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The Brides of Wishmore #2
The Bride Says Maybe
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with a delicious new series, The Brides of Wishmore
What happens when a bride says maybe?
She'd once been the toast of London, but now scandal has brought her down. Still, pretty, petted Lady Tara Davidson can't believe her new fate. She had wanted to marry for love . . . but her profligate father has promised her hand to none other than Breccan Campbell, the Beast of Aberfeldy and laird of the valley's most despised clan! Well, Tara may have to marry him, but Breccan can't make her love him--can he?
What happens when the groom insists?
Breccan Campbell is nobody's fool. He knows that Tara is trouble. Yet he's determined to reform the Campbell name even if it means forging an alliance with the arrogant beauty. There's no doubt that Tara is a challenge, and Breccan loves nothing more. For he's vowed to thoroughly seduce Tara--and make her his in more than name alone.
What happens when a bride says maybe?
She'd once been the toast of London, but now scandal has brought her down. Still, pretty, petted Lady Tara Davidson can't believe her new fate. She had wanted to marry for love . . . but her profligate father has promised her hand to none other than Breccan Campbell, the Beast of Aberfeldy and laird of the valley's most despised clan! Well, Tara may have to marry him, but Breccan can't make her love him--can he?
What happens when the groom insists?
Breccan Campbell is nobody's fool. He knows that Tara is trouble. Yet he's determined to reform the Campbell name even if it means forging an alliance with the arrogant beauty. There's no doubt that Tara is a challenge, and Breccan loves nothing more. For he's vowed to thoroughly seduce Tara--and make her his in more than name alone.
Audio CD
First published February 25, 2014
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About the author
Cathy Maxwell
72 books2,206 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 14, 2019
The beginning of this book was really strong, and then it just kind of floundered into a mediocre ending. The premise was interesting - Tara is apparently very beautiful and that is the sole reason why Breccan maneuvered her father into forcing Tara to marry him. Tara, understandably, isn't too keen on being sold off like a prize animal and wants to be known, not just admired for her beauty. Unfortunately, I started to lose interest once it became apparent that Tara wasn't particularly interesting. Breccan was at times either overly considerate or a complete ass. I was hoping for some more groveling, which didn't happen. Also, there was also some "oh my gosh I *love* him/her" mental epiphanies which I kind of always hate because they tend to come way too soon. Show us, don't tell us! So this was a quick, kind of unremarkable story, but it wasn't bad, it just wasn't that great either.
July 2, 2015
I liked it just about as much as the first. While this book was entirely about the hero and heroine, and the first book was split up too much, I still couldn't seem to like the heroine. She seemed very young, indecisive, and fairly self-absorbed. I loved Campbell, though, of course. Scottish + rough + huge + tender = love for me.
February 28, 2014
*Published first on Buried Under Romance
Lady Tara Davidson was devastated. By the time she realized she was in love with her friend, Ruary, a stable boy who was her childhood friend, she had already thrown away her chance at happiness. Not only did Ruary marry another, but her own intended groom threw her over for her older sister (all of which happens in the first book, The Bride Says No). And now she comes back to her dilapidated home, only to find that her drunken father had sold her hand in marriage to Breccan Campbell to pay off his debts.
Tara was furious. Breccan, laird of the Campbells, fell for Tara’s beauty at first sight, and secured her father’s vows just to force her hand in marriage. At first, he saw her as a vessel of beauty, a means of pride, for Breccan was seen as a brute – he was not beautiful; he was large as a troll and marrying Tara would give him something to show off. Tara, on the other hand, wanted a frivolous life in London, away from Breccan’s wild Scotland and away from childbirth and children.
So they struck a devil’s bargain: Tara would give Breccan two sons and then she can live her life away from him as she wished. There will be no love, no partnership, only this compromise. Can a relationship that begins on such animosity have a future? And what will happen once Tara and Breccan falls in love?
We sense early on that Tara and Breccan are more than they appear. Tara, especially, is a complex creature who is at once vain, loving, caring, and inclined to honesty. She has always been aware of her beauty, and she knows how to wield it to her advantage, yet she chooses not to, for she wants to be seen for herself, not as a pretty face or figure. Her vulnerability regarding her inward redeeming qualities is central to her growth in the novel, from that of a self-absorbed lady to someone willing to carry the burden of giants for a loved one. It is a fantastic yet realistic transformation, a tribute to Cathy Maxwell’s fine characterization.
Breccan, similar to Tara, has been fighting the stigma associated with his large figure and unhandsome face. He sees himself as a troll unfit for beautiful Tara, yet he craves her regardless. His largeness only serves to contrast his gentleness, his dependence as a laird, his intelligence and care towards his people. He, too, realizes that Tara is more than he supposed, and he takes the time to understand her, truly forming a bond with the woman he bought.
The plot progresses smoothly for the first 2/3, in between charming anecdotes and hilarious conjugal mishaps. However, near the last 1/3, a villain suddenly appears to throw a wedge in Tara and Breccan’s relationship, causing a Big Misunderstanding that betrayed Breccan’s characterization, as he chose not to believe Tara after everything he’s learned of her. This provided unnecessary frustration to their relationship, and disrupted the hitherto flow of the story.
In addition, another weak point was the way in which the central conflict was resolved – Breccan needed to win money at a horse race (as he spent all on buying Tara) – as well as the abrupt ending. I felt slightly cheated that after all the characters have progressed in their relationship, there should have been a chapter more contrasting how their lives have changed post actualizing their love.
In spite of that, I truly loved the complex layering given to the characters; how both Breccan and Tara were self-aware of their faults and sought to change themselves was a testament of their dynamic growth, and a resulting of their growing love for each other. Cathy Maxwell write with a flair for comedic sensibility, bring to life two characters who are perfect for each other in a sweet tale of love and understanding, paying homage to “Beauty and the Beast.” I highly recommend this story and am highly anticipating The Groom Says Yes, the final book of this series!
*Review copy courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss for an honest review
Lady Tara Davidson was devastated. By the time she realized she was in love with her friend, Ruary, a stable boy who was her childhood friend, she had already thrown away her chance at happiness. Not only did Ruary marry another, but her own intended groom threw her over for her older sister (all of which happens in the first book, The Bride Says No). And now she comes back to her dilapidated home, only to find that her drunken father had sold her hand in marriage to Breccan Campbell to pay off his debts.
Tara was furious. Breccan, laird of the Campbells, fell for Tara’s beauty at first sight, and secured her father’s vows just to force her hand in marriage. At first, he saw her as a vessel of beauty, a means of pride, for Breccan was seen as a brute – he was not beautiful; he was large as a troll and marrying Tara would give him something to show off. Tara, on the other hand, wanted a frivolous life in London, away from Breccan’s wild Scotland and away from childbirth and children.
So they struck a devil’s bargain: Tara would give Breccan two sons and then she can live her life away from him as she wished. There will be no love, no partnership, only this compromise. Can a relationship that begins on such animosity have a future? And what will happen once Tara and Breccan falls in love?
We sense early on that Tara and Breccan are more than they appear. Tara, especially, is a complex creature who is at once vain, loving, caring, and inclined to honesty. She has always been aware of her beauty, and she knows how to wield it to her advantage, yet she chooses not to, for she wants to be seen for herself, not as a pretty face or figure. Her vulnerability regarding her inward redeeming qualities is central to her growth in the novel, from that of a self-absorbed lady to someone willing to carry the burden of giants for a loved one. It is a fantastic yet realistic transformation, a tribute to Cathy Maxwell’s fine characterization.
Breccan, similar to Tara, has been fighting the stigma associated with his large figure and unhandsome face. He sees himself as a troll unfit for beautiful Tara, yet he craves her regardless. His largeness only serves to contrast his gentleness, his dependence as a laird, his intelligence and care towards his people. He, too, realizes that Tara is more than he supposed, and he takes the time to understand her, truly forming a bond with the woman he bought.
The plot progresses smoothly for the first 2/3, in between charming anecdotes and hilarious conjugal mishaps. However, near the last 1/3, a villain suddenly appears to throw a wedge in Tara and Breccan’s relationship, causing a Big Misunderstanding that betrayed Breccan’s characterization, as he chose not to believe Tara after everything he’s learned of her. This provided unnecessary frustration to their relationship, and disrupted the hitherto flow of the story.
In addition, another weak point was the way in which the central conflict was resolved – Breccan needed to win money at a horse race (as he spent all on buying Tara) – as well as the abrupt ending. I felt slightly cheated that after all the characters have progressed in their relationship, there should have been a chapter more contrasting how their lives have changed post actualizing their love.
In spite of that, I truly loved the complex layering given to the characters; how both Breccan and Tara were self-aware of their faults and sought to change themselves was a testament of their dynamic growth, and a resulting of their growing love for each other. Cathy Maxwell write with a flair for comedic sensibility, bring to life two characters who are perfect for each other in a sweet tale of love and understanding, paying homage to “Beauty and the Beast.” I highly recommend this story and am highly anticipating The Groom Says Yes, the final book of this series!
*Review copy courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss for an honest review
January 19, 2016
The Bride Says Maybe by Cathy Maxwell is a 2014 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This second book is the trilogy reunites us with Tara, a young woman we met in “The Bride Says No.” She was not the easiest person to warm up to, and she got her comeuppance when the man she thought she really loved, married someone else.
As this story opens, Tara is still pining for her lost love, but soon finds herself being sold into marriage due to her father’s gambling debts.
The lucky groom? Breccan Campbell – “The Beast of Aberfeldy”. Tara manages to wrangle a deal with him which consisted of providing him with two children, then allowing her to return to London and live the life she so longs for. Naturally, when two strangers move in together, things don’t go as smoothly as they think it will.
Will Tara learn to love her new life or will she really abandon her future children for a life in London?
Although Tara has only herself to blame for her single status, she knows she is beautiful and could still snare a husband. But, under the circumstances Breccan is her only hope of having the life she so desires. It takes her a long while to grow to respect Breccan, but by George, I think the lady has finally begun to grow up!
But, Breccan is the one who stole my heart. He was so funny, patient, and forgiving, but also human, given to doubts, and a little outburst of temper. He makes mistakes, looks into his own heart and realizes his initial motives toward Tara were based on a few unreasonable illusions on his part, and whole lot of lust.
All this takes place against a backdrop of hilarity, especially when Breccan’s dogs are around. The stories Breccan tells, are poignant, and funny, and the banter between the couple was sharp and witty. This is a very light hearted historical romance, written the way it should be. The language was right, the customs were right, and the dialogue fit the time period, with only few slightly modern terms slipping through the cracks.
It was good to see Tara finally show some maturity, meet her true love, and have her very own happily ever after.
4 stars
This second book is the trilogy reunites us with Tara, a young woman we met in “The Bride Says No.” She was not the easiest person to warm up to, and she got her comeuppance when the man she thought she really loved, married someone else.
As this story opens, Tara is still pining for her lost love, but soon finds herself being sold into marriage due to her father’s gambling debts.
The lucky groom? Breccan Campbell – “The Beast of Aberfeldy”. Tara manages to wrangle a deal with him which consisted of providing him with two children, then allowing her to return to London and live the life she so longs for. Naturally, when two strangers move in together, things don’t go as smoothly as they think it will.
Will Tara learn to love her new life or will she really abandon her future children for a life in London?
Although Tara has only herself to blame for her single status, she knows she is beautiful and could still snare a husband. But, under the circumstances Breccan is her only hope of having the life she so desires. It takes her a long while to grow to respect Breccan, but by George, I think the lady has finally begun to grow up!
But, Breccan is the one who stole my heart. He was so funny, patient, and forgiving, but also human, given to doubts, and a little outburst of temper. He makes mistakes, looks into his own heart and realizes his initial motives toward Tara were based on a few unreasonable illusions on his part, and whole lot of lust.
All this takes place against a backdrop of hilarity, especially when Breccan’s dogs are around. The stories Breccan tells, are poignant, and funny, and the banter between the couple was sharp and witty. This is a very light hearted historical romance, written the way it should be. The language was right, the customs were right, and the dialogue fit the time period, with only few slightly modern terms slipping through the cracks.
It was good to see Tara finally show some maturity, meet her true love, and have her very own happily ever after.
4 stars
February 14, 2014
I threw a wish in the well, Don’t ask me, I'll never tell.
I looked to you as it fell, And now you're in my way.
- Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen
Cathy Maxwell writes on the dedication page, “I am wealthy in my friends”. The perception of wealth is the basis of this book. The heroine, Lady Tara Davidson, is short on friends. A renowned beauty, Tara doesn’t have friends to guide her through beauty’s pitfalls. She grew up with her older sister substituting for her dead mother. Her sister married but returned home divorced from an abusive marriage, adding to the scandal that her father is a relentless gambling. Although Tara met “friends” in London during her debut, they simply envied her beauty and gossiped about her family. Tara, as a secondary character in THE BRIDE SAYS NO, walked away from an arranged marriage after she realized she stood in the way of two people finding love. She grew a heart ala the Grinch.
Maxwell recaps the events of THE BRIDE SAYS NO in the opening chapters of Book Two, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE. Now it’s time to test Tara’s mantle.
Unlike Tara, Laird Breccan Campbell is no beauty. He grew up being taunted for his oversized hands and awkward bearing. But he was comforted by a loving mother (who has since passed away) and supported by quirky uncles (one served in the Navy - a nod to the Navy blood that runs in Maxwell's family). Breccan is mesmerized by Tara’s beauty. He buys up her father’s debts to trade for her hand, thinking Tara’s elegance will bring respect to his family. Sadly, his family is the poor relations within the notorious Campbell Clan.
Once again, Tara is forced into a marriage that she doesn’t want to a bear of a man. Still, she bargains with Breccan – she’ll give him two bairns in exchange for a life in London after she delivers. But she has to deliver living inside a medieval castle that has not been modernized to Regency standards. Likewise, she is greeted by a pack of indoor dogs who do not take kindly to her elevated status in their master’s heart. The “wedding night” is pure fun with the dogs!
Tara soon realizes that Breccan’s clan may not be wealthy with money, but they are wealthy with love. Over time, Tara and Breccan fall in love, recognzing that their shared passion is wealth enough. Of course, there are a few hurdles to jump … and a villain from a previous series makes an appearance to stir the pot.
Maxwell delivers all that I love about Scotland – the rugged majesty, the close connection with the land, the endearing characters within a family, and the realization that wealth is more than coin. I thank Maxwell for giving Tara the opportunity mature into a true Scottish lady … and rewarding Breccan with a partner who makes him feel beautiful inside and out.
Recommended read for those who enjoy Regency romance, Scottish landscape, and a “Beauty and the Beast” theme.
I received an ARC from Avon for an honest review.
I looked to you as it fell, And now you're in my way.
- Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen
Cathy Maxwell writes on the dedication page, “I am wealthy in my friends”. The perception of wealth is the basis of this book. The heroine, Lady Tara Davidson, is short on friends. A renowned beauty, Tara doesn’t have friends to guide her through beauty’s pitfalls. She grew up with her older sister substituting for her dead mother. Her sister married but returned home divorced from an abusive marriage, adding to the scandal that her father is a relentless gambling. Although Tara met “friends” in London during her debut, they simply envied her beauty and gossiped about her family. Tara, as a secondary character in THE BRIDE SAYS NO, walked away from an arranged marriage after she realized she stood in the way of two people finding love. She grew a heart ala the Grinch.
Maxwell recaps the events of THE BRIDE SAYS NO in the opening chapters of Book Two, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE. Now it’s time to test Tara’s mantle.
Unlike Tara, Laird Breccan Campbell is no beauty. He grew up being taunted for his oversized hands and awkward bearing. But he was comforted by a loving mother (who has since passed away) and supported by quirky uncles (one served in the Navy - a nod to the Navy blood that runs in Maxwell's family). Breccan is mesmerized by Tara’s beauty. He buys up her father’s debts to trade for her hand, thinking Tara’s elegance will bring respect to his family. Sadly, his family is the poor relations within the notorious Campbell Clan.
Once again, Tara is forced into a marriage that she doesn’t want to a bear of a man. Still, she bargains with Breccan – she’ll give him two bairns in exchange for a life in London after she delivers. But she has to deliver living inside a medieval castle that has not been modernized to Regency standards. Likewise, she is greeted by a pack of indoor dogs who do not take kindly to her elevated status in their master’s heart. The “wedding night” is pure fun with the dogs!
Tara soon realizes that Breccan’s clan may not be wealthy with money, but they are wealthy with love. Over time, Tara and Breccan fall in love, recognzing that their shared passion is wealth enough. Of course, there are a few hurdles to jump … and a villain from a previous series makes an appearance to stir the pot.
Maxwell delivers all that I love about Scotland – the rugged majesty, the close connection with the land, the endearing characters within a family, and the realization that wealth is more than coin. I thank Maxwell for giving Tara the opportunity mature into a true Scottish lady … and rewarding Breccan with a partner who makes him feel beautiful inside and out.
Recommended read for those who enjoy Regency romance, Scottish landscape, and a “Beauty and the Beast” theme.
I received an ARC from Avon for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
I seriously disliked Tara. Because of that I had a very difficult time enjoying this book.
February 5, 2014
Lady Tara Davidson, once the toast of London has been brought down by scandal. Wanting nothing more than to marry for love, she had run from a brilliant match in London to come back to the Highlands to marry her childhood beau, the stable master. Unfortunately, the stable master had fallen in love with a lady of his class, and when she tried to get back with her wealthy fiancé he had fallen in love and married her sister!
Just when Tara didn’t think her life could get any more miserable or complicated, her dissolute father made an important announcement. He was “done in” and in order to keep himself out of debtors prison, had promised her hand in marriage to Breccan Campbell, the Beast of Aberfeld and laird of the valley’s most despised clan! Lordy, she may have to marry the beast but she definitely wouldn’t love him - or would she?
*** After having read the first book of this series – THE BRIDE SAYS NO – I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Lady Tara after she had acted like such a brat towards her fiancé and sister. However, I was very pleased right from the get-go that Breccan, her new husband, was no pushover - a down-to-earth brawny Scotsman, though I did have some concerns knowing how much Breccan had fallen in love with his lady wife.
Frankly, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE was a total delight! In the beginning I was happy to see the Tara get her comeuppance, but Ms. Maxwell toned Tara down and before very long, Maxwell brought forth in Tara a sweetness and innocence which gave me hope, especially since by then I wanted to see Breccan happy. Maxwell had fashioned Breccan to my way of thinking as the underdog, no matter his ‘beastly’ reputation. Breccan was a product of his environment, and Maxwell described it well.
Being a very big man, Breccan was not graceful and most would think him a big dumb brute. However, what he was underneath his gruff exterior was a very sweet and gentle man and not to be confused with a pushover. He was far from dumb, and he certainly wouldn’t be used. As you read you can see Maxwell describing that gentle giant with honor, caring and a deep morality. It did take time for Tara to realize her good fortune and just when it seemed all would work out as it should - a snake in the form of a greedy and nasty relative raised it’s ugly head to attempt to belittle and hurt Breccan and Tara’s new and happy life.
Bottom Line: I loved this book, I loved the care Maxwell took in fleshing out the leads and secondary characters. Book #1 of this series was good, but to get the full impact of how Tara had grown one really should read them in order. Definitely a series I am looking forward to completing!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
Just when Tara didn’t think her life could get any more miserable or complicated, her dissolute father made an important announcement. He was “done in” and in order to keep himself out of debtors prison, had promised her hand in marriage to Breccan Campbell, the Beast of Aberfeld and laird of the valley’s most despised clan! Lordy, she may have to marry the beast but she definitely wouldn’t love him - or would she?
*** After having read the first book of this series – THE BRIDE SAYS NO – I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Lady Tara after she had acted like such a brat towards her fiancé and sister. However, I was very pleased right from the get-go that Breccan, her new husband, was no pushover - a down-to-earth brawny Scotsman, though I did have some concerns knowing how much Breccan had fallen in love with his lady wife.
Frankly, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE was a total delight! In the beginning I was happy to see the Tara get her comeuppance, but Ms. Maxwell toned Tara down and before very long, Maxwell brought forth in Tara a sweetness and innocence which gave me hope, especially since by then I wanted to see Breccan happy. Maxwell had fashioned Breccan to my way of thinking as the underdog, no matter his ‘beastly’ reputation. Breccan was a product of his environment, and Maxwell described it well.
Being a very big man, Breccan was not graceful and most would think him a big dumb brute. However, what he was underneath his gruff exterior was a very sweet and gentle man and not to be confused with a pushover. He was far from dumb, and he certainly wouldn’t be used. As you read you can see Maxwell describing that gentle giant with honor, caring and a deep morality. It did take time for Tara to realize her good fortune and just when it seemed all would work out as it should - a snake in the form of a greedy and nasty relative raised it’s ugly head to attempt to belittle and hurt Breccan and Tara’s new and happy life.
Bottom Line: I loved this book, I loved the care Maxwell took in fleshing out the leads and secondary characters. Book #1 of this series was good, but to get the full impact of how Tara had grown one really should read them in order. Definitely a series I am looking forward to completing!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
April 7, 2015
There is just something I'm not a fan about. Annoyed with the main character, and just not in the mood.
Okay, I needed to leave this one alone for awhile. In the end I did enjoy the read, but it took me a long time to get past how much of a brat the main character was. Of course she does develop more over time, and I finally finished this by reading just a few pages at a time. I will read the next one. I'm just not sure who it is about since the first two were the sisters.
Okay, I needed to leave this one alone for awhile. In the end I did enjoy the read, but it took me a long time to get past how much of a brat the main character was. Of course she does develop more over time, and I finally finished this by reading just a few pages at a time. I will read the next one. I'm just not sure who it is about since the first two were the sisters.
January 24, 2016
Tara is forced into married with Breccan, the local laird to pay off her father's debts. They learn to rub together well despite some mistrust at first. I thought this was not as good as the first book but was a fast, sweet read.
December 24, 2018
Bwahaha DNF at less than two minutes with apologies to the reader because:
“Tame me, sir” is the first line and is followed by a man who just can’t help himself from looking at the main character’s breasts “almost against his will”.
I LAUGH THAT I EVEN THOUGHT I COULD READ THIS WITHOUT STABBING SOMEONE, POSSIBLY MYSELF.
I believe the opening line was, perhaps, one of those first-page teasers rather than how the author chose to start the book. (Why do they make the reader start with those?) but I now have 0 interest in this book.
I wish there were other books by this author available on e-audio from my library because I hear her other books might be better. Alas, I may not be able to try again without laughing.
“Tame me, sir” is the first line and is followed by a man who just can’t help himself from looking at the main character’s breasts “almost against his will”.
I LAUGH THAT I EVEN THOUGHT I COULD READ THIS WITHOUT STABBING SOMEONE, POSSIBLY MYSELF.
I believe the opening line was, perhaps, one of those first-page teasers rather than how the author chose to start the book. (Why do they make the reader start with those?) but I now have 0 interest in this book.
I wish there were other books by this author available on e-audio from my library because I hear her other books might be better. Alas, I may not be able to try again without laughing.
May 28, 2021
Quick, entertaining read. The sex was bad. I don’t understand why people dislike Tara, she is very honest. Brec is a jerk a lot of the time. There are stupid misunderstandings. And then the ending was very dumb. It is a very average romance novel.
March 2, 2014
I enjoyed that much more than I did the first book.
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-bride-...
The Bride Says Maybe is the second book in The Brides of Wishmore series by Cathy Maxwell. My main complaint about the first book, The Bride Says No ,was that it was all over the place as far as POVs and the woman who was supposed to be the main character, Lady Aileen, took such a backseat to her bratty sister that it turned me off. I didn’t believe the romance and was too focused on the decisions and actions of someone other than the heroine to really enjoy myself. To be blunt I wasn’t a big fan of Lady Tara when I finished the first book. Like, at all. But I was intrigued about how exactly Cathy Maxwell would redeem her character and turn her into a viable love interest after her childish, ridiculous actions previously.
Now that her sister has married her intended and her childhood love has left her behind and married another Lady Tara is in a hard spot. She doesn’t realize how hard until her father calls her into his study one evening to tell her that they’re bankrupt. Done in. Broke. The only choice he has is to marry her to the man who purchased all of his debts and the marriage will take place that very evening. Her husband to be? The Black Campbell himself.
Breccan Campbell is Laird of his clan. A big, brute of a man with a gentle heart who wants to do what is right and take care of his people. He has ideas that if they pay off will secure the futures of everyone who depends on him. Breccan hasn’t spent a lot of time in Tara’s presence, but he knows she’s beautiful and he wants her desperately. Enough to spend money he doesn’t have buying off her father’s debts in order to obtain her. Having spent his entire life being reminded of his enormous size, he wants Tara for her beauty and grace. But Tara isn’t about to be pushed into an unwanted marriage where she has no control over her future. So they strike a deal, she will marry him and stay long enough to birth him two babes, then she will be off to London where he will support her in a way she feels she deserves.
The Bride Says Maybe picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. Tara still comes off as a selfish, hard-headed woman when she agrees to marry Breccan. This may be why I had my doubts going in, in fact after the first couple of chapters I was sure that Tara would never be believable as a love interest for such a wonderful, likable hero. Because Breccan grabbed my attention from the very beginning and the more I read the more I adored this big, hulking gentle giant. I simply love this type of hero.
Then something happened. Tara started to change.
When Tara gets to her new home she is taken aback by how crude and barren it is. There’s even a pack of dogs that run around inside like they own the place. Her husband is a stranger and she is a little scared of what is supposed to happen in the marriage bed. As Tara adapts to her new life she quickly learns that while her new family might be short on funds and manners they are big in heart. That’s when readers are finally clued in to why Tara thinks and acts the way she does. She may be beautiful, but she’s lonely and everyone who she’s ever loved has left her behind. It’s not until she feels safe and respected that she grows up and becomes much more likable heroine. Tara and Breccan’s romance builds and unfolds very slowly . There is a lot of time spent getting to know each other before they fall into bed and I very much appreciated that.
There are plenty of misunderstandings, humor and shenanigans and this book is definitely more sweet than sexy, but I have to say I ended up reading it in one sitting. Which is something I can honestly admit I did not think I would do after being introduced to these characters in the first book. I had a few issues with the conflict at the end and how abrupt the ending was, but overall I found this to be another enjoyable historical romance by one of my tried and true authors. Final Grade- B-
Favorite Quote:
Yes, love. She was falling in love.
And love surprised her. She’d returned to Annefield and the valley because she believed she loved Ruary.
But now, she wondered if she’d ever loved before.
Breccan was the one. One life; one love.
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-bride-...
The Bride Says Maybe is the second book in The Brides of Wishmore series by Cathy Maxwell. My main complaint about the first book, The Bride Says No ,was that it was all over the place as far as POVs and the woman who was supposed to be the main character, Lady Aileen, took such a backseat to her bratty sister that it turned me off. I didn’t believe the romance and was too focused on the decisions and actions of someone other than the heroine to really enjoy myself. To be blunt I wasn’t a big fan of Lady Tara when I finished the first book. Like, at all. But I was intrigued about how exactly Cathy Maxwell would redeem her character and turn her into a viable love interest after her childish, ridiculous actions previously.
Now that her sister has married her intended and her childhood love has left her behind and married another Lady Tara is in a hard spot. She doesn’t realize how hard until her father calls her into his study one evening to tell her that they’re bankrupt. Done in. Broke. The only choice he has is to marry her to the man who purchased all of his debts and the marriage will take place that very evening. Her husband to be? The Black Campbell himself.
Breccan Campbell is Laird of his clan. A big, brute of a man with a gentle heart who wants to do what is right and take care of his people. He has ideas that if they pay off will secure the futures of everyone who depends on him. Breccan hasn’t spent a lot of time in Tara’s presence, but he knows she’s beautiful and he wants her desperately. Enough to spend money he doesn’t have buying off her father’s debts in order to obtain her. Having spent his entire life being reminded of his enormous size, he wants Tara for her beauty and grace. But Tara isn’t about to be pushed into an unwanted marriage where she has no control over her future. So they strike a deal, she will marry him and stay long enough to birth him two babes, then she will be off to London where he will support her in a way she feels she deserves.
The Bride Says Maybe picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. Tara still comes off as a selfish, hard-headed woman when she agrees to marry Breccan. This may be why I had my doubts going in, in fact after the first couple of chapters I was sure that Tara would never be believable as a love interest for such a wonderful, likable hero. Because Breccan grabbed my attention from the very beginning and the more I read the more I adored this big, hulking gentle giant. I simply love this type of hero.
Then something happened. Tara started to change.
When Tara gets to her new home she is taken aback by how crude and barren it is. There’s even a pack of dogs that run around inside like they own the place. Her husband is a stranger and she is a little scared of what is supposed to happen in the marriage bed. As Tara adapts to her new life she quickly learns that while her new family might be short on funds and manners they are big in heart. That’s when readers are finally clued in to why Tara thinks and acts the way she does. She may be beautiful, but she’s lonely and everyone who she’s ever loved has left her behind. It’s not until she feels safe and respected that she grows up and becomes much more likable heroine. Tara and Breccan’s romance builds and unfolds very slowly . There is a lot of time spent getting to know each other before they fall into bed and I very much appreciated that.
There are plenty of misunderstandings, humor and shenanigans and this book is definitely more sweet than sexy, but I have to say I ended up reading it in one sitting. Which is something I can honestly admit I did not think I would do after being introduced to these characters in the first book. I had a few issues with the conflict at the end and how abrupt the ending was, but overall I found this to be another enjoyable historical romance by one of my tried and true authors. Final Grade- B-
Favorite Quote:
Yes, love. She was falling in love.
And love surprised her. She’d returned to Annefield and the valley because she believed she loved Ruary.
But now, she wondered if she’d ever loved before.
Breccan was the one. One life; one love.
February 8, 2015
We first met Tara in The Bride Says No, where she was engaged to another man. She didn't want him, believing herself in love with the horse trainer on her father's estate. She ran away from her engagement, at which time her father forced her older sister to take her place. Tara then tried to break up the engagement between her old love and his fiancee, and when that didn't work, tried to get her old fiance back. She ended up with nobody, and facing the scandal of her actions. She still wants to marry for love, but that's looking unlikely while she's stuck in Scotland instead of being in London.
Tara has begun to realize that she brought her troubles on herself. She also knows that she still wants to find someone she can love. She is also determined to find someone that will love her for herself, not just want her for her looks. She is smarter than people give her credit for and she wants to do something that matters, not just sit around and look pretty. Then her father promises her to a local laird, in exchange for the man's paying off his debts. Tara tries running again, but is caught by Breccan himself.
Breccan is head of a local clan that doesn't have the best of reputations. He's also a very large man, which has earned him the title of "Beast of Abefeldy". He wants to marry and have children to pass his lands to, but finding a wife has been difficult. When he sees Tara he is immediately drawn to her beauty and thinks she'll make the perfect mother for his kids. He doesn't really think of her as a person outside of that.
Their initial meeting is pretty funny. He catches her running away from him and is furious. He also still wants her. Tara doesn't want to marry him, but also doesn't want her father in debtor's prison. She puts her very agile mind to work, persuading Breccan to enter into a bargain with her in regards to their marriage. What they agree to is pretty interesting, especially as Tara is at a bit of a disadvantage regarding some of the information she is working with.
Once they get back to his home, both have to face themselves and their own issues. Breccan has some self worth issues thanks to the way people treat him. He tends to be gruff and broody, which doesn't help Tara with her own fears. The information she has received about the wedding night has terrified her, which affects the way she acts around Breccan. At this point we actually do see another side to Breccan, and I loved the sensitivity he was able to show her.
They start a process of getting to know each other and discover that they may actually like each other. I loved seeing Tara start to think about more than herself and begin to fit in around her new home. She also starts to see Breccan differently and her feelings about him begin to change. Breccan also begins to look at more than just Tara's beauty, and sees that she's even more than he could have dreamed of. He backslides, though, when his unpleasant cousin raises doubts in Breccan's mind about Tara's past, preying on Breccan's fears. I loved seeing Tara face him and start them talking again, and how they fixed their marriage. I liked seeing the cousin get a little of what he deserved at the end.
Tara has begun to realize that she brought her troubles on herself. She also knows that she still wants to find someone she can love. She is also determined to find someone that will love her for herself, not just want her for her looks. She is smarter than people give her credit for and she wants to do something that matters, not just sit around and look pretty. Then her father promises her to a local laird, in exchange for the man's paying off his debts. Tara tries running again, but is caught by Breccan himself.
Breccan is head of a local clan that doesn't have the best of reputations. He's also a very large man, which has earned him the title of "Beast of Abefeldy". He wants to marry and have children to pass his lands to, but finding a wife has been difficult. When he sees Tara he is immediately drawn to her beauty and thinks she'll make the perfect mother for his kids. He doesn't really think of her as a person outside of that.
Their initial meeting is pretty funny. He catches her running away from him and is furious. He also still wants her. Tara doesn't want to marry him, but also doesn't want her father in debtor's prison. She puts her very agile mind to work, persuading Breccan to enter into a bargain with her in regards to their marriage. What they agree to is pretty interesting, especially as Tara is at a bit of a disadvantage regarding some of the information she is working with.
Once they get back to his home, both have to face themselves and their own issues. Breccan has some self worth issues thanks to the way people treat him. He tends to be gruff and broody, which doesn't help Tara with her own fears. The information she has received about the wedding night has terrified her, which affects the way she acts around Breccan. At this point we actually do see another side to Breccan, and I loved the sensitivity he was able to show her.
They start a process of getting to know each other and discover that they may actually like each other. I loved seeing Tara start to think about more than herself and begin to fit in around her new home. She also starts to see Breccan differently and her feelings about him begin to change. Breccan also begins to look at more than just Tara's beauty, and sees that she's even more than he could have dreamed of. He backslides, though, when his unpleasant cousin raises doubts in Breccan's mind about Tara's past, preying on Breccan's fears. I loved seeing Tara face him and start them talking again, and how they fixed their marriage. I liked seeing the cousin get a little of what he deserved at the end.
March 11, 2014
It’s tough being beautiful… boo hoo!
The Bride Says Maybe is the second book in The Brides of Wishmore series by Cathy Maxwell. I admit up front that I started to read the first book in the series, The Bride Says No, and didn't get very far before I put it down. The reason - I didn't like the secondary character of Tara, the spoiled snot sister of Lady Aileen. Bet you can't guess who the heroine of The Bride Says Maybe is? Go ahead, give it a try. Yep, it's-all-about-me Tara. Gee-willikers, I didn't like our heroine. She was written as an extremely beautiful woman, but it's all on the outside. Anyone, who yells and then hits a dog is in my black books for a long time. Just because the dogs were a little over enthusiastic in their greeting was no reason for her to strike out as she did. So, it took me a long time to see any good in Tara. The story is slow in showing any transformation. It does come, but almost too late. I would have liked to have learned about the reason she is the way she is just a little earlier. You see, for one thing, people leave her. Even though she's beautiful, they just leave her. So, she doesn't really see herself as a worthy person. And, honestly I didn't either. She needed more redeeming then she was given in this story.
Then we have Breccan, our hero. He's one of those big gentle heroes. He's very self-conscious about his size, which is one of the reasons he has to have Tara. He thinks that if people see this gorgeous woman by his side, they will think better of him. Which, once again for Tara, means someone wanting her for her beauty. So, the whole relationship was one big conundrum.
Breccan was a wonderful hero, too good for the Tara at the beginning of the book. Because Breccan was obsessed with Tara in the beginning, I thought this might be a quick jump-into-bed story, but that's not the direction Ms Maxwell took. The obsession slows down and a romance blossoms slowly as these two people get to know each other. Tara eventually turns into someone who is beautiful inside and out and Breccan realizes there is more to Tara than her gorgeous surface.
I was surprised at how fast I read through this story - it was a one day read. This isn't my favorite Cathy Maxwell book, but it is a pleasant fast read with a huggable hero and a heroine who eventually is rehabilitated. And, by the way, the dogs are wonderful characters. I suspect they are based on real-life pets.
The Bride Says Maybe is the second book in The Brides of Wishmore series by Cathy Maxwell. I admit up front that I started to read the first book in the series, The Bride Says No, and didn't get very far before I put it down. The reason - I didn't like the secondary character of Tara, the spoiled snot sister of Lady Aileen. Bet you can't guess who the heroine of The Bride Says Maybe is? Go ahead, give it a try. Yep, it's-all-about-me Tara. Gee-willikers, I didn't like our heroine. She was written as an extremely beautiful woman, but it's all on the outside. Anyone, who yells and then hits a dog is in my black books for a long time. Just because the dogs were a little over enthusiastic in their greeting was no reason for her to strike out as she did. So, it took me a long time to see any good in Tara. The story is slow in showing any transformation. It does come, but almost too late. I would have liked to have learned about the reason she is the way she is just a little earlier. You see, for one thing, people leave her. Even though she's beautiful, they just leave her. So, she doesn't really see herself as a worthy person. And, honestly I didn't either. She needed more redeeming then she was given in this story.
Then we have Breccan, our hero. He's one of those big gentle heroes. He's very self-conscious about his size, which is one of the reasons he has to have Tara. He thinks that if people see this gorgeous woman by his side, they will think better of him. Which, once again for Tara, means someone wanting her for her beauty. So, the whole relationship was one big conundrum.
Breccan was a wonderful hero, too good for the Tara at the beginning of the book. Because Breccan was obsessed with Tara in the beginning, I thought this might be a quick jump-into-bed story, but that's not the direction Ms Maxwell took. The obsession slows down and a romance blossoms slowly as these two people get to know each other. Tara eventually turns into someone who is beautiful inside and out and Breccan realizes there is more to Tara than her gorgeous surface.
I was surprised at how fast I read through this story - it was a one day read. This isn't my favorite Cathy Maxwell book, but it is a pleasant fast read with a huggable hero and a heroine who eventually is rehabilitated. And, by the way, the dogs are wonderful characters. I suspect they are based on real-life pets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2014
Tara oh Tara, how impetuous you can be. Having made Tara Davidson's acquaintance in the first THE BRIDES OF WISHMORE book, THE BRIDE SAYS NO by Cathy Maxwell, we find Tara to be somewhat spoiled and headstrong. Why, this lady ran away from London on the cusp of her wedding because of her refusal to marry a man she did not love. Lucky for her sister Aileen, who happily ended up with Tara's would-be groom and a perfect match in the end. In the second installment of THE BRIDES OF WISHMORE series, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE, Tara is still "in love" with horse master extraordinaire, Ruary and she will stop at nothing to convince him that she is the woman for him... Oh but wait! Ruary is engaged to be married to a local girl. So the plot thickens...
Once again the Earl of Tay, substandard gambler and even more deficient father, has brokered a marriage for his daughter. This time the groom in question is Annefield's neighbor, Breccan Campbell who has paid the Earl for the "privilege" of his lovely daughter's hand, but Tara is still in love with Ruary, the common horse expert who even does business with Campbell. She is clearly opposed to any union with her wealthy neighbor, even if it will get her rogue of a father out of his financial straits. Breccan Campbell is known interestingly as the " Beast of Aberfeldy" and he is no simpering man of the ton. Breccan Campbell is a force to be reckoned with and he knows that Tara is going to be quite the challenge to win over, but he is completely up for that.
I must say that going into a story where I was in DISLIKE of the heroine was quite an interesting proposition for me. This is where the unique talent that author Cathy Maxwell has comes into play with her plot twists and her distinctive sense of humor, which inevitably melts the ice around that DISLIKE. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a uber awesome alpha hero like Breccan Campbell as well, who is now one of my permanent Book Boyfriends. This book has it all, adventure, a touch of mystery and a fabulous romance between this seemingly unlikely pair. It is such a pleasure to see such a spoiled little lass like Tara see the light, especially when such a strong and entertaining Breccan is the one to show Tara that light. Grab your copy of THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE... and your copy of the BRIDE SAYS NO for that matter. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
~KIMBERLY~
February 20, 2014
Will you take a chance on love?
When Lady Tara Davidson looked in the mirror she saw nothing spectacular, just a woman looking to have her voice heard. When Breccan Campbell first set his eyes upon her he found her beauty could be compared to no other and one factor alone made him want her as his wife. The respect that Breccan craved and the children he wanted to secure his future were all about to be laid upon Tara’s beautiful feet, and Breccan wondered would she accept. Granted Tara had little else to do but accept since her father, again had himself backed into a financial corner but that did not mean Tara would go quietly into that relationship.
The pack that Tara and Breccan agreed upon made each of them feel they had the upper hand in the marriage, however was it true? Tara was raised without a mother so she felt she could have children and still live her life to the fullest while Breccan wanted her tied down to his way of life. Tara fought for her relevance in making Breccan’s castle her home and with a change her and there she was working on managing the present while setting the ground work for the future.
Both Tara and Breccan were judged by their overall appearance and each wondered if their union could turn public opinion around. Each sought meaning in their lives and while they may have fought during the war for individual decisions, each night brought them closer to being of one mind about the love and life they could build together. If the past leaves them alone, and some good luck comes their way everyone’s opinion will matter and the only thing holding Breccan and Tara together will be their love for one another.
When you think of charismatic characters; romance that makes you blush; and amazing story lines one author always comes to mind, Cathy Maxwell
When Lady Tara Davidson looked in the mirror she saw nothing spectacular, just a woman looking to have her voice heard. When Breccan Campbell first set his eyes upon her he found her beauty could be compared to no other and one factor alone made him want her as his wife. The respect that Breccan craved and the children he wanted to secure his future were all about to be laid upon Tara’s beautiful feet, and Breccan wondered would she accept. Granted Tara had little else to do but accept since her father, again had himself backed into a financial corner but that did not mean Tara would go quietly into that relationship.
The pack that Tara and Breccan agreed upon made each of them feel they had the upper hand in the marriage, however was it true? Tara was raised without a mother so she felt she could have children and still live her life to the fullest while Breccan wanted her tied down to his way of life. Tara fought for her relevance in making Breccan’s castle her home and with a change her and there she was working on managing the present while setting the ground work for the future.
Both Tara and Breccan were judged by their overall appearance and each wondered if their union could turn public opinion around. Each sought meaning in their lives and while they may have fought during the war for individual decisions, each night brought them closer to being of one mind about the love and life they could build together. If the past leaves them alone, and some good luck comes their way everyone’s opinion will matter and the only thing holding Breccan and Tara together will be their love for one another.
When you think of charismatic characters; romance that makes you blush; and amazing story lines one author always comes to mind, Cathy Maxwell
December 17, 2013
I received an ARC of this book.
This is book 2 of the Brides of Wishmore. I just read the first book so I was excited to get a copy of this one. In the first book you meet Tara who has run away from her fiance and believes she is in love with Ruary. At the end of the first book Tara's father tells her she is to marry their neighbor Breccan Campbell because Breccan has bought all his debts and will trade them for Tara.
So you can see why I wanted to read the 2nd book right away. I had to find out what happened. Well I did enjoy this book, like the first. Somewhat predictable in that Tara's reputation and rumors of an affair get in the way of a happy marriage. But luckily Breccan has a family member who tells him to get over it and enjoy the moments he can spend with his wife. Cute story with a happy ending.
I hope she continues with this series, I'm enjoying reading about these characters.
This is book 2 of the Brides of Wishmore. I just read the first book so I was excited to get a copy of this one. In the first book you meet Tara who has run away from her fiance and believes she is in love with Ruary. At the end of the first book Tara's father tells her she is to marry their neighbor Breccan Campbell because Breccan has bought all his debts and will trade them for Tara.
So you can see why I wanted to read the 2nd book right away. I had to find out what happened. Well I did enjoy this book, like the first. Somewhat predictable in that Tara's reputation and rumors of an affair get in the way of a happy marriage. But luckily Breccan has a family member who tells him to get over it and enjoy the moments he can spend with his wife. Cute story with a happy ending.
I hope she continues with this series, I'm enjoying reading about these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2015
This was a fast, fun read that I liked a lot. The heroine grew up in Scotland, neglected by pretty much everyone but the servants. She runs away from her noble fiancé back to the stable boy she grew up with and loved, but he's married someone else and gone to train horses at Newmarket. The hero is a big man whose always been teased for his size. He saw the heroine, became infatuated with her and bought up all her father's debt so he could marry her. She doesn't think much of him so she tries to run away again and gets caught by the hero. They argue, throw a few home truths in each other's faces--like the debts aren't hers so what's in it for her?-- and make a bargain. Then the real work begins. I was surprised at how fast this book read. It goes down easy with all the adventure and humor and angst and great dialog anyone could want. I really enjoyed it.
November 25, 2017
A definite step up from The Bride Says No, The Bride Says Maybe definitely had some solid stuff to enjoy about it.
It made for light, easy reading. Although I did find the characters frustrating at times, I still liked them for the most part. I enjoyed that this story focused on the couple the story was about (unlike the previous book which divided its attentions far too much). I enjoyed the character growth here. This wasn't a great novel, but it took my mind off of things.
I wanted to like it more than I did, but it was a definite improvement upon the first book in the trilogy. (Times like these are when I want half star ratings. I would have rated the first book 2.5 and this one 3.5).
It made for light, easy reading. Although I did find the characters frustrating at times, I still liked them for the most part. I enjoyed that this story focused on the couple the story was about (unlike the previous book which divided its attentions far too much). I enjoyed the character growth here. This wasn't a great novel, but it took my mind off of things.
I wanted to like it more than I did, but it was a definite improvement upon the first book in the trilogy. (Times like these are when I want half star ratings. I would have rated the first book 2.5 and this one 3.5).
November 17, 2014
What a wonderful book! I read it in one sitting and stayed up well into the night to finish. The hero was my favorite kind -- a little damaged, a few imperfections, just enough to make him absolutely lovable! Ms.Maxwell has never disappointed me and this one went right to my "To be read again" shelf. Would have given it 7 or 8 stars but of course Goodreads is only happy with a maximum of 5.
September 23, 2017
Predictable. Wish there were more audiobooks available from my library. If I gave the last book 3 stars and it had a much more interesting plot, I can't give this one 3 can I? But it does a decent job of what it proposes to do.
September 26, 2017
Maybe 3.5.
I enjoyed the development of their love. The blip in their communication at the end there annoyed me though. And I don't think Owen was punished enough.
Oh, well. I hadn't liked Tara at first, but I suppose like for the other characters, she redeemed herself in my eyes by the end.
I enjoyed the development of their love. The blip in their communication at the end there annoyed me though. And I don't think Owen was punished enough.
Oh, well. I hadn't liked Tara at first, but I suppose like for the other characters, she redeemed herself in my eyes by the end.
June 24, 2018
I just don't have enough actual reading time to continue reading a book that doesn't make me feel like I can't wait to get back to it. Unfortunately, even though I wanted to finish this I just lost interest.
July 11, 2018
Remember the spoiled pampered girl from "The Bride Says No"? Well, this is her story. Tara is married off by her father to Breccan Campbell, the laird of the valley's most despised clan. Tara is indignant, but little does she know that Breccan relishes in the challenge to seduce her.
November 22, 2015
I love this second book in the Brides of Wishmore series. Breccan Campbell is sweet. A wonderful story - really enjoyed reading this.
January 12, 2015
Luckily Tara's selfishness was wrote out pretty quickly and I started to really like the person she was becoming. I read the stories out of order and I really needed to read them in order.
December 30, 2017
This was an odd case - the story, writing, and plot are all fine, but the heroine is so incredibly immature and unlikable that she ruined the whole book.
August 31, 2023
I don't think I've ever read a sweeter hero, that's a good place to start. I don't think I'd recommend Cathy Maxwell to most HR readers, just because there's a lot less smut (still present, but significantly further down the line), and more perfunctory language; many events/character traits have to be read rather than full on seen (Tara's time in London, for example... or perhaps I'd have to read book 1?).
Let me just say, I felt bad for our leads; we knew they'd fall in love, and while Breccan had a better support system with his Scottish clan 'round him/good relationship with his mother before her passing away, he still suffered emotional trauma due to his looks/ size (poor guy is known as the Beast, embarrassed about the size/girth of his... manliness, and is told by many a cobbler that he's the hardest to make shoes for because it takes twice the material to make each shoe). In fact, the main factor in marrying Tara (despite surface level lust), is he wants to have children, not just any children, but those that can have society doors open that remain closed to him given his looks. Tara is beautiful to a fault (more on that later), which will give his children a fighting societal chance. I love that he takes time to love Tara, gentle to a swoon-worthy degree (the man literally tells her bedtime stories rather than fuck her brains out, as was a man's marital right at the time, in order to get her acclimated to him/his adoration for her.... every story is about couples learning to love one another beyond their shortcomings).
Meanwhile, Tara was the kind of heroine I think doesn't get enough shine; the one with all the faults. In the beginning, we meet an isolated girl interacting with the person most responsible for her isolation: her father. He literally barters his daughter to Breccan to save him debtor's prison. We see that he's a father, rather than a dad, preferring to spend hi time in London, away from both his daughters (both from different mothers), and that Tara is loyal to a fault towards him at first. She's angry at anyone claiming her father to be a dead-beat/gambling swine. Tara has the hardest time overcoming this loneliness, feeling it best to not let anyone too close or drop them before they drop her. It broke my heart hearing her talk about how she grew up with pity company from people closer to others in her life (even her governess only stuck by her for Tara's half-sister's sake). To be uncertain/wishy washy was expected. Her story line of giving Breccan two children, and in exchange, he'll take care of them in Scotland while funding her London life was like history repeating itself; she thought to isolate herself from her future children because it's all her father's ever done. And I'm not a baby person myself, but I loved that she asks Breccan if he'll be a good father, showing that she does in fact want better than she had growing up. Later, once she warms up the idea of being a mother, she worries what kind of mother she'll be, seeing as her own died in childbirth. And when Breccan reassures her "some things are instinct"... the sweetness...
Their love story gets a frustrating start, but there are so many moments that stem from what's gonna be:
*He tells her a story of a selkie and fisherman who fall in love, likening her to the selkie.
*Once they've started falling in love, Tara fesses up, revealing to Breccan that the biggest reason she's avoiding sex is because many women gossip about his size, laughing at the idea of him "slitting her in two" (Good grief!), to which he is openly offended, claiming "I would never hurt you with any part of me!"
*Tara sets out to learn to bake bannock cakes, despite not knowing how to cook, simply because they are Breccan's favorite food/were a major part of a bedtime story he gave her the night before.
*The shaving scene... before he bolted.
*Them finally doing-the-do, but not without another story as they set about undressing each other. Just the absolute sweetness that radiates off both of them, both of them worrying about the other/if their nakedness will please the other person.
*The ending line/moment... though confusing... we'll get there.
*Breccan listening to Tara's expert advice concerning an injured horse. Remember when I said "beautiful to a fault"? Surprise, surprise, no one of this time period believes in beauty and brains, so Tara is often ogled at, rather than listened to. Love that she feels pride in talking to someone who wants to listen/converse back.
*She defends Breccan's appearance many times over before they even do-the-do. Breccan metaphorically puffing out his chest each time was just *chef's kiss*.
Cons
-The whole bit about the horse race. Felt tacked on/pointless in the end.
-While the ending was cute, the ambiguity was not. On the carriage ride home, Tara tells Breccan that if they knock out a wall between their bedroom and the sitting room, they'd have a nice nursery, and Breccan is overjoyed. So... is she pregnant? Or just more open to the idea? I choose the former, half-full and all.
Let me just say, I felt bad for our leads; we knew they'd fall in love, and while Breccan had a better support system with his Scottish clan 'round him/good relationship with his mother before her passing away, he still suffered emotional trauma due to his looks/ size (poor guy is known as the Beast, embarrassed about the size/girth of his... manliness, and is told by many a cobbler that he's the hardest to make shoes for because it takes twice the material to make each shoe). In fact, the main factor in marrying Tara (despite surface level lust), is he wants to have children, not just any children, but those that can have society doors open that remain closed to him given his looks. Tara is beautiful to a fault (more on that later), which will give his children a fighting societal chance. I love that he takes time to love Tara, gentle to a swoon-worthy degree (the man literally tells her bedtime stories rather than fuck her brains out, as was a man's marital right at the time, in order to get her acclimated to him/his adoration for her.... every story is about couples learning to love one another beyond their shortcomings).
Meanwhile, Tara was the kind of heroine I think doesn't get enough shine; the one with all the faults. In the beginning, we meet an isolated girl interacting with the person most responsible for her isolation: her father. He literally barters his daughter to Breccan to save him debtor's prison. We see that he's a father, rather than a dad, preferring to spend hi time in London, away from both his daughters (both from different mothers), and that Tara is loyal to a fault towards him at first. She's angry at anyone claiming her father to be a dead-beat/gambling swine. Tara has the hardest time overcoming this loneliness, feeling it best to not let anyone too close or drop them before they drop her. It broke my heart hearing her talk about how she grew up with pity company from people closer to others in her life (even her governess only stuck by her for Tara's half-sister's sake). To be uncertain/wishy washy was expected. Her story line of giving Breccan two children, and in exchange, he'll take care of them in Scotland while funding her London life was like history repeating itself; she thought to isolate herself from her future children because it's all her father's ever done. And I'm not a baby person myself, but I loved that she asks Breccan if he'll be a good father, showing that she does in fact want better than she had growing up. Later, once she warms up the idea of being a mother, she worries what kind of mother she'll be, seeing as her own died in childbirth. And when Breccan reassures her "some things are instinct"... the sweetness...
Their love story gets a frustrating start, but there are so many moments that stem from what's gonna be:
*He tells her a story of a selkie and fisherman who fall in love, likening her to the selkie.
*Once they've started falling in love, Tara fesses up, revealing to Breccan that the biggest reason she's avoiding sex is because many women gossip about his size, laughing at the idea of him "slitting her in two" (Good grief!), to which he is openly offended, claiming "I would never hurt you with any part of me!"
*Tara sets out to learn to bake bannock cakes, despite not knowing how to cook, simply because they are Breccan's favorite food/were a major part of a bedtime story he gave her the night before.
*The shaving scene... before he bolted.
*Them finally doing-the-do, but not without another story as they set about undressing each other. Just the absolute sweetness that radiates off both of them, both of them worrying about the other/if their nakedness will please the other person.
*The ending line/moment... though confusing... we'll get there.
*Breccan listening to Tara's expert advice concerning an injured horse. Remember when I said "beautiful to a fault"? Surprise, surprise, no one of this time period believes in beauty and brains, so Tara is often ogled at, rather than listened to. Love that she feels pride in talking to someone who wants to listen/converse back.
*She defends Breccan's appearance many times over before they even do-the-do. Breccan metaphorically puffing out his chest each time was just *chef's kiss*.
Cons
-The whole bit about the horse race. Felt tacked on/pointless in the end.
-While the ending was cute, the ambiguity was not. On the carriage ride home, Tara tells Breccan that if they knock out a wall between their bedroom and the sitting room, they'd have a nice nursery, and Breccan is overjoyed. So... is she pregnant? Or just more open to the idea? I choose the former, half-full and all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
When her father hit his limit with his spendthrift ways, Lady Tara Davidson was sold (in marriage) to Laird Breccan Campbell. Horrified, Tara knew the Campbells to be the most despised clan of the area. Tara wasn't particularly surprised that her father married her off to pay his gambling debts. However, she thought herself still in love with Ruary, a horse master. Ruary had recently run away with another woman (Jane) and Tara is still grieving.
Breccan is a charmer who quickly realizes he has fallen in love with Tara. Rather than rush her, Breccan tries to understand Tara. Before he married Tara, Breccan agreed to a horse race that could bring his family's financial situation to ruin. Tara is horrified about the dangerous race until she meets Owen, Breccan's cousin. Owen is a slimy lizard who will stoop to anything to win the race.
Brides of Wishmore
1. The Bride Says No (2014)
** 2. The Bride Says Maybe (2014)
3. The Groom Says Yes (2014)
Breccan is a charmer who quickly realizes he has fallen in love with Tara. Rather than rush her, Breccan tries to understand Tara. Before he married Tara, Breccan agreed to a horse race that could bring his family's financial situation to ruin. Tara is horrified about the dangerous race until she meets Owen, Breccan's cousin. Owen is a slimy lizard who will stoop to anything to win the race.
Brides of Wishmore
1. The Bride Says No (2014)
** 2. The Bride Says Maybe (2014)
3. The Groom Says Yes (2014)
June 3, 2018
What happens when a bride says maybe?
She'd once been the toast of London, but now scandal has brought her down. Still, pretty, petted Lady Tara Davidson can't believe her new fate. She had wanted to marry for love . . . but her profligate father has promised her hand to none other than Breccan Campbell, the "Beast of Aberfeldy" and laird of the valley's most despised clan! Well, Tara may have to marry him, but Breccan can't make her love him—can he?
What happens when the groom insists?
Breccan Campbell is nobody's fool. He knows that Tara is trouble. Yet he's determined to reform the Campbell name even if it means forging an alliance with the arrogant beauty. There's no doubt that Tara is a challenge, and Breccan loves nothing more. For he's vowed to thoroughly seduce Tara—and make her his in more than name alone, I love this series.
She'd once been the toast of London, but now scandal has brought her down. Still, pretty, petted Lady Tara Davidson can't believe her new fate. She had wanted to marry for love . . . but her profligate father has promised her hand to none other than Breccan Campbell, the "Beast of Aberfeldy" and laird of the valley's most despised clan! Well, Tara may have to marry him, but Breccan can't make her love him—can he?
What happens when the groom insists?
Breccan Campbell is nobody's fool. He knows that Tara is trouble. Yet he's determined to reform the Campbell name even if it means forging an alliance with the arrogant beauty. There's no doubt that Tara is a challenge, and Breccan loves nothing more. For he's vowed to thoroughly seduce Tara—and make her his in more than name alone, I love this series.
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