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The Reluctant Bride Collection #1-4
The Reluctant Bride Collection - The Complete Box Set
Come back to a time when manners are everything and rules are made to never be broken. Come back to a time when men are in charge and women do what they are told. . .
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
To Catch A Spinster
Olivia Blakesley, self-proclaimed spinster extraordinaire, is quite happy with her life. She has her studies and her duties, what need does she have of a husband? With five sisters married she knows the reality does not live up to the promise, and does not need to personally experiment with the state to know she would be ill-suited to it. However, she finds herself envious of at least one aspect of marriage. But to experience the physical side of marriage, one doesn't need a husband, all one needs is the right man...
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty. Marry a young girl from a respectable family and father an heir, no matter how cold the endless parade of suitable girls leaves him. But a shocking proposal from a scholarly spinster leaves him wondering if unsuitable is just what he's looking for. Can he convince his spinster that marriage is the greatest experiment of all?
To Tame A Dragon
Lady Amelia Delaney is known for her sharp tongue, no-nonsense attitude, and sizable fortune. Numerous suitors have tried to win her hand-- for the money, for the challenge, and for a rather unfortunate bet. She knows the unflattering reasons behind her numerous proposals; can she ever accept that a man would want to marry her just for herself?
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage; a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
To Wed The Widow
A man with a Future, the Honorable George Sinclair would rather poke his eye out than take his place beside his brother and learn How To Be An Earl. But when an earl orders, a brother obeys. And when an earl tries to make his brother steady and responsible and old and gray, well... it just might kill them both.
A woman with a Past, Lady Haywood is a scandalous distraction that no honorable gentleman can ignore. Especially one who's just been told that his very happy life is changing irrevocably to the boring. But even if a scandalous distraction is what George wants, what he needs is a wife. A virgin wife. A scandal-less wife...
The earl would be the first to say that his brother has always had a problem choosing what he needs over what he wants. Lady Haywood would say that very few women who have buried five husbands would bother with a sixth. And George would say... why, this sounds like fine fun.
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
To Catch A Spinster
Olivia Blakesley, self-proclaimed spinster extraordinaire, is quite happy with her life. She has her studies and her duties, what need does she have of a husband? With five sisters married she knows the reality does not live up to the promise, and does not need to personally experiment with the state to know she would be ill-suited to it. However, she finds herself envious of at least one aspect of marriage. But to experience the physical side of marriage, one doesn't need a husband, all one needs is the right man...
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty. Marry a young girl from a respectable family and father an heir, no matter how cold the endless parade of suitable girls leaves him. But a shocking proposal from a scholarly spinster leaves him wondering if unsuitable is just what he's looking for. Can he convince his spinster that marriage is the greatest experiment of all?
To Tame A Dragon
Lady Amelia Delaney is known for her sharp tongue, no-nonsense attitude, and sizable fortune. Numerous suitors have tried to win her hand-- for the money, for the challenge, and for a rather unfortunate bet. She knows the unflattering reasons behind her numerous proposals; can she ever accept that a man would want to marry her just for herself?
Jameson Pendrake is a devil-may-care dandy who cares for naught but fun and fashion. But behind his laughing green eyes lies a dark history, and he calls off his wedding because of his fear of repeating the past. He can not simply give up on the idea of marriage; a wife is the best defense against the yearly crop of scheming mothers and their frilly daughters. But to allay his fears he needs a woman strong enough to laugh in the face of his past. A woman unflappable, unwavering, and unbroken. He knows just the woman. The trick, it seems, is in getting her to accept.
To Wed The Widow
A man with a Future, the Honorable George Sinclair would rather poke his eye out than take his place beside his brother and learn How To Be An Earl. But when an earl orders, a brother obeys. And when an earl tries to make his brother steady and responsible and old and gray, well... it just might kill them both.
A woman with a Past, Lady Haywood is a scandalous distraction that no honorable gentleman can ignore. Especially one who's just been told that his very happy life is changing irrevocably to the boring. But even if a scandalous distraction is what George wants, what he needs is a wife. A virgin wife. A scandal-less wife...
The earl would be the first to say that his brother has always had a problem choosing what he needs over what he wants. Lady Haywood would say that very few women who have buried five husbands would bother with a sixth. And George would say... why, this sounds like fine fun.
661 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2014
1810 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Megan Bryce
20 books281 followersMegan Bryce sits in front of a computer all day making up stories for a living. Which means she is not nearly as interesting (as well as tall, svelte, and/or dressed) as her characters. She gets bored quickly and just can't be bothered with anyone in her head who doesn't make her laugh--which translates into fun books, outrageous situations, and witty characters.
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 12, 2018
For less than a dollar on Amazon, this collection supplies the HR reader with 4 romantic and well-written historical romances. Now, granted, you won't be reading these to educate yourself about life, behavior and vocabulary of 1800s England. In other words, don't read these for the history. Read them for the romances. And the romances are humorous, sweet, and satisfying. All four are romantic but the first two are more distinctly funny, while the last two are funny but touching and poignant at the same time.
I won't bother to give summaries of the plots. I'll just say that the Hs here are not jerks and arses. They are sexy, confident betas, I guess, with only a very slight alpha overtone to their personalities. (Does that make them "gamma"? I'm never sure about that.) And there isn't a TSTL female to be found. These heroines are not about to be led around by any man, however sexy he might be. Each male has met his match in these stories.
I enjoyed all four romances, some perhaps more than others. I wouldn't say that the plots are especially unique. You'll find similar ones in other HRs. What's unique is author Megan Bryce's way of telling her stories. Good dialogue, likeable characters, sexual attraction without an excess of sex to waste pages. This is a fun way to escape life for a while and a very economical escape at that.
I won't bother to give summaries of the plots. I'll just say that the Hs here are not jerks and arses. They are sexy, confident betas, I guess, with only a very slight alpha overtone to their personalities. (Does that make them "gamma"? I'm never sure about that.) And there isn't a TSTL female to be found. These heroines are not about to be led around by any man, however sexy he might be. Each male has met his match in these stories.
I enjoyed all four romances, some perhaps more than others. I wouldn't say that the plots are especially unique. You'll find similar ones in other HRs. What's unique is author Megan Bryce's way of telling her stories. Good dialogue, likeable characters, sexual attraction without an excess of sex to waste pages. This is a fun way to escape life for a while and a very economical escape at that.
November 21, 2017
So far I have only read the last book in the box To Temp the Saint and it was a wonderful short story. I absolutely loved Miss Twiggy. I have not read a good short story like this in historical romance for a while. The feministic flavor, the struggle of characters with religious and ethical morality, the complexity of family dynamics, and the overall double standards for gender roles and expectations are all historically and currently relevant. The only thing that I wanted from this book which completely a preference issue is one love making scene, and it didn't have to explicit or suggestive.....just the implication that it happened would have worked for me. Other than that I really enjoyed this story and I am going back to the other ones to finish as well.
August 15, 2020
Exquisite
The writing, the wit and powerful emotions in the last two stories of this collection are superb. I loved them.
The writing, the wit and powerful emotions in the last two stories of this collection are superb. I loved them.
June 22, 2019
"Our lives always need to be tended as if they were growing things, because they are, in fact, just that. In silence we can hear the most clearly. We must, however, prepare ourselves for what we might hear."
Christian historical. Quite a reading experience! Simple, complicated, and very deep. All very different stories of women and men put in situations that they didn't plan. Each is special in its own way. Nice long read. None of the stories go too fast or cut off too quickly. Entirely enjoyable. Some authors are new to me. I'm grateful to read their works and be able to add them to my favorites!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Christian historical. Quite a reading experience! Simple, complicated, and very deep. All very different stories of women and men put in situations that they didn't plan. Each is special in its own way. Nice long read. None of the stories go too fast or cut off too quickly. Entirely enjoyable. Some authors are new to me. I'm grateful to read their works and be able to add them to my favorites!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 13, 2023
I was very pleasantly surprised by this collection. I will say - up front and without question - the plots were waaaay outside of normal regency-era believability (hence why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, it was that good). However, each one of the books sucked me into the story and I found myself quite caught-up in the "regency romp" flavor of each book. It was poignant and moving at times despite how far-fetched the story lines became or how many typos or grammar errors I noticed...I'd love to see a lot more from Megan Bryce as far as historical romances. I see she has lots of contemporary romance out there but its usually not my preference. Maybe I'll try one anyway? She is a very good story-teller that needs a better editor. Megan, I'm waiting to see what comes off your desk next!
April 22, 2021
Delightful
Fun book of stories. Really appealed to the romantic in me. Some were a bit more silly than the rest, but they all had their qualities to be applauded. I especially liked that the last two were connected, even if only distantly. It was good to be able to understand why the hero behaved like he had which hadn't really been clear in the previous story. The author has a great sense of humor, too, which really made the stories and the characters fun. Also, although love, sex and relationships hold a large part in each story, the sex wasn't graphic or predominant, which I also appreciated. Just good old fashioned love stories. I felt like the stories got even better as I read.
Fun book of stories. Really appealed to the romantic in me. Some were a bit more silly than the rest, but they all had their qualities to be applauded. I especially liked that the last two were connected, even if only distantly. It was good to be able to understand why the hero behaved like he had which hadn't really been clear in the previous story. The author has a great sense of humor, too, which really made the stories and the characters fun. Also, although love, sex and relationships hold a large part in each story, the sex wasn't graphic or predominant, which I also appreciated. Just good old fashioned love stories. I felt like the stories got even better as I read.
August 3, 2021
Brilliant
I don't usually write reviews but i.just had to write this one. I absolutely love the fact that each book is individual and not like the usual repetitions in most series written by the same author. I don't think I found every a repeated phrase or description in any of them. I almost forgot they were all written by the same person.
Although there was a common theme running through all.the books, but each was very different from the next. They were also witty and made me laugh out a few times. She made each character come alive and did what every good books does - transports you from your living room to the world in which the characters live. I wish I could have more of each.
I definitely enjoyed reading them all and will be reading more of Megan Bryce's books.
I don't usually write reviews but i.just had to write this one. I absolutely love the fact that each book is individual and not like the usual repetitions in most series written by the same author. I don't think I found every a repeated phrase or description in any of them. I almost forgot they were all written by the same person.
Although there was a common theme running through all.the books, but each was very different from the next. They were also witty and made me laugh out a few times. She made each character come alive and did what every good books does - transports you from your living room to the world in which the characters live. I wish I could have more of each.
I definitely enjoyed reading them all and will be reading more of Megan Bryce's books.
September 9, 2020
This is a bit of a mixed bag. Three of the stories are clean romance... and the first one is not. I'm not too bothered by whether or not a book is clean, but I do like to know what to expect. Which is why it was a little confusing to have sex scenes in book 1... and nothing in the next three. Very strange.
I wasn't enamoured with any of the "heroes". The books tend to focus more on the women and the men could be anyone with no real character of their own. They are quite dull at times.
To be honest, I liked each book a little less than the one before, and I didn't care much for the fourth book at all.
The books weren't terrible, but they weren't really attention-grabbing either.
I wasn't enamoured with any of the "heroes". The books tend to focus more on the women and the men could be anyone with no real character of their own. They are quite dull at times.
To be honest, I liked each book a little less than the one before, and I didn't care much for the fourth book at all.
The books weren't terrible, but they weren't really attention-grabbing either.
January 22, 2024
Such Touching Stories...spoiler alert HEA
I've read lots of romance, all different types. I'm not exactly sure why I picked this collection, but the title sounded intriguing. Each book dealt with a reluctant bride, each for a different reason. Each story has an intriguing plot and developed clear characters I cared about. The love stories all ended happily, although in To Wed a Widow, I wasn't sure. My throat got choked up for much of the end, and that never happens to me.
I highly recommend this set of books by Megan Bryce and will look for others by her. I usually read more erotic romances. These books were very satisfying.
I've read lots of romance, all different types. I'm not exactly sure why I picked this collection, but the title sounded intriguing. Each book dealt with a reluctant bride, each for a different reason. Each story has an intriguing plot and developed clear characters I cared about. The love stories all ended happily, although in To Wed a Widow, I wasn't sure. My throat got choked up for much of the end, and that never happens to me.
I highly recommend this set of books by Megan Bryce and will look for others by her. I usually read more erotic romances. These books were very satisfying.
January 25, 2024
Well-written
This set consists of 4 independent stories although the last one has as its MC a character from the 3rd book. I enjoyed reading every one of them. Most Regency romances I've gotten through a free or 1.99 offer are repeats of hundreds of other stories and contain a maddening number of typos, grammatical, and usage errors. Megan Bryce, while using the standard story arc, presents unique stories and characters. Her writing is excellent and she uses sophisticated humor. Her characters are so well drawn that by the end of the book, the reader feels they are people you know. I definitely recommend this box set, and I will be looking for more from this author.
This set consists of 4 independent stories although the last one has as its MC a character from the 3rd book. I enjoyed reading every one of them. Most Regency romances I've gotten through a free or 1.99 offer are repeats of hundreds of other stories and contain a maddening number of typos, grammatical, and usage errors. Megan Bryce, while using the standard story arc, presents unique stories and characters. Her writing is excellent and she uses sophisticated humor. Her characters are so well drawn that by the end of the book, the reader feels they are people you know. I definitely recommend this box set, and I will be looking for more from this author.
December 24, 2023
Amazingly good
I have read tons of Regencies and most are variations of the same old plot devices and characters, so I really appreciate writing that is unique like that found in this older collection from 2014. These novels have everything I like, humor, wisdom, insight, and dimensionality. It's this last that is so exceptional. It's like having to drink a mediocre wine for months and finally getting a bottle of the good stuff. It's like when The Wizard of Oz changes from b&w to Technicolor.
I have read tons of Regencies and most are variations of the same old plot devices and characters, so I really appreciate writing that is unique like that found in this older collection from 2014. These novels have everything I like, humor, wisdom, insight, and dimensionality. It's this last that is so exceptional. It's like having to drink a mediocre wine for months and finally getting a bottle of the good stuff. It's like when The Wizard of Oz changes from b&w to Technicolor.
April 28, 2018
PEOPLE CAN RELOCATE, RENAME, BUT SAME SCAM USUALLY FINDS THE REAL THEM
3 STARS only to Megan Bryce for her The Reluctant Bride Collection - The Complete Set because even with great storylines the stories were disjointed and choppy in between her characters to each other and most confusing to their ownself. I gotta admit that part that can be read and very clearly understood was a nice read, and was worth it.
17&UP
3 STARS only to Megan Bryce for her The Reluctant Bride Collection - The Complete Set because even with great storylines the stories were disjointed and choppy in between her characters to each other and most confusing to their ownself. I gotta admit that part that can be read and very clearly understood was a nice read, and was worth it.
17&UP
April 6, 2020
Great series together or individual
This is a set of four books each very different from the other, I can't say that I have a favorite each are unique and go in a direction different than the reader may think. There are unusual heroine not your typical recency ladies with many issues and possible flaws and occasionally lawless. Give the series a read, you won't be disappointed. I always enjoy Megan Bruce's books.
This is a set of four books each very different from the other, I can't say that I have a favorite each are unique and go in a direction different than the reader may think. There are unusual heroine not your typical recency ladies with many issues and possible flaws and occasionally lawless. Give the series a read, you won't be disappointed. I always enjoy Megan Bruce's books.
August 27, 2020
There are four stories in this collection. I liked the second story best because the repartee between the main characters was very funny at times. The last story was the hardest to read, but it had some very deep parts. I think more plot and character development would have made it a much stronger story. The third story was the slowest for me, and I didn't like it as much as the other stories.
February 20, 2024
Enjoyed almost all the stories!
I thought I had given up on romance and just needed some short stories to pass the time. Some of the characters were very nice... Don't you hate 'nice'. Some however were quite amazing and very deep and real. Can't decide which were my favourites but I did love Honora and her troll. Thoroughly recommend this book. It made me smile and sometimes cry and
laugh out loud!
I thought I had given up on romance and just needed some short stories to pass the time. Some of the characters were very nice... Don't you hate 'nice'. Some however were quite amazing and very deep and real. Can't decide which were my favourites but I did love Honora and her troll. Thoroughly recommend this book. It made me smile and sometimes cry and
laugh out loud!
May 8, 2024
All four books have without pleased me magnificently, book 3 kept me awake reading into the early hours, book 4 did the same, Not Knowing How, these puzzles were going to work out AND knowing they had to keeps U reading Waking at 2am, in bed, book in lap, glasses & lamp still on, followed by a major portion portion of the next morning & afternoon gone.
It is a extremely good series of books, I shall enjoy reading them again in a year or three. Thank you Megan.
It is a extremely good series of books, I shall enjoy reading them again in a year or three. Thank you Megan.
September 5, 2020
4 great stories
This may be one of the best compendiums of stories I've ever read. Each story is stand-alone, but there are a few that slightly connect the parties. Highly recommend for hours of enjoyable reading about Head-strong women & the men who love them. Humor, and love combined and almost proof-read perfect too.
This may be one of the best compendiums of stories I've ever read. Each story is stand-alone, but there are a few that slightly connect the parties. Highly recommend for hours of enjoyable reading about Head-strong women & the men who love them. Humor, and love combined and almost proof-read perfect too.
September 13, 2020
For all the right reasons
A collection of stories about women with personalities in an age when they weren’t allowed to, and the men who love them. While a collection, each story is so much different from the first that it was most enjoyable to read each an every one of them. Recommended.
A collection of stories about women with personalities in an age when they weren’t allowed to, and the men who love them. While a collection, each story is so much different from the first that it was most enjoyable to read each an every one of them. Recommended.
February 27, 2021
I enjoyed all four books in The Reluctant Bride Collection with each strong lady and how they stood up to the rules of the ton in Regency England. They are all humorous, full of witty dialogue and very different from each other and each one is a unique story. The men were all willing to join their women in doing what they wanted and what their women wanted despite the norms of society.
July 20, 2023
Sweet
This collection of stories was sweet and true to the title of Reluctant Brides. The story, To Tempt a Saint, is a follow-up to To Wed a Widow. It was my favorite. I truly felt for Honora and her plight. I loved that I got to know George St. Clair better. I smiled and cried throughout this story. Someday, I hope to read about Chastity.
This collection of stories was sweet and true to the title of Reluctant Brides. The story, To Tempt a Saint, is a follow-up to To Wed a Widow. It was my favorite. I truly felt for Honora and her plight. I loved that I got to know George St. Clair better. I smiled and cried throughout this story. Someday, I hope to read about Chastity.
March 17, 2024
Beautiful Reads!
Each story is unique with characters who have real depth: feelings, thoughts, history. I loved each one because Megan Bryce let them tell us their stories. Emotion packed. Dreamy. Stark. Real. Breathtaking reading! Romance with all the beauty and the flaws of real people.
Each story is unique with characters who have real depth: feelings, thoughts, history. I loved each one because Megan Bryce let them tell us their stories. Emotion packed. Dreamy. Stark. Real. Breathtaking reading! Romance with all the beauty and the flaws of real people.
July 4, 2024
Great Stories!
I enjoyed each of these stories. They were so different from most historical romance books. Unusual situations with strong female characters that brought laughter and tears when reading their stories. If you like historical romance with compelling emotional stories, I think you will enjoy this set.
I enjoyed each of these stories. They were so different from most historical romance books. Unusual situations with strong female characters that brought laughter and tears when reading their stories. If you like historical romance with compelling emotional stories, I think you will enjoy this set.
August 25, 2018
Very nice
Oh, I really enjoyed all four of these books. If any of you want to know why, than you need to read all of the books. That will tell you why I enjoyed. Oh, by the way. Make sure you have a box of tissue next to you. You'll need it.
Oh, I really enjoyed all four of these books. If any of you want to know why, than you need to read all of the books. That will tell you why I enjoyed. Oh, by the way. Make sure you have a box of tissue next to you. You'll need it.
January 26, 2019
Most enjoyable
I Got the box set because I had enjoyed one of the included stpries. It was a good purchase. After read ing the others I can say Is Bruce tells great stories. You should read them all.
I Got the box set because I had enjoyed one of the included stpries. It was a good purchase. After read ing the others I can say Is Bruce tells great stories. You should read them all.
April 16, 2019
I enjoyed each story of love.
All were different which kept them interesting
I realized shortly into the fourth story that it was connected to the third story. I kept reading and did enjoy them all.
All were different which kept them interesting
I realized shortly into the fourth story that it was connected to the third story. I kept reading and did enjoy them all.
April 26, 2020
Does true love really come to those who need it?
Each of these stories were wonderfully entertaining and the ladies and gentlemen endearing. A must read for all who need a good, engrossing read.
Each of these stories were wonderfully entertaining and the ladies and gentlemen endearing. A must read for all who need a good, engrossing read.
May 27, 2020
PG Romance
Plenty of PG romance. These books are fun short romantic stories that have striking characters And fleshed out back stories. It's all very believable, it makes for the lovely feel good, happily ever after recency romance novels
Plenty of PG romance. These books are fun short romantic stories that have striking characters And fleshed out back stories. It's all very believable, it makes for the lovely feel good, happily ever after recency romance novels
August 14, 2020
Easy read
Nice little collection of happy ever after romances. A couple were sweet romances. Each had different plots of which I liked three but I was not impressed with the first story, personally. The heroine’s actions and attitudes didn’t make sense to me
Nice little collection of happy ever after romances. A couple were sweet romances. Each had different plots of which I liked three but I was not impressed with the first story, personally. The heroine’s actions and attitudes didn’t make sense to me
August 21, 2020
I enjoyed this set of regency stories - they were told with good characterization and interesting world building that was fairly true to the period. In particular I liked that key characters were not aristocratic, and their interactions with the nobility were well drawn.
August 25, 2020
These were an amazing collection of regency romances! I loved set of strong heroine each book introduced the readers to as well as their love interests! While these books are short reads, they are still very sweet! I can't wait to read more books by this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews