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Bride Trilogy #1
The Hostage Bride
New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather sets her Brides trilogy against the turmoil of the English Civil War, and tells the tales of three unconventional young women who vow they will never marry - only to be overtaken by destiny. Fans of Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn and Liz Carlyle will be delighted with these daring brides.
Bride #1 is the outspoken Portia...
It's bad enough that seventeen-year-old Portia Worth is taken in by her uncle, the marquis of Granville, after her father dies. As the bastard niece, Portia knows she can expect little beyond a roof over her head and a place at the table.
But it truly adds insult to injury when the Granvilles' archenemy, the outlaw Rufus Decatur, hatches a scheme to abduct the marquis's daughter - only to kidnap Portia by accident. Portia, who possesses more than a streak of independence as well as a talent for resistance, does not take kindly to being abducted - mistakenly or otherwise.
Decatur will soon find himself facing the challenge of his life, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom, as he contends with this misfit of a girl who has the audacity to believe herself the equal of any man...
Look for Phoebe's spellbinding story next in The Accidental Bride. For more of Jane Feather's signature romance check out the Blackwater Brides Trilogy and the Cavendish Square Trilogy.
Bride #1 is the outspoken Portia...
It's bad enough that seventeen-year-old Portia Worth is taken in by her uncle, the marquis of Granville, after her father dies. As the bastard niece, Portia knows she can expect little beyond a roof over her head and a place at the table.
But it truly adds insult to injury when the Granvilles' archenemy, the outlaw Rufus Decatur, hatches a scheme to abduct the marquis's daughter - only to kidnap Portia by accident. Portia, who possesses more than a streak of independence as well as a talent for resistance, does not take kindly to being abducted - mistakenly or otherwise.
Decatur will soon find himself facing the challenge of his life, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom, as he contends with this misfit of a girl who has the audacity to believe herself the equal of any man...
Look for Phoebe's spellbinding story next in The Accidental Bride. For more of Jane Feather's signature romance check out the Blackwater Brides Trilogy and the Cavendish Square Trilogy.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1998
180 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
170 books629 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 25, 2018
Portia is an unusual heroine in historical romances. She isn’t beautiful or even pretty and her figure isn’t voluptuous. She has actual orange hair - carroty, not auburn or strawberry blonde or so then desirable shades of red, but actual orange. Her skin is pasty white and freckled. She is tall and slim, to the point of boniness. She is also the bastard daughter of the half-brother of the Marquis of Granville, with no dowry to tempt suitors.
Rufus Decatur is the dispossessed Earl of Rothbury. He has been been an outlaw all his adult life. The former Marquis of Granville betrayed Rufus’s father and the king confiscated all his father’s properties, putting them in Granville’s control.
The book begins 3 years earlier, with a prologue in which Portia met Olivia, Granville’s daughter by his first wife, and Phoebe, the younger sister of Granville’s current wife. The 3 girls swear eternal friendship.
This book - and the series - is set in the English Civil War, an unusual period for an historical romance. I confess my knowledge of this time in English history is a bit sketchy, so I really enjoyed the historical bits as well as the romance between two unconventional characters.
Rufus Decatur is the dispossessed Earl of Rothbury. He has been been an outlaw all his adult life. The former Marquis of Granville betrayed Rufus’s father and the king confiscated all his father’s properties, putting them in Granville’s control.
The book begins 3 years earlier, with a prologue in which Portia met Olivia, Granville’s daughter by his first wife, and Phoebe, the younger sister of Granville’s current wife. The 3 girls swear eternal friendship.
This book - and the series - is set in the English Civil War, an unusual period for an historical romance. I confess my knowledge of this time in English history is a bit sketchy, so I really enjoyed the historical bits as well as the romance between two unconventional characters.
March 17, 2020
Except for the may December pairing, brawny Hero and some good love making scenes, this was a bit boring and disappointing read. More pages dedicated to politics and soldiering than to romance. Hero wasn't possessive enough and heroine was too immature even for someone who loves immaturity in my heroines.
Hopefully other two are better than this as I only started this series to read about Cato and Phoebe.
Hopefully other two are better than this as I only started this series to read about Cato and Phoebe.
February 28, 2014
The Hostage Bride felt like a huge, sprawling book, set as it was amongst the trappings of the English Civil War. Portia Worth is the unwanted daughter of the half-brother of the Marqius of Granville. His arch-nemesis is Rufus Decatur who's supposed to be an Earl but isn't because his father and Granville's father had a spat and Decatur was accused of treason.
It's all very complex and prime for The Vengeance Arc (which is not my cup of tea on a good day) and there's a bff-pact and outlaws and lots of ginger body hair.
And if that wasn't enough, both Portia and Rufus act rather like high schoolers engaged in their first Serious Relationship, shouting at one another and going hot than cold than hot again. It just gets exhausting trying to follow their thought-processes as they contemplate the absolute betrayal of the other before then launching into a lecture on How Love has Changed Them and the Absolute Power Therein.
It's all very complex and prime for The Vengeance Arc (which is not my cup of tea on a good day) and there's a bff-pact and outlaws and lots of ginger body hair.
And if that wasn't enough, both Portia and Rufus act rather like high schoolers engaged in their first Serious Relationship, shouting at one another and going hot than cold than hot again. It just gets exhausting trying to follow their thought-processes as they contemplate the absolute betrayal of the other before then launching into a lecture on How Love has Changed Them and the Absolute Power Therein.
July 29, 2011
As soon as I saw this book sitting on the shelf at the Salvation Army, I had to grab it up. I read The Accidental Bride, the second in the series, a while back, and really enjoyed it, so I was keeping an eye out for the other two. In fact, I was so excited to find it that, despite having many other books in my TBR pile that have been there for months, and in some cases years, I had to read this one right away. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the heroine, Portia, that well at first. Scrawny and flame-haired, brash and outspoken, she's not my usual favorite type. Portia is the bastard daughter of the half-brother of the Marquis of Granville, Cato, the hero of the second book. When her father dies, he agrees to take her in, against his wife, Diana's, wishes. His daughter Olivia pleads with him to let Portia come, and so he does. The girls befriended each other, as well as Phoebe, Diana's little sister, a couple of years back, at Cato and Diana's wedding. On the way to Granville's, Portia is taken by Rufus Decatur, mortal enemy of Granville (due to some business between their fathers years and years ago), and our hero. He's an outlaw ever since his father's title, Earl of Rothbury, and lands were stripped from him. His only goal in life is to see Granville brought low. He lets her go, and she makes her way to Cato, though not without being under suspicion. Once at the castle, she has to do some servant's work under Diana's orders, but still finds time to explore the castle, leading her to find a secret door to the outside that causes her some trouble later. There's a war going on too, between the King's people, and Parliament's people, and both Rufus and Cato and their men are involved, on opposite sides of course. Then Rufus hatches a plan to kidnap Olivia as part of his revenge on Cato, but his men capture Portia instead. He keeps her as a prisoner, and they slowly become sort of friends, and eventually even do the deed. He lets her return home again, only inciting Cato's suspicions of Portia more. She overhears some plans to bait Rufus into a trap and capture and kill him, so she flees the castle to return to his camp and warn him. There relationship becomes even closer, and she even joins up with his militia as a soldier, proficient in multiple ways of fighting. Then comes a time Rufus decides to lay seige to Cato's castle, and here's where our trouble starts. Portia, having discovered that she's pregnant, decides to use that secret door in the castle to go talk to Olivia and Phoebe and confide in them everything's that's been happening since she left. But on her way out, she is captured by some men in the Prince's army, who think she is a spy. She tells them to call for Rufus, thinking he'll understand that she only had to go see her friends, and that she wasn't giving Cato information. But his obsession for revenge blinds him, and he has her taken back to his camp and jailed as a prisoner. He doesn't know she's carrying his child, so he's pretty mean to her. Then when the armies go to fight a big battle, a kindly old man in the camp lets her out so she can sneak back into the army and follow. The battlefield is terrible chaos, and thankfully Portia has enough sense to stay out of the fray until she comes upon Rufus and Cato fighting to the death. She steps in and interrupts them, and they all have a talk and come to terms, the need for revenge done. Here's where we have our HEA, and it was a good one. Throughout the book I found myself liking Portia, and in her term of imprisonment after being shunned by Rufus, I really felt for her, and could almost feel my own heart breaking for her. This was a very good book, and I'll probably be reading the third one, The Least Likely Bride next, even though I'm sorely tempted to go back and read the second one again first. Jane Feather is now another author whose works I will most surely be keeping an eye out for.
October 6, 2016
title was misleading, description was misleading, did not sound at all 17th century
and ya know what else? i get that young girls married older men, maybe more often than happens nowadays, but the lady who wrote the damn thing wasn't forced to put such an age gap in their relationship, was she? i mean portia is 17 and homeboy is like 34. most people would not be cool with that set up, if they were like reading about their favorite celebrities. nobody liked that thing with kylie jenner and tyga, or demi moore and ashton kutcher, or jared fogle and that prostitute. and hr writers do this with the cousin shit too. why do you wanna do that when you don't have to? it really irks me. guess that's not really the books fault but still. he keeps referring to portia as "gosling" like a baby goose, then he's gonna turn around and get it on with what reminds him of a baby goose? not cool man.
and ya know what else? i get that young girls married older men, maybe more often than happens nowadays, but the lady who wrote the damn thing wasn't forced to put such an age gap in their relationship, was she? i mean portia is 17 and homeboy is like 34. most people would not be cool with that set up, if they were like reading about their favorite celebrities. nobody liked that thing with kylie jenner and tyga, or demi moore and ashton kutcher, or jared fogle and that prostitute. and hr writers do this with the cousin shit too. why do you wanna do that when you don't have to? it really irks me. guess that's not really the books fault but still. he keeps referring to portia as "gosling" like a baby goose, then he's gonna turn around and get it on with what reminds him of a baby goose? not cool man.
November 1, 2021
Отлична първа самостоятелна част на трилогията (след като по невнимание прочетох първо втората, също самостоятелна). И отново - ура! - няма нито един досаден херцог (ако ги замерят на килограм написани романтики, ще пренаселят не само Острова, ами и разстоянието до Луната поне 3 пъти), и нито една противно досадна лейди с нелепи възгледи от славната ни 2021 г., транспортирани по копи-пейст и РС (politically correct!) методиката преди 500 години.
Годината си е 1643 г., и гражданската война между нещастника крал Чарлс I (какво да правя, противен ми е) и Оливър Кромуел (и него не го харесвам, но го уважавам) е още в началото си. Много аристократи още се колебаят дали да се опълчат стещу краля си на страната на Парламента, или да се позовават на богоизбраността на кралете и монархията. Един от тях е любимецът ми, маркиз Гранвил - оня педантичен сухар с многото бракове и деца от втората книга. Тук той още не е още главен герой, макар да участва стабилно, като решава все пак да подслони осиротялата си племенница Порция, което му донася порядъчно количество неприятности.
Порция е незаконно дете на пропаднал баща-пияница, когото нарича просто Джак, полубрат на Гренвил, който е прахосал отдавна и последното си пени, и умира от мъчителна цироза, докато дъщеря му работи като прислужница в кръчма, носейки кама за неотложни случаи. Когато се оказва, че може да се пресели в замък, където хазяинът няма да я гони за наема, да гладува и да се разправя с отрепки, тя приема с огромно облекчение.
В това време обаче из околията върлуват бандити, които си имат военни отряди и село, водени от Руфъс Декатур, останал още като дете без титла, имение и семейство по вина на стария лорд Гранвил. Руфъс обаче не придиря много, и се готви да потърси сметка и от сина, включително финансова и военна, докато обмисля как най-удачно да осребри претенциите си, ако по практични съображения се присъедини към роялистите. И двамата с Порция по погрешка вземат, че налитат няколко пъти един на друг. Вторият път грешката се състои в отвличане, превърнало се в пълен гаф, и вместо набелязаната жертва в разбойническото село цъфва вбесената Порция.
В крайна сметка тези две пламенни души без пукнат петак, без титли, но с ум, с опит в оръжията и с остри езици, си намират майстора в лицето на другия. Романсът минава през склад за ябълки, заледена река, бардак, няколко засади, една обсада (на замъка на любимеца ми Гранвил) и накрая намира щастливия си завършек на бойното поле на Марсдън Мур, където роялистите заслужено претърпяват поражение.
Епично! Много хумор и екшън, и най-вече добра история. Много ме радва тази писателка - приема сериозно несериозния си жанр! Дори измишльотините доставят удоволствие. Нямам търпение да захапя третата книга.
Годината си е 1643 г., и гражданската война между нещастника крал Чарлс I (какво да правя, противен ми е) и Оливър Кромуел (и него не го харесвам, но го уважавам) е още в началото си. Много аристократи още се колебаят дали да се опълчат стещу краля си на страната на Парламента, или да се позовават на богоизбраността на кралете и монархията. Един от тях е любимецът ми, маркиз Гранвил - оня педантичен сухар с многото бракове и деца от втората книга. Тук той още не е още главен герой, макар да участва стабилно, като решава все пак да подслони осиротялата си племенница Порция, което му донася порядъчно количество неприятности.
Порция е незаконно дете на пропаднал баща-пияница, когото нарича просто Джак, полубрат на Гренвил, който е прахосал отдавна и последното си пени, и умира от мъчителна цироза, докато дъщеря му работи като прислужница в кръчма, носейки кама за неотложни случаи. Когато се оказва, че може да се пресели в замък, където хазяинът няма да я гони за наема, да гладува и да се разправя с отрепки, тя приема с огромно облекчение.
В това време обаче из околията върлуват бандити, които си имат военни отряди и село, водени от Руфъс Декатур, останал още като дете без титла, имение и семейство по вина на стария лорд Гранвил. Руфъс обаче не придиря много, и се готви да потърси сметка и от сина, включително финансова и военна, докато обмисля как най-удачно да осребри претенциите си, ако по практични съображения се присъедини към роялистите. И двамата с Порция по погрешка вземат, че налитат няколко пъти един на друг. Вторият път грешката се състои в отвличане, превърнало се в пълен гаф, и вместо набелязаната жертва в разбойническото село цъфва вбесената Порция.
В крайна сметка тези две пламенни души без пукнат петак, без титли, но с ум, с опит в оръжията и с остри езици, си намират майстора в лицето на другия. Романсът минава през склад за ябълки, заледена река, бардак, няколко засади, една обсада (на замъка на любимеца ми Гранвил) и накрая намира щастливия си завършек на бойното поле на Марсдън Мур, където роялистите заслужено претърпяват поражение.
Епично! Много хумор и екшън, и най-вече добра история. Много ме радва тази писателка - приема сериозно несериозния си жанр! Дори измишльотините доставят удоволствие. Нямам търпение да захапя третата книга.
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July 22, 2022Read this series in the late ‘90s. Plan to re-read and review.
October 27, 2017
Terrific 17th century romance with a highly unusual heroine and an easy-to-fall-for hero
My Review. The Hostage Bride is the first in Jane Feather's Brides Trilogy, but I actually read it after having already read The Accidental Bride (Book 2) and The Least Likely Bride (Book 3). I normally read Regency and Victorian era romances, but I really loved this book and although Feather writes in much more of a historical background than one often gets from regency romances, it is by no means overwhelming and only adds to the book.
The age difference between the hero and heroine (she's 17 and we don't know Rufus's age exactly, but ~early 30s) bothered me, but I just changed her age in my mind since it's only mentioned once or twice, lol. The feud which dominates the book and the misunderstanding at the end between the hero and heroine are quite quickly and anti-climatically resolved, but I really can't complain - I hate it when authors feel they have to throw obstacle after obstacle between the main characters and extend misunderstandings for more than half the book, so I'm thankful Feather did neither. I really enjoyed The Hostage Bride and would highly recommend it. Great characters, unusual heroine, easy-to-fall-for hero, well-written chemistry, and an interesting plot with great twists and turns - all in all, a definite keeper and reread!
Main Characters. The hero and heroine in this book were terrific; I read that some reviewers were not compelled by their connection or didn't feel the chemistry between them, but I strongly disagree. Portia and Rufus are perfect for each other - they are both outcasts in a way, unsure of their place in the world and not really belonging anywhere. They're very strong and courageous individuals who have suffered through loss and loneliness, yet retain their humor and good nature.
There is no annoying love-at-first-sight (which I always find hard to believe) in this book and the initial antagonism and teasing between them is really fun to read; the chemistry and sexual tension between them is well-written. I love the verbal sparring and battle of wills that often goes on between main characters in romances, but I also love the scenes of humor and tenderness and love, and you definitely get both of these sides in the book.
Portia is a very unusual heroine - she's extremely skinny, not particularly pretty or womanly, has flame-red hair and freckles, and is a bastard/by-blow tomboy who wants to be a soldier. She's had a difficult life and right after we meet her at the beginning of the book (excluding the preface which introduces us to the three heroines of the Brides trilogy) her father dies and she is left basically all alone in the world. She's independent and brave, smart and loyal, and IMO a perfect match for Rufus.
Rufus is a wonderful hero; he's got that roguish-bad-boy appeal, but he's also sweet and thoughtful and really cares about the people in his life. Watching him fall for Portia, a little slip of a girl, is so fun, and just as Portia finds a sense of belonging by his side, it's great to see him find peace and love with her after feeling an outcast and being ruled by revenge for so long.
Similar Books. Other romances that have the kidnapping theme and that I've really enjoyed include:
• The Least Likely Bride (Brides Trilogy, Book 3) by Jane Feather
• The Bride Thief by Jacquie D'Alessandro
• To Catch an Heiress (Agents for the Crown, Book 1) by Julia Quinn
• Irresistible (Banning Sisters Trilogy, Book 2) by Karen Robards
• The Runaway Princess (Princess Series, Book 1) by Christina Dodd
• Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood
May 18, 2014
When I feel like listening to an intricate story with rich, well developed characters, I know that Feather will not disappoint. Yes, Feather is an accomplished author, but more than that, she is an excellent story teller. After listening to this first book in her Bride trilogy, narrated by Jenny Sterlin, I am fully invested in the series. The narration was authentic and very well done. Sterlin's performance brought these fantastic characters to life. Now about those characters....
Feather weaves together a full-bodied, complex array of characters whose interactions are as imperfectly natural and real as humanly possible. Portia Worth, is an unlikely novel heroine, but what an incredible, fun and lively woman she is! By her own description, she's a "scare crow" as she's thin, tall and owns a halo of ginger locks that are as unruly as her spirit. And, this untamed, strong spirit is what captivates our rogue-ish hero, Rufus Decatur. But, let me preface his intro by clarifying that he is very attracted to Portia (it's not just her spirit...lol). She does kindle a flaming fire within him, and when he gives her his heart, it's with everything that defines Rufus. (My favorite kind of love, by the way...haha). I enjoyed their initial meeting, their banter, fun verbal sparring and the development of their unlikely love affair.
The story never falls flat, but moves forward, as it takes place during a tumultuous time in England, during the civil war era where an unrest and instability seemed to seep into the lives of the effected. Rufus runs with a merry band of outlaws, yet Rufus's whole existence is engulfed by his need for revenge and retribution from his nemesis, Cato, the Marquis of Granville. This grudge was initiated by their fathers as Cato's father was responsible for the dishonor and loss of the Rothbury title and lands. Thankfully, there is healing and a restoration for Rufus, with Portia by his side. (A little backstory--Portia is Cato's niece, the bastard daughter of his half brother, Jack....but you have to read the story yourself to get the full picture :-)
The theme of friendship was fantastic in this book. The bond was somewhat reminiscent of Kleypas's Wallflowers. I loved the wonderful bond between Portia, Phoebe and Olivia. I can't wait to listen to their stories next! By the way, I found Cato's character to be the most tragic. Cato was such a serious manager of his estates, property and family, as well as holding an important role on the national scene, yet he was so blind to the inter-workings of his family. He lived with a beautiful, trophy wife (who was a cold witch inside btw), but didn't really see her, or love her. They shared a very cold existence together and I'm interested to see how the serious, yet socially unaware Cato (Olivia's father btw) transforms as he's the hero in the next book.
I love stories that have a great plot, interesting characters you grow to care for, and a steamy, passionate romance. This book delivered on all fronts. NOW ON THE TO THE NEXT IN THE SERIES!!!--The Accidental Bride.....
Feather weaves together a full-bodied, complex array of characters whose interactions are as imperfectly natural and real as humanly possible. Portia Worth, is an unlikely novel heroine, but what an incredible, fun and lively woman she is! By her own description, she's a "scare crow" as she's thin, tall and owns a halo of ginger locks that are as unruly as her spirit. And, this untamed, strong spirit is what captivates our rogue-ish hero, Rufus Decatur. But, let me preface his intro by clarifying that he is very attracted to Portia (it's not just her spirit...lol). She does kindle a flaming fire within him, and when he gives her his heart, it's with everything that defines Rufus. (My favorite kind of love, by the way...haha). I enjoyed their initial meeting, their banter, fun verbal sparring and the development of their unlikely love affair.
The story never falls flat, but moves forward, as it takes place during a tumultuous time in England, during the civil war era where an unrest and instability seemed to seep into the lives of the effected. Rufus runs with a merry band of outlaws, yet Rufus's whole existence is engulfed by his need for revenge and retribution from his nemesis, Cato, the Marquis of Granville. This grudge was initiated by their fathers as Cato's father was responsible for the dishonor and loss of the Rothbury title and lands. Thankfully, there is healing and a restoration for Rufus, with Portia by his side. (A little backstory--Portia is Cato's niece, the bastard daughter of his half brother, Jack....but you have to read the story yourself to get the full picture :-)
The theme of friendship was fantastic in this book. The bond was somewhat reminiscent of Kleypas's Wallflowers. I loved the wonderful bond between Portia, Phoebe and Olivia. I can't wait to listen to their stories next! By the way, I found Cato's character to be the most tragic. Cato was such a serious manager of his estates, property and family, as well as holding an important role on the national scene, yet he was so blind to the inter-workings of his family. He lived with a beautiful, trophy wife (who was a cold witch inside btw), but didn't really see her, or love her. They shared a very cold existence together and I'm interested to see how the serious, yet socially unaware Cato (Olivia's father btw) transforms as he's the hero in the next book.
I love stories that have a great plot, interesting characters you grow to care for, and a steamy, passionate romance. This book delivered on all fronts. NOW ON THE TO THE NEXT IN THE SERIES!!!--The Accidental Bride.....
June 20, 2012
This is book one in the Bride trilogy, the story of three unlikely friends who bond at a young age while hiding from a wedding. Their names are Olivia, Phoebe and Portia.
First up is Portia, the bastard daughter of Olivia's wastrel uncle. She's grown up in taverns and pretty much all sorts of unsavory places. Her father finally succumbs to the ravages of his lifestyle, and she is taken in by her uncle Cato Granville, Olivia's father. The good part is she gets to hang with Olivia, who is reduced to a stuttering lump of misery by her nasty for no reason stepmother. The bad part is whenever the clueless Granville is not looking, Auntie makes sure Portia is treated like a poor relation. But since Portia's lived through worse, nothing much gets to her.
The Granvilles, specifically Cato, are the targets of the vengeful hatred of one Rufus Decatur. The feud started with his and Cato's fathers, who fell on opposing sides of a conflict with the king. Decatur lost the battle and his erstwhile friend Granville was commissioned to arrest him and claim his lands for the crown. Decatur killed himself to avoid the ignominy of a traitor's death, but not before he commissions his eight year old son to get revenge against his frenemy. When that guy dies, Rufus, who was cast out, landless, penniless, with his pregnant mother now carries the vendetta forward against his son Cato.
This is all set against the English Civil War. Rufus sides with the crown, not so much out of conscience as because he hopes to get his family's land back. Granville, after much consideration, raises his flag for Parliament. While preparing for war, the two find ways to harass each other and in the midst of this, Portia gets abducted--twice. The second time Rufus meant to get Olivia, thinking to hold her for ransom and gain the treasure being collected for Parliament's armies. Unfortunately, Portia, being a bastard poor relation, is not much use as leverage.
For Portia, it's hate turned love as her attraction to Rufus blossoms and it strains her loyalties, since she's a Granville after all, and she sees the folly in Rufus' obsession for vengeance against a man who had nothing to do with any crime his father MIGHT have committed against the Decaturs. The feud, and the larger war, threaten people she loves on both sides.
The romance works, and the adventure is a good one, though I found myself wondering how Rufus was going to fare once the war was over. He did kinda pick the losing side.
First up is Portia, the bastard daughter of Olivia's wastrel uncle. She's grown up in taverns and pretty much all sorts of unsavory places. Her father finally succumbs to the ravages of his lifestyle, and she is taken in by her uncle Cato Granville, Olivia's father. The good part is she gets to hang with Olivia, who is reduced to a stuttering lump of misery by her nasty for no reason stepmother. The bad part is whenever the clueless Granville is not looking, Auntie makes sure Portia is treated like a poor relation. But since Portia's lived through worse, nothing much gets to her.
The Granvilles, specifically Cato, are the targets of the vengeful hatred of one Rufus Decatur. The feud started with his and Cato's fathers, who fell on opposing sides of a conflict with the king. Decatur lost the battle and his erstwhile friend Granville was commissioned to arrest him and claim his lands for the crown. Decatur killed himself to avoid the ignominy of a traitor's death, but not before he commissions his eight year old son to get revenge against his frenemy. When that guy dies, Rufus, who was cast out, landless, penniless, with his pregnant mother now carries the vendetta forward against his son Cato.
This is all set against the English Civil War. Rufus sides with the crown, not so much out of conscience as because he hopes to get his family's land back. Granville, after much consideration, raises his flag for Parliament. While preparing for war, the two find ways to harass each other and in the midst of this, Portia gets abducted--twice. The second time Rufus meant to get Olivia, thinking to hold her for ransom and gain the treasure being collected for Parliament's armies. Unfortunately, Portia, being a bastard poor relation, is not much use as leverage.
For Portia, it's hate turned love as her attraction to Rufus blossoms and it strains her loyalties, since she's a Granville after all, and she sees the folly in Rufus' obsession for vengeance against a man who had nothing to do with any crime his father MIGHT have committed against the Decaturs. The feud, and the larger war, threaten people she loves on both sides.
The romance works, and the adventure is a good one, though I found myself wondering how Rufus was going to fare once the war was over. He did kinda pick the losing side.
July 8, 2010
So many recommendations for this series, yet I really disliked it. Mainly it was because I didn't really feel for the heroine and thought that a lot of her decisions were pretty stupid. Basically involved the heroine (unwanted bastard child of the family) being kidnapped in the place of her cousin. As an unwanted hostage she becomes part of the Rebel army and falls in love with the family who she's sworn to hate.
I was interested in one of the 3 heroines who has a stutter and an evil stepmother so I'll continue reading it, but I'm not entralled by this series.
I was interested in one of the 3 heroines who has a stutter and an evil stepmother so I'll continue reading it, but I'm not entralled by this series.
October 26, 2018
The Hostage Bride follows Portia, the bastard niece of the Marquis of Granville, after her father dies and she is forced to live with her uncle. On the way to his house, she is abducted by the roguish Rufus Decatur, who has sworn revenge on the Granville house for murdering his father in cold blood. Unfortunately, the plot line is boring, Portia is forgettable, the romance wasn't even steamy and then there was a weird age gap between Portia and Rufus.
July 13, 2020
4.5 STARS
This book was so damn good, I fell in love with Rufus and Portia. They were so perfect for each other. 😭💖 can't wait to read Phoebe's book!
This book was so damn good, I fell in love with Rufus and Portia. They were so perfect for each other. 😭💖 can't wait to read Phoebe's book!
September 12, 2025
Reading the random books on my nightstand #3
January 23, 2012
This review is my personal opinion, this is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and invest in your own copy to read.
This is the first in a 3 book series. The series is Bride Trilogy by Ms. Feather. This book is set in the mid-17th century.
This book start out with a wedding and 3 misfit young females. The 3 females form a bond of sorts. They each make a small cut on the palm of there hand to mix there blood and cut 3 locks of there hair to braid in to a circle. They tell each other that if one is in need to mail the lock to one of the others and they will come to help assist.
This book is about Portia. She is the bastard daughter to the brother of Marquis of Granville. When Portia's father dies she sends her father .'s letter to his brother not knowing what is inside. Shortly her uncle sends some of his men to meet up with her and bring her back to his castle.
Portia is the type of female that is beautiful but does not care. She has live her life in taverns, brothels, rat holes and anywhere else her father can find for them to live after he squandered his inheritance.
Portia is kidnapped by Granville's enemy not once but twice. Granville does not trust Portia, he thinks she is there to acquire information for his enemy.
Portia and Rufus Decanter (Granville's enemy) fall in love.
Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and form a family or will family honor step in and block them from true happiness?
I enjoyed this book but found it hard to connect with the characters. The plot was interesting but it just did not seem to flow right for me.
The bunnies and I give this book 3 Carrots.
This is the first in a 3 book series. The series is Bride Trilogy by Ms. Feather. This book is set in the mid-17th century.
This book start out with a wedding and 3 misfit young females. The 3 females form a bond of sorts. They each make a small cut on the palm of there hand to mix there blood and cut 3 locks of there hair to braid in to a circle. They tell each other that if one is in need to mail the lock to one of the others and they will come to help assist.
This book is about Portia. She is the bastard daughter to the brother of Marquis of Granville. When Portia's father dies she sends her father .'s letter to his brother not knowing what is inside. Shortly her uncle sends some of his men to meet up with her and bring her back to his castle.
Portia is the type of female that is beautiful but does not care. She has live her life in taverns, brothels, rat holes and anywhere else her father can find for them to live after he squandered his inheritance.
Portia is kidnapped by Granville's enemy not once but twice. Granville does not trust Portia, he thinks she is there to acquire information for his enemy.
Portia and Rufus Decanter (Granville's enemy) fall in love.
Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and form a family or will family honor step in and block them from true happiness?
I enjoyed this book but found it hard to connect with the characters. The plot was interesting but it just did not seem to flow right for me.
The bunnies and I give this book 3 Carrots.
November 19, 2015
It was an okay book. Too much confusing politics and pointless war. I did like the heroine until the end that is. She was scrappy and determined to fight (the only reason I picked up this book was to read a HR with a heroine that could fight). The hero was a bit harder to like. All the trappings of a historical hero, big and strong and commanding and respected (seriously nobody questioned him, I thought for a moment I was reading a shifter book). But his convictions to hate the son of the man who ruined his family by association only were weak, and it took him leading his men into a war where many died for him to do an about face and think 'truce?'. Probably why I was disappointed, rushed ending and for such a strong heroine she took abuse and lack of trust in her from the hero by rushing after him? When he'd locked her in prison?
Uh uh girl. I wanted to see him chase after her.
Uh uh girl. I wanted to see him chase after her.
April 5, 2014
It's bad enough that seventeen-year-old Portia Worth is taken in by her uncle, the marquis of Granville, after her father dies. As the bastard niece, Portia knows she can expect little beyond a roof over her head and a place at the table. But it truly adds insult to injury when the Granvilles' archenemy, the outlaw Rufus Decatur, hatches a scheme to abduct the marquis's daughter--only to kidnap Portia by accident. Portia, who possesses more than a streak of independence as well as a talent for resistance, does not take kindly to being abducted--mistakenly or otherwise. Decatur will soon find himself facing the challenge of his life, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom, as he contends with this misfit of a girl who has the audacity to believe herself the equal of any man....
January 3, 2022
Nový rok treba odštartovať pozvoľna. Najlepšie ľahkou romantikou.
September 1, 2019
This is an older book, which is nice, since the author did feel obligated to fill the pages with "colorful language". It takes place in the mid 1600s, Scotland.
Portia, Phoebe and Olivia meet as young girls at a wedding, which none of them feels welcome between Olivia's father and Portia's uncle, the Marquis of Granville and Phoebe's sister, Diane. The girls bond, vow never to marry and Portia weaves 3 rings out of lock of hair from each of their heads, to be sent to the others if any of them are ever in trouble.
This volume is about Portia. After her father dies, she is sent to her uncle, despite being a bastard. Olivia is delighted, but Diane is not. When Grenville's mortal enemy, Rufus Decatur, accidentally kidnaps Portia instead of Olivia, Portia show that she is not a weak knee fainting miss, but a girl with spunk and grit. She always wanted to be a soldier and now is her chance.
Engaging characters a captivating plot and fascinating descriptions of what life was like at that time.
Portia, Phoebe and Olivia meet as young girls at a wedding, which none of them feels welcome between Olivia's father and Portia's uncle, the Marquis of Granville and Phoebe's sister, Diane. The girls bond, vow never to marry and Portia weaves 3 rings out of lock of hair from each of their heads, to be sent to the others if any of them are ever in trouble.
This volume is about Portia. After her father dies, she is sent to her uncle, despite being a bastard. Olivia is delighted, but Diane is not. When Grenville's mortal enemy, Rufus Decatur, accidentally kidnaps Portia instead of Olivia, Portia show that she is not a weak knee fainting miss, but a girl with spunk and grit. She always wanted to be a soldier and now is her chance.
Engaging characters a captivating plot and fascinating descriptions of what life was like at that time.
December 18, 2020
By and1515
Portia was the child of a worthless vagabond who dragged her around everywhere he went.
And when his time came to pay the piper for his excessive life style the only thing he could do for his poor kid was to beg the last person he knew and hope he'd take pity on her.
The first time they met had been by chance as she had hem an hawed about where she was going however in the end she went to the only person who could help her.
His plan had been perfect until they royal mess up and brought him the wrong girl.
Portia was anything but meek and quiet she was a flaming obnoxious brat who drove him mad.
Rufus hated no despised her uncle and he yearned to see him suffer as his family had.
With there feud about to hit a melting point Rufus couldn't wait to meet his enemy on the field.
Only nothing went quite the way he'd hope and they barely stopped before the both committed an even worse mistake.
Portia had to stop them before the killer each other she was the only one who could but would he even give her the time of day with the cold shoulder he'd have her.
Portia was the child of a worthless vagabond who dragged her around everywhere he went.
And when his time came to pay the piper for his excessive life style the only thing he could do for his poor kid was to beg the last person he knew and hope he'd take pity on her.
The first time they met had been by chance as she had hem an hawed about where she was going however in the end she went to the only person who could help her.
His plan had been perfect until they royal mess up and brought him the wrong girl.
Portia was anything but meek and quiet she was a flaming obnoxious brat who drove him mad.
Rufus hated no despised her uncle and he yearned to see him suffer as his family had.
With there feud about to hit a melting point Rufus couldn't wait to meet his enemy on the field.
Only nothing went quite the way he'd hope and they barely stopped before the both committed an even worse mistake.
Portia had to stop them before the killer each other she was the only one who could but would he even give her the time of day with the cold shoulder he'd have her.
July 5, 2018
Portia, a willful and wild young girl raised under the wide gaze of an alcoholic father, is suddenly thrust into the middle of a conflict between Court and Parliament, during the English Civil War. After her father dies, she is entrusted to the care of Cato, marquis of Granville, and sworn enemy of ex-Rothbury estate inheritor and local outlaw, Rufus Decatur. After a case of mistaken identity finds Portia captured not once, but twice, she finds herself spending a lot less time trying to escape, and a little more effort trying to see Decatur's side in the 30-year-old feud between families. When her loyalty is called into question, threatening the lives of those she loves most, which side will she choose?
For the most part, enjoyable... but holy cradle robber, Batman! Not sure if it was attention to historical detail that made our author decide to make 17 year old Portia the perfect leading lady for mid-30-something Rufus, but it was incredibly discomfiting to read.
For the most part, enjoyable... but holy cradle robber, Batman! Not sure if it was attention to historical detail that made our author decide to make 17 year old Portia the perfect leading lady for mid-30-something Rufus, but it was incredibly discomfiting to read.
May 26, 2021
The whole concept of this book was interesting...but reading it was a slog. I had to force myself to finish the last 10 chapters because even though I was interested in the characters, the development of them was so poor, I had little to no attachment to their story. It felt like it was the first book this author had ever written, and everything was just....weird. The pacing was SO painfully slow, and then at other times, it skipped forward days/weeks which left me confused at parts. The ending felt rushed and incomplete, and was super unsatisfying... most historical romances wrap up the story with a happy ending and this ending was just...strange, with several loose ends. What about the dude's kids from a previous relationship? How did her uncle just...put aside a decade (or more) of utter hate to let her marry his blood enemy?
I will definitely be putting this book in a little free library somewhere, because I have no interest in reading it again.
I will definitely be putting this book in a little free library somewhere, because I have no interest in reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
Tenía expectativas con otro libro que leía de época y romántico. Me ha parecido que la historia de amor entre los protagonistas era muy distante, muy fría. Cuando estaban juntos no sentía ese amor entre ellos que sentí en otros libros de la misma temática. Prácticamente el libro ha relatado el odio que se tienen 2 casas . La protagonista estaba en medio de ellos 2, de su amor y de su familia por otro lado. El final me ha parecido de risa, parecía que la escritora no sabía como resolverlo y me ha parecido un disparate. En tres renglones más o menos se resuelve toda la rivalidad que había entre los enemigos de esta historia. Están luchando a muerte en medio de la batalla y la protagonista dice algo que hará cambiar en un segundo el odio y la enemistad entre ellos. La resolución no me ha gustado nada. 17/11/2020
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
Una historia romántica de una chica, Portia, que es hija de un noble venido a menos que muere y que pertenece a una familia con la que está enemistado el protagonista, Rufus, por que su padre perdió los privilegios de noble a manos del padre de Cato, el actual patriarca de la otra familia.
Jack, el padre de Portia muerte y acaba en el castillo de Cato, que es su tío. La gente de Rufus, que ahora son una especie de milicia de bandoleros, quiere secuestrar a la hija de Cato, pero por error secuetras a Portia, y bueno, se veía venir. Se enamoran, etc, etc.
La historia es bastante previsible. Aunque he catagolado la novela como romántico-medieval, realmente está ambietada en el siglo XVII, en gran Bretaña, en una guerra entre los monárquicos y los parlamentarios.
A pesar de los pesares, es entretenida y se lee muy facil. Es un buen entretenimiento.
Jack, el padre de Portia muerte y acaba en el castillo de Cato, que es su tío. La gente de Rufus, que ahora son una especie de milicia de bandoleros, quiere secuestrar a la hija de Cato, pero por error secuetras a Portia, y bueno, se veía venir. Se enamoran, etc, etc.
La historia es bastante previsible. Aunque he catagolado la novela como romántico-medieval, realmente está ambietada en el siglo XVII, en gran Bretaña, en una guerra entre los monárquicos y los parlamentarios.
A pesar de los pesares, es entretenida y se lee muy facil. Es un buen entretenimiento.
May 29, 2024
I was a little disappointed in this one, after having enjoyed some of Ms Feather's other books previously. Clearly this was an earlier work (published 1998) and it definitely felt old skool. It was too slow burn for me, and too much page time was spent on the dramas related to the politics of the times. I wanted less drama and adventure, and more romance.
I admit that I didn't get totally involved in Rufus' and Portia's story. I ended up doing some skimming in the later part of the book actually, although I did finish it. At this point I'm not intending to continue with this trilogy, although I will try some of Ms Feather's more recent books.
I read this book for the Historical Romance Book Club 'Romance Across the Ages' challenge, May 2024, Restoration/Stuarts period.
I admit that I didn't get totally involved in Rufus' and Portia's story. I ended up doing some skimming in the later part of the book actually, although I did finish it. At this point I'm not intending to continue with this trilogy, although I will try some of Ms Feather's more recent books.
I read this book for the Historical Romance Book Club 'Romance Across the Ages' challenge, May 2024, Restoration/Stuarts period.
June 9, 2025
La guerrera fue un libro de esos que no quería que terminara. La ambientación de la historia en una Inglaterra al borde de la guerra civil, los castillos, los soldados y las aldeas + una historia de romance (no tan políticamente correcta por cómo empieza) lo hace un combo bastante entretenido.
Hay gente a quien se le hizo aburrido por los temas políticos de los que habla pero a mi no me molestó porque tenían cierto propósito. En romántica, a mi parecer es importante incluir otros items que no sean sólo los referidos a los protagonistas y en este caso, la lectura me fue amena, entretenida, ligera y hasta adictiva. Lo recomiendo para quien quiera leer un romance de época.
Hay gente a quien se le hizo aburrido por los temas políticos de los que habla pero a mi no me molestó porque tenían cierto propósito. En romántica, a mi parecer es importante incluir otros items que no sean sólo los referidos a los protagonistas y en este caso, la lectura me fue amena, entretenida, ligera y hasta adictiva. Lo recomiendo para quien quiera leer un romance de época.
July 30, 2017
La historia me ha encantado, y ha sido una grata sorpresa. Enganchada a la lectura que me ha tenido casi de principio a fin. Sin embargo, el final ha sido como una bofetada, precipitado y sin sentido, que no casa con el resto del libro: un happy end de lo más forzado. Por otro lado, tiene unos errores de foco enormes, y este salta de un personaje a otro con arbitrariedad total. Es algo que desde luego pienso que se debería haber corregido. Estos dos fallos son los que le han robado dos estrellas a un libro que bien se podría ser de cinco.
September 30, 2021
This was an OK romance novel. I liked the heroine and it was interesting to see how she made her way in the world given her difficult circumstances. The romance was good but I found it a little difficult to believe that Portia, as the only woman in a village full of men, and no one said anything disparaging to her or made a pass, even if she was in a relationship with the commander. The writing style is easy to read and the story moved along quickly, its a nice book to read on the weekend when you just want to relax.
July 25, 2017
I do not normally read in this era-the 1600's. This story takes place during the war between King Charles and Parliament (Oliver Cromwell). I really do not find the era interesting, but at least these characters are engaging. Skip through all of the blood and gore and I like the story. I like the way Jane Feather tells it. There are three books in this series and I plan to read the other two. Recommend.
July 30, 2021
Good
Portia is the niece of Lord Granville , but she was born out of wedlock. Upon her father death he send her to her uncle. While she is friends with her cousin Olivia she get caught in the fued between the Granville and is kidnapped twice by the enemy. While her last kidnap she learns they meant to grab Olivia but passion forms and maybe she can find away to end this war amongst her family and the man she loves.
Portia is the niece of Lord Granville , but she was born out of wedlock. Upon her father death he send her to her uncle. While she is friends with her cousin Olivia she get caught in the fued between the Granville and is kidnapped twice by the enemy. While her last kidnap she learns they meant to grab Olivia but passion forms and maybe she can find away to end this war amongst her family and the man she loves.
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