I didn't read the excerpts.
Stephanie Laurens - 2.5 stars. Simple, straight forward, second chance romance but light on the angst.
Gaelen Foley - 3 stars. A touch melodramatic and cliche, still engaging and an easy read.
Loretta Chase - 4 stars. Really funny and characters so likeable. Wish it were longer.
Stephanie Laurens - 2.5 stars. Simple, straight forward, second chance romance but light on the angst.
Gaelen Foley - 3 stars. A touch melodramatic and cliche, still engaging and an easy read.
Loretta Chase - 4 stars. Really funny and characters so likeable. Wish it were longer.
July 29, 2023
Very deceptive of this publisher to make this appear to be a book of short stories when half the content is just excerpts from other books.
I never read excerpts. If I can’t read the whole story, I don’t want to waste my time reading any.
So grateful this was a library book. If I had paid for it, I would have demanded my money back.
As for the very short short-stories, they held some charm, but I would never waste my time ever reading them again. More suitable for magazine publication.
I never read excerpts. If I can’t read the whole story, I don’t want to waste my time reading any.
So grateful this was a library book. If I had paid for it, I would have demanded my money back.
As for the very short short-stories, they held some charm, but I would never waste my time ever reading them again. More suitable for magazine publication.
October 12, 2020
I wish I could say I enjoyed them all but I didn’t like the second story. Even the ones I did like, it still wasn’t enough to rate this high. The last story was short but it was silly and also very cute so I think that’s really the saving grace of this anthology.
I was in the mood for historical romance and this didn’t really satiate me
I was in the mood for historical romance and this didn’t really satiate me
May 19, 2018
The Loretta Chase story was cute but overall, even with this book being only $1.99, These stories were so short and most of this book was excerpts of other stories and authors!
I felt it was deceiving to market this as an anthology when really it was just a series of ads.
I felt it was deceiving to market this as an anthology when really it was just a series of ads.
January 18, 2021
Too short
Each story had potential to be a great read but were too abrupt and rushed. The story by Loretta Chase, especially, could have been much more fleshed out and suspenseful. The stories were indeed, very short and completely predictable.
Each story had potential to be a great read but were too abrupt and rushed. The story by Loretta Chase, especially, could have been much more fleshed out and suspenseful. The stories were indeed, very short and completely predictable.
January 19, 2021
Almost a third of the pages were dedicated to excerpts and which means the novellas were extremely short and shorter than the excerpts. The Loretta Chase one was extremely cute and would've benefit greatly from some of those 100 promotional wasted pages. What a waste of money!!
May 27, 2021
Three novellas about finding love where you least expect it. Our main leads found it by either taking a second chance at it, pretending to be someone else or challenging someone to a duel only to use the cutest dueling pistols.
March 14, 2022
This was an waste - so glad I got from the library rather than buying. Really short stories, followed by first chapters from upcoming books by the same authors, and then even more first chapters of random authors.
The stories were okay.
The stories were okay.
December 18, 2025
Picked it up to have some short form escapist reading, particularly to follow author Loretta Chase. The first two stories felt ridiculous. The Loretta Chase’s one seemed to have more on which to base a willing disbelief.
June 8, 2017
Easy read.
September 4, 2017
Лорета Чейс във вихъра си. Много забавно и за съжаление - кратко.
December 13, 2017
It's only worth reading for the Loretta Chase story, which is related to Maison Noirot. It is utterly charming, if brief.
December 25, 2017
Mostly for Loretta Chase's novella
November 4, 2018
Almost too short to bother.
February 9, 2020
An anthology of three historical romances linked together by royal weddings.
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens draws inspiration from the movie: Runaway Bride
A Return Engagement by Stephanie Laurens draws inspiration from the movie: Runaway Bride
May 14, 2020
Cute engaging little stories of romance.
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