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Heiress Brides #1
Desperately Seeking a Duke
The only way for vicar's daughter Phoebe Millbury to inherit a family fortune is to find herself a duke-just as her late grandfather demanded in his will. But Phoebe, who's still trying to make good after a romantic scandal, also has her two cousins to contend with. They're all competing for the same money, maybe even the same men . . . until Phoebe meets her match in the terribly handsome and charming Rafe Marbrook. When she receives a marriage proposal from the Marquis of Brookhaven, Phoebe is thrilled to learn that Rafe is headed for dukedom, and accepts his offer. There's only one problem: It's from Rafe's older, less captivating brother, Calder. Now Phoebe finds herself on the verge of yet another scandal as she faces a desperate choice: Marry Calder for his money-or follow her own heart? Each way can only lead to trouble.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2008
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1147 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Bradley
42 books1,813 followersVisit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 28, 2019
..
Desperately Seeking a Duke was the introductory installment of the 'Heiress Brides' written by Celeste Bradley. The story focuses on Phoebe, who accepted a written proposal from Lord Brookhaven, heir to the Duke of Brookmoor, by mistake. Eventually, she broke the engagement and married his half brother, Rafe, instead.
The dialogue features the f-word and is offensive, even when it’s supposedly done for the sake of realism. Although some authors may find it challenging at times to make the dialogue realistic without a lot of swearing - it can be achieved by invention and creativeness. Personally, I don't feel swearing serves any positive purpose. I prefer warm, funny feel-good fiction.
The only way for vicar's daughter Phoebe Millbury to inherit a family fortune is to find herself a duke—just as her late grandfather demanded in his will. But Phoebe, who's still trying to make good after a romantic scandal, also has her two cousins to contend with. They're all competing for the same money, maybe even the same men. ..until Phoebe meets her match in the terribly handsome and charming Rafe Marbrook.
When she receives a marriage proposal from the Marquis of Brookhaven, Phoebe is thrilled to learn that Rafe is headed for dukedom…and accepts his offer. There's only one problem: It's from Rafe's older, less captivating brother, Calder. Now Phoebe finds herself on the verge of yet another scandal as she faces a desperate choice: Marry Calder for his money—or follow her own heart? Each way can only lead to trouble . . .
Profanity is basically a crude and obnoxious abuse of respectful dialogue. It offends many people not only in books but also in person. Some may feel this type of expression alerts the reader that the character/author has extremely low self-esteem. Including it in a literary fiction lowers my rating, even though other readers may not mind it.
This story has a strange plot, believable characters, and a H.E.A. Yet, it did not contain any compelling factor to keep the reader engrossed. However, it was able to entertain lightly.
-----------------------------------
Claiming the Heart of a Duke:
The Heiress Brides
Celeste Bradley (Author)
Length: 349 Pages
. . . Kindle Edition
** Free on Kindle Unlimited **
..
Desperately Seeking a Duke was the introductory installment of the 'Heiress Brides' written by Celeste Bradley. The story focuses on Phoebe, who accepted a written proposal from Lord Brookhaven, heir to the Duke of Brookmoor, by mistake. Eventually, she broke the engagement and married his half brother, Rafe, instead.
The dialogue features the f-word and is offensive, even when it’s supposedly done for the sake of realism. Although some authors may find it challenging at times to make the dialogue realistic without a lot of swearing - it can be achieved by invention and creativeness. Personally, I don't feel swearing serves any positive purpose. I prefer warm, funny feel-good fiction.
The only way for vicar's daughter Phoebe Millbury to inherit a family fortune is to find herself a duke—just as her late grandfather demanded in his will. But Phoebe, who's still trying to make good after a romantic scandal, also has her two cousins to contend with. They're all competing for the same money, maybe even the same men. ..until Phoebe meets her match in the terribly handsome and charming Rafe Marbrook.
When she receives a marriage proposal from the Marquis of Brookhaven, Phoebe is thrilled to learn that Rafe is headed for dukedom…and accepts his offer. There's only one problem: It's from Rafe's older, less captivating brother, Calder. Now Phoebe finds herself on the verge of yet another scandal as she faces a desperate choice: Marry Calder for his money—or follow her own heart? Each way can only lead to trouble . . .
Profanity is basically a crude and obnoxious abuse of respectful dialogue. It offends many people not only in books but also in person. Some may feel this type of expression alerts the reader that the character/author has extremely low self-esteem. Including it in a literary fiction lowers my rating, even though other readers may not mind it.
This story has a strange plot, believable characters, and a H.E.A. Yet, it did not contain any compelling factor to keep the reader engrossed. However, it was able to entertain lightly.
-----------------------------------
Claiming the Heart of a Duke:
The Heiress Brides
Celeste Bradley (Author)
Length: 349 Pages
. . . Kindle Edition
** Free on Kindle Unlimited **
..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2019
Cousins Phoebe, Deirdre, and Sophie compete to be the first to marry a Duke. The winner gets their grandfather's fortune. Creates a great storyline of competition and camaraderie!!
Phoebe just experienced love at first sight. She doesn't care if he's a duke or the bastard son of a duke. She just knows that Rafe, Raphael Marbrook, is the only man for her.
Rafe has worked hard to develop his reputation as a rake. He never knew he would grow to regret his actions when he falls for the vicar's daughter..
What a pleasant surprise! Totally enjoyed this one and can't wait to get to Deirdre's book!
Phoebe just experienced love at first sight. She doesn't care if he's a duke or the bastard son of a duke. She just knows that Rafe, Raphael Marbrook, is the only man for her.
Rafe has worked hard to develop his reputation as a rake. He never knew he would grow to regret his actions when he falls for the vicar's daughter..
What a pleasant surprise! Totally enjoyed this one and can't wait to get to Deirdre's book!
May 20, 2021
I don't know if I should consider this book a good silly or bad silly. It was so silly both ways that I can't really say which one was more. I just know that I want to know who won the inheritance. I have my favorite, which is Sophie, but we only really know in the last book, right?
It was quite a shock seeing how the vicar treated his daughter. She had to even eat chocolate without anyone seeing because it was a sin. And poor hero. I felt sorry for him most of the book.
I hate love at first sight trope but at least she fell in love with his backside first hehehe
So the tropes here are love at first sight and love triangle. Not my favorites, but as I said, the writer tried to be funny and I felt it was more silly than anything.
It was quite a shock seeing how the vicar treated his daughter. She had to even eat chocolate without anyone seeing because it was a sin. And poor hero. I felt sorry for him most of the book.
I hate love at first sight trope but at least she fell in love with his backside first hehehe
So the tropes here are love at first sight and love triangle. Not my favorites, but as I said, the writer tried to be funny and I felt it was more silly than anything.
March 2, 2021
Really bummed out that I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. It started off hilarious because our main heroine literally stares at our hero's butt but then the story flatlined for the middle and had a complicated and drawn out ending.
November 10, 2022
2 Stars
I read this book as a part of the BOTM for HRBC.
My Thoughts
- My first from this author. Unfortunately, her writing style was very confusing, switching from one POV to another, with a lot of inner musings, little dialogue, and too many characters thrown in your face without introduction. Lady Jersey would have been appalled.
- Glaring historical inaccuracies.
- The plot was flimsy at best, and though the overall plot may draw in readers, it failed to intrigue me enough.
- No romance to speak of. Insta-lust, yes. Insta-love, probably. There were a few chapters in the beginning, and then a few tucked up towards the end to showcase the "development" of Rafe & Phoebe's relationship.
- Individually, I liked Phoebe & Rafe. Together, not so much.
- Calder wasn't half bad.
It did not hold my attention, and I ended up skimming for the most part. It wasn't overly long, but I wanted it to be over quickly. I think a sixteen-year-old me would have liked it. I am jaded now, and I have read better.
For a day now, I have been trying to recall what it reminded me of - It was a silly little version of the iconic Princess Diaries. I would rather watch the movie.
PS - If anyone has read this series, can you tell me who won the Pickering fortune? Deidre or Sophie? Considering the former married a future Duke and the latter a current Duke. My OCD will be in your eternal gratitude. Thank you.
I read this book as a part of the BOTM for HRBC.
My Thoughts
- My first from this author. Unfortunately, her writing style was very confusing, switching from one POV to another, with a lot of inner musings, little dialogue, and too many characters thrown in your face without introduction. Lady Jersey would have been appalled.
- Glaring historical inaccuracies.
- The plot was flimsy at best, and though the overall plot may draw in readers, it failed to intrigue me enough.
- No romance to speak of. Insta-lust, yes. Insta-love, probably. There were a few chapters in the beginning, and then a few tucked up towards the end to showcase the "development" of Rafe & Phoebe's relationship.
- Individually, I liked Phoebe & Rafe. Together, not so much.
- Calder wasn't half bad.
It did not hold my attention, and I ended up skimming for the most part. It wasn't overly long, but I wanted it to be over quickly. I think a sixteen-year-old me would have liked it. I am jaded now, and I have read better.
For a day now, I have been trying to recall what it reminded me of - It was a silly little version of the iconic Princess Diaries. I would rather watch the movie.
PS - If anyone has read this series, can you tell me who won the Pickering fortune? Deidre or Sophie? Considering the former married a future Duke and the latter a current Duke. My OCD will be in your eternal gratitude. Thank you.
August 2, 2009
Love at first sight, a horrendous misunderstanding, some angst, mediocre side characters, dumb villains, and you've made a romance novel. Or at least, Ms. Bradley thinks so. It was not really a terrible book, I mean, the characters were likable (Rafe being utterly hot and normal, while Phoebe had some sins up her sleeve), the angst was easy enough to relate to, the sex was pretty hot, and the writing was above average. Actually I loved how the characters were given real flaws, like the ones we see on tv. So, I figure it must be the facts. It read like a modern romance, not a regency and that was the problem. Diction, like “launch” and “rocket” and I'm sure there are others, made me want to drop the book. There is another flaw, this time about the mediocre side characters who will have their own novel; they were much too hard to sympathize with. Calder, the cold, selfish brother, especially difficult. He's supposed to be perfect, but honestly, all I see is dried up bone. Deidre, the stunning self-absorbed beauty, supposedly has another side to her. Actually, she does and it was something to read for, but that step mother, Tessa, was plain insane. Her dialogue was worse and made me realize that Ms. Bradley is good at writing banter, though some of it is not so intelligent, her dramatic dialogue were much too...dramatic. The theatrics were a bit out of place. There was that staple gay dressmaker who seemed to save the day. He had to be my favorite.
abandonados-para-no-volver
September 18, 2016Demasiado complicado se presenta (un drama que no es, obstáculos que no me importan) para un romance planteado desde un comienzo como inconsistente. Gracias pero no gracias.
August 6, 2014
I hate it. I hate it. I HATE IT!!!
What in the
What was going on in this book? Ugh. Stupid heroine. Stupid hero. Stupid side characters.
Please everyone. Just die. This book annoyed me like no other.
Stupid.
What in the
What was going on in this book? Ugh. Stupid heroine. Stupid hero. Stupid side characters.
Please everyone. Just die. This book annoyed me like no other.
Stupid.
dnf
June 12, 2023DNF at 37%. This started off really good with the hero and heroine’s first meeting, then immediately started dragging. I’m trying to go through a bunch of historicals I own to see which authors are keepers and which will be unhauled…unfortunately I think my Bradley collection will be the latter.
December 15, 2012
This book made no sense. Some wtf the moments:
At the very beginning, the crotchety old patriarch makes it very clear that he dislikes the aristocracy. BUT, in order to gain his inheritance, his female relatives must MARRY A DUKE.
Idiot Phoebe accepts a marriage proposal from someone who's first name she doesn't know!
Even more idiotic Calder proposes to a woman he's NEVER EVEN MET! Then invites this stranger AND HER FAMILY to move in with him...that day!
Maybe this thing made more sense after the 100 page mark..but I doubt it.
At the very beginning, the crotchety old patriarch makes it very clear that he dislikes the aristocracy. BUT, in order to gain his inheritance, his female relatives must MARRY A DUKE.
Idiot Phoebe accepts a marriage proposal from someone who's first name she doesn't know!
Even more idiotic Calder proposes to a woman he's NEVER EVEN MET! Then invites this stranger AND HER FAMILY to move in with him...that day!
Maybe this thing made more sense after the 100 page mark..but I doubt it.
January 10, 2020
Downtrodden Phoebe meets her hero Rafe. Who also had his issues with life. Everything goes wrong for there romance. (Calder )
I like this story and look forward to her cousins stories, especially Sophie's. She is the quite one.
I like this story and look forward to her cousins stories, especially Sophie's. She is the quite one.
December 18, 2008
This author's voice is amusing, but I just don't like a story that is based so much in misunderstanding and self loathing.
November 9, 2022
BOTM for HRBC November Its all about the money trope
There are several stories going on here.
Marquis of Brookhaven (Calder) asks Phoebe Millbury to marry him.
Rafe Raphael Marbrook,Calders bastard brother loves Phoebe. He spent one night at a ball with her and lost his heart to her. She felt the same. She mistakenly thought he was the one who proposed marriage to her. She accepts. Her father the vicar is pleased and finally gives her the approval she has always longed for. When Phoebe marries the Marquis he will one day be a Duke. When he becomes a Duke Phoebe will inherit £27,000. In 1815 that is a fortune. The lawyers who manage the money have only one account the Stickly fortune. Without it they’ll be sunk.
Phoebe’s Aunt Tessa has a stepdaughter Dierdre who she thinks would make perfect Marchioness and then Duchess. She eavesdrops to find dirt on Phoebe and Rafe.There are many who don’t want the marriage to take place with different reasons: Tessa and Dierdre, Stickly lawyers, Rafe.
The only ones who want the marriage are: Calder, the Vicar and Phoebe and her cousin Sophie. Phoebe is torn between love and duty and not causing a scandal. The help even have story in this book. The butler Fortescue is in love with an Irish housemaid whom he elevated to Lady’s maid.
Who will Phoebe end up with? Will she choose love or money?
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There are several stories going on here.
Marquis of Brookhaven (Calder) asks Phoebe Millbury to marry him.
Rafe Raphael Marbrook,Calders bastard brother loves Phoebe. He spent one night at a ball with her and lost his heart to her. She felt the same. She mistakenly thought he was the one who proposed marriage to her. She accepts. Her father the vicar is pleased and finally gives her the approval she has always longed for. When Phoebe marries the Marquis he will one day be a Duke. When he becomes a Duke Phoebe will inherit £27,000. In 1815 that is a fortune. The lawyers who manage the money have only one account the Stickly fortune. Without it they’ll be sunk.
Phoebe’s Aunt Tessa has a stepdaughter Dierdre who she thinks would make perfect Marchioness and then Duchess. She eavesdrops to find dirt on Phoebe and Rafe.There are many who don’t want the marriage to take place with different reasons: Tessa and Dierdre, Stickly lawyers, Rafe.
The only ones who want the marriage are: Calder, the Vicar and Phoebe and her cousin Sophie. Phoebe is torn between love and duty and not causing a scandal. The help even have story in this book. The butler Fortescue is in love with an Irish housemaid whom he elevated to Lady’s maid.
Who will Phoebe end up with? Will she choose love or money?
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
i-tried-but-this-shit-failed-me
July 3, 2023Am I in a rut or am I in a rut. This just didn’t work for me…
May 30, 2008
There's this old fart who made a lot of money and wanted his daughters to marry dukes, but they were all snippy and too proud (or something) and so none of them did. So the old fart is mad and changes his will demanding that one of his granddaughters or great-granddaughters marry a duke. The first one that succeeds will get the whole pot of money. If it doesn't happen by the time his greats all get married, the money's going to whiskey smugglers. So the story opens with the old fart's three granddaughters moving into a townhouse in London to compete for the prize. One is the sweet romantically-minded daughter of a vicar, who spots the man of her dreams at her first ball and falls head over heels. Even better, he falls head over heels for her right back. And he's the son of a duke. Problem is, he's the bastard son. (I'm not giving away spoilers.) He makes the mistake of pointing her out to his brother, the actual heir to a dukedom, and since he's--the legitimate brother--decided it's time to get married, he beats the rush and heads over to propose the next morning. And the heroine accepts before she realizes it's the wrong brother. And once she realizes--well, that's when the story gets going. It's really very very lovely, with lots of fun dialogue and a pair of rather ridiculous villains, but you can skim over them if you like. Just enjoy the romance. Excellent read, IMO.
July 7, 2009
I was surprised to find that I did not like this book very much. I usually enjoy Celeste Bradley, but I hated how she had the main characters fall in love within minutes of meeting one another. This could just be my personal belief that "love at first sight" does not exist. I prefer books that leave the reader questioning when the main characters will finally realize that they love one another...
November 22, 2024
started off as a solid 5 star book and liked everything about the book even thought i hate love triangles this one did it well but then it went downhill like the villain sub-plot i wanted to a scene towards the end with rafe and calder speaking to get some closure but instead we got calder and phoebe speaking about the tension between the brothers (?) i honestly think that the villain sub plot was kind of a way to fill in the gap and kind of serve as an ending which i didn’t like. this reminds me of lisa kleypas books where smth really extravagant and shocking happeneds towards the end and it’s kind of a bit too much bc ur like hello there’s only a few chapters left you know i’m kind of sick of that
but it’s a silly and good read
but it’s a silly and good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Desperately Seeking a Duke by Celeste Bradley, book one of the Heiress Bride series
.
Cover (stepback):
Story: 3.5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥
Ending: HEA
Publication: 2008
.
England, Regency (1815)
Rakish Illegitimate Gentleman
Clumsy Vicar's Daughter
Inheritance Race
Instant Attraction
He Falls Hard
Identity Mix-Up
Forbidden Love
Familial Difficulties
She's Engaged
Secondary Romance
Reformed Rake
Experienced Heroine
Ballroom Meet Cute
.
Meh. It's fine. It's just fine.
.
Read as a physical copy. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (spoilers likely):
.
.
.
.
.
Religiously oppressive upbringing
.
Cover (stepback):
Story: 3.5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥
Ending: HEA
Publication: 2008
.
England, Regency (1815)
Rakish Illegitimate Gentleman
Clumsy Vicar's Daughter
Inheritance Race
Instant Attraction
He Falls Hard
Identity Mix-Up
Forbidden Love
Familial Difficulties
She's Engaged
Secondary Romance
Reformed Rake
Experienced Heroine
Ballroom Meet Cute
.
Meh. It's fine. It's just fine.
.
Read as a physical copy. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (spoilers likely):
.
.
.
.
.
Religiously oppressive upbringing
June 18, 2020
Love at first sight, silly misunderstandings, witty banter! Even with ridiculous villains, I really enjoyed this book.
October 17, 2022
This was a cute book of unrequited love while engaged to the wrong man. The characters had a lot of charm and the baddies were fun to dislike. The romance happened in a rushed way but I liked the way it happened. 3.5 stars.
October 3, 2011
I love how the first thing Phoebe noticed about Rafe is his arse! and then found out that everything else that was attached to his wonderful arse is just as good to look at... And that by openly staring at his arse in a ballroom full of people is a good way to meet said owner of such a great body part.
I definitely think that this book is a better read than the 3rd book which i read a couple of days ago. This one has a lot more chemistry and both characters are so easy to love. Rafe is a darling and Phoebe is the best friend you'd love to have. I was bit sad when the book ended, since i wanted a lot more of their crazy role-playing. Rafe is a sweetheart for playing along... and one thing i will wonder from now until forever, When will i finally meet my Greek God with the finest arse in all the world?
I will be reading this again, very soon! :)
I definitely think that this book is a better read than the 3rd book which i read a couple of days ago. This one has a lot more chemistry and both characters are so easy to love. Rafe is a darling and Phoebe is the best friend you'd love to have. I was bit sad when the book ended, since i wanted a lot more of their crazy role-playing. Rafe is a sweetheart for playing along... and one thing i will wonder from now until forever, When will i finally meet my Greek God with the finest arse in all the world?
I will be reading this again, very soon! :)
June 14, 2018
I read this several years ago and enjoyed it, so when this was the FAC author for June, I decided to reread this - in audio.
The beginning was a little slow and a little scattered, but by the end I was wanting to read about the other cousins - just like the first time! I liked the characters and was happy about the ending. Since I can admit I didn't remember much about this story, I can admit that I'm looking forward to re-finding out how the story goes for Deirdre and Sophie!
I enjoyed Susan Ericksen's performance of this in audio.
The beginning was a little slow and a little scattered, but by the end I was wanting to read about the other cousins - just like the first time! I liked the characters and was happy about the ending. Since I can admit I didn't remember much about this story, I can admit that I'm looking forward to re-finding out how the story goes for Deirdre and Sophie!
I enjoyed Susan Ericksen's performance of this in audio.
May 28, 2015
Primera entrega de la trilogía Herederas. Buena novela, divertida en algunos momentos, de esas que emocionan e incluso en algún momento, a pesar de saber que es romántica y que, por lo tanto, ha de terminar bien sí o sí, lo dudas. Hay quien le podría pegas por el hecho que los protagonistas se enamoran a primera vista, pero yo no soy de esas porque sé bien que es pasar por eso jijijijiji (y llevo 30 años pagando las «consecuencias» jajajajajajaja).
October 23, 2015
No one was rooting for Phoebe and Brookhaven so I felt obliged to be the only one to ship them. I mean think about it, if Rafe wasn't in the picture they would have made a great couple.
That aside Tessa. Why is no one punishing Tessa? and Stickley and Wolfe? What they just all live well good and free?
I am hoping that in the other books of this series they would get punished.
Great book by the way!! just great!!
That aside Tessa. Why is no one punishing Tessa? and Stickley and Wolfe? What they just all live well good and free?
I am hoping that in the other books of this series they would get punished.
Great book by the way!! just great!!
October 12, 2018
This was thoroughly enjoyable until they finally had sex and confessed their love to each other. From then on it completely lost the plot. I’m not sure what the author intended but she obviously got a bit too excited about her own perceived cleverness. I want to wash my brain. Massive eye roll.
October 3, 2017
leído en Nov 2010
September 14, 2020
First, I feel the need to preface this review with a couple of housekeeping items. I'm not a huge romance reader. Historical fiction as a subgenre of the romance field can be entertaining, and since I've read two spy series by this author, I thought I'd give another series a try. I was fully aware this would be more on the romance-side of the spectrum. There's no getting out of that in terms of reading and review.
Second, I don't usually tend to give two-star reviews. I gave a couple with my review and rating of two of The Royal Four books. It makes me feel guilty. However, I'm not intending to be negative over the author's writing style or whole body of work. This rating depends mainly on how much I liked or disliked the book I read. I will remark that the writing style, setting, and characters of this story are well-done. If you are a romance genre lover, then I would highly recommend this book and series. If you're more tentative or not as big a fan, then this review strike a chord with you. Either way, please know I respect the author's efforts and commend her fun prose.
With all of the above stated, let me share what I liked and disliked about book one in the Heiress Brides series.
Likes:
1. There's an entertaining caveat to the story in which three cousins will only get their family's fortune if they land themselves a duke. This poses a twisted, somewhat hilarious proposal that has our heroines trying to decide if the fortune is worth losing out on true love.
2. Phoebe is a decent character. She has a kind heart and wants to do the right thing, but her past indiscretions keep her from doing what's really right.
3. It's nice to see how all of the cousins vie for the rights of the fortune and are estranged at the conception of this story, but over time, they bond together and begin to like each other as well as take care of one another.
4. Calder is annoying at first, but he seems to grow on you as the story unravels. To be honest, he was a much more relatable character than his brother.
Dislikes:
1. Rafe and Phoebe meet at a ball, look across the dance floor, and fall in love. Although I'm not dissing the whole "love at first sight" theory, I don't usually prescribe to it, and this incarnation falls a bit flat for me. I'm not even sure how they really build on their romance because they aren't together for most of the book, and it doesn't seem they have anything concrete in common. Maybe this was just another example of "lust at first sight" instead?
2. Phoebe receives a marriage proposal from a Marquis of Brookhaven and thinks it's Rafe. It isn't. It's his brother Calder.
3. She doesn't break off the engagement right away because she doesn't want to disappoint her father, mainly due to a youthful mistake. However, I don't think that's fair to Calder or Rafe.
4. To be blunt, I just couldn't get into this storyline, and I wasn't fond of or connected to the two main characters. I was more interested in the secondary characters.
Overall, it wasn't my favorite book ever in terms of genre and content. I wish I could be more positive, but sometimes, that's just the way a book strikes you at any given point in your life. I finished it to get onto the next two in the series.
Second, I don't usually tend to give two-star reviews. I gave a couple with my review and rating of two of The Royal Four books. It makes me feel guilty. However, I'm not intending to be negative over the author's writing style or whole body of work. This rating depends mainly on how much I liked or disliked the book I read. I will remark that the writing style, setting, and characters of this story are well-done. If you are a romance genre lover, then I would highly recommend this book and series. If you're more tentative or not as big a fan, then this review strike a chord with you. Either way, please know I respect the author's efforts and commend her fun prose.
With all of the above stated, let me share what I liked and disliked about book one in the Heiress Brides series.
Likes:
1. There's an entertaining caveat to the story in which three cousins will only get their family's fortune if they land themselves a duke. This poses a twisted, somewhat hilarious proposal that has our heroines trying to decide if the fortune is worth losing out on true love.
2. Phoebe is a decent character. She has a kind heart and wants to do the right thing, but her past indiscretions keep her from doing what's really right.
3. It's nice to see how all of the cousins vie for the rights of the fortune and are estranged at the conception of this story, but over time, they bond together and begin to like each other as well as take care of one another.
4. Calder is annoying at first, but he seems to grow on you as the story unravels. To be honest, he was a much more relatable character than his brother.
Dislikes:
1. Rafe and Phoebe meet at a ball, look across the dance floor, and fall in love. Although I'm not dissing the whole "love at first sight" theory, I don't usually prescribe to it, and this incarnation falls a bit flat for me. I'm not even sure how they really build on their romance because they aren't together for most of the book, and it doesn't seem they have anything concrete in common. Maybe this was just another example of "lust at first sight" instead?
2. Phoebe receives a marriage proposal from a Marquis of Brookhaven and thinks it's Rafe. It isn't. It's his brother Calder.
3. She doesn't break off the engagement right away because she doesn't want to disappoint her father, mainly due to a youthful mistake. However, I don't think that's fair to Calder or Rafe.
4. To be blunt, I just couldn't get into this storyline, and I wasn't fond of or connected to the two main characters. I was more interested in the secondary characters.
Overall, it wasn't my favorite book ever in terms of genre and content. I wish I could be more positive, but sometimes, that's just the way a book strikes you at any given point in your life. I finished it to get onto the next two in the series.
May 4, 2017
Fue entretenido, pero no puedo dejar pasar sus fallas. Ni siquiera voy a comenzar con lo del enamoramiento instantáneo. El libro es una historia llena de cliches. Amor a primera vista. Libertino reformado solo con conocer a la indicada. Chica inexperta en sexo que mágicamente es muy buena en eso. Casi pienso que se salto el cliche de la chica virginal y devota. Incluso le di crédito por eso, pero NOP. Muy a mi pesar el libro me gusto. Fue entrenido y rapido de leer. Aunque en las zonas en donde los protagonistas proclamaban amor eterno, sufrimiento intenso, estacas en el corazón con solo haber hablado un ratito y sin llegar a conocerse me hicieron quedarme bizca por las veces que puse los ojos en blanco. Lo increíble del asunto era que con solo algunas conversaciones ya era como si se conociesen de toda la vida.
March 24, 2019
Having only recently "discovered" Celeste Bradley's books, I am having a grand time reading her backlist. Her characters are entertaining and appealing. Phoebe literally falls into Rafe and into love at a ball one magical evening. Rafe makes the mistake of telling his brother the marquise about her who immediately offers marriage. Thinking the proposal came from Rafe, Phoebe immediately accepts. Thus begins the adventure complicated more by the secret will of a relative that has his fortune going to a niece that marries a duke. The disappointment of this book ending is eased by the fact that I have the next in the series all ready to begin....Rafe's brother Calder's story.
April 26, 2024
This was written a bit too silly. The author tried to make things funny and light. It didn't work for the story or for the characters. The comedy thrown in just became overdone and annoying. I did like the comments at first, but when it was every other page, it got to be too much. The whole love triangle plot didn't work either. I thought rafe and phoebe were perfect for each other, but adding Calder as a suitor made the story seem forced. I would have rather some other problem than a love triangle.
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