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The Brides of Wishmore #1
Osudová přitažlivost
Romantický milostný příběh přivádí čtenáře do oblíbeného prostředí britské aristokracie se svou plesovou sezonou, sňatkovým trhem, společenskou smetánkou a všemi dalšími okolnostmi vyšší společnosti, včetně licoměrných klepů a závisti.
Blake Stephens, nemanželský syn vévody, je pohledný, arogantní, trochu nebezpečný a samozřejmě jeden z nejžádoucnějších svobodných mužů v Londýně. Když ho opustí snoubenka, pronásleduje ji do Skotska, odhodlaný stanout s ní před oltářem. Brzo však zjistí, že ho přitahuje její starší sestra.
Před několika lety si lady Aileen Davidsonová zničila pověst a uchýlila se na venkov, ale její temperament a krása přinutí Blaka přemýšlet o tom, zda požádal o ruku správnou mladou dámu, a musí učinit rozhodnutí, jestli se ožení ze cti, nebo z lásky.
Blake Stephens, nemanželský syn vévody, je pohledný, arogantní, trochu nebezpečný a samozřejmě jeden z nejžádoucnějších svobodných mužů v Londýně. Když ho opustí snoubenka, pronásleduje ji do Skotska, odhodlaný stanout s ní před oltářem. Brzo však zjistí, že ho přitahuje její starší sestra.
Před několika lety si lady Aileen Davidsonová zničila pověst a uchýlila se na venkov, ale její temperament a krása přinutí Blaka přemýšlet o tom, zda požádal o ruku správnou mladou dámu, a musí učinit rozhodnutí, jestli se ožení ze cti, nebo z lásky.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2014
139 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
72 books2,204 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
September 6, 2019
The Bride Says No by Cathy Maxwell
Forced to follow society rules? No thank you.
But it’s Scotland in the times of arranged marriages and absolute levels of proper society. Tara agreed to marry Blake but runs away to be with the horse wrangler. But he’s already engaged to someone else. Aileen, Tara’s sister, and Blake then fall in love but Tara won’t release him from his promise. Not to mention the bride price that her father has already received.
What a mix up.
Sweet and entertaining.
It took until the end to like Tara.
That Aileen and Blake were so committed to do the right thing was admirable but sad they couldn’t just ignore society rules. So glad that’s not my world.
First in a series. Historical romance.
I listened to an audio version of this book. The narrator had a lovely accent and did a tremulous job with the different voices and intonation.
Forced to follow society rules? No thank you.
But it’s Scotland in the times of arranged marriages and absolute levels of proper society. Tara agreed to marry Blake but runs away to be with the horse wrangler. But he’s already engaged to someone else. Aileen, Tara’s sister, and Blake then fall in love but Tara won’t release him from his promise. Not to mention the bride price that her father has already received.
What a mix up.
Sweet and entertaining.
It took until the end to like Tara.
That Aileen and Blake were so committed to do the right thing was admirable but sad they couldn’t just ignore society rules. So glad that’s not my world.
First in a series. Historical romance.
I listened to an audio version of this book. The narrator had a lovely accent and did a tremulous job with the different voices and intonation.
February 19, 2015
I listened to the audiobook version.
I thought at first that I would really enjoy this book. It was my first by Cathy Maxwell, and it seems as if she is a fairly prolific HR writer, so I hoped for the best. The reason I only give this two stars is because the hero and heroine of this book get just as much, if not less, face time as the secondary characters. There was very little face time between the two. Definitely not enough time to build some kind of bond. Maybe a titillating affection, but not love. The sister in the story, who is engaged to marry the hero for most of the book, was obnoxious and selfish and flighty. I think my favorite part of the story was the horsemaster and his woman...they were intriguing characters. I liked the heroine okay, but she was too easy going with regards to the way everyone around her seemed to walk all over her.
To be blunt, the book was all right. But I probably won't red the next.
I thought at first that I would really enjoy this book. It was my first by Cathy Maxwell, and it seems as if she is a fairly prolific HR writer, so I hoped for the best. The reason I only give this two stars is because the hero and heroine of this book get just as much, if not less, face time as the secondary characters. There was very little face time between the two. Definitely not enough time to build some kind of bond. Maybe a titillating affection, but not love. The sister in the story, who is engaged to marry the hero for most of the book, was obnoxious and selfish and flighty. I think my favorite part of the story was the horsemaster and his woman...they were intriguing characters. I liked the heroine okay, but she was too easy going with regards to the way everyone around her seemed to walk all over her.
To be blunt, the book was all right. But I probably won't red the next.
April 12, 2021
Sorry, I can't finish this book.
I read until halfway through chapter 14, out of 19, and just couldn't anymore.
Spoilers from here on...
WHAT A MESS this book is! Just try to follow...
- one girl is running away from her fiancé in order to go back to the guy she very rudely booted 3 years before.
- her sister is divorced and suffers the scorn of basically everyone. A divorced woman back then was the worst kind possible in the eyes of society.
- the guy who got booted moved on with his life and is now two weeks away from getting married with a very sweet girl.
- the girl who came back came back only to make a mess in his life all over again.
- her fiancé and father come after her to make her marry him.
- the fiancé and the sister ends up being attracted to each other.
- and poor sweet girl who is completely in love with the guy that got booted is now in the middle of all this mess.
- and in the middle of everything, the girls father is the worst gambler, womanizer and just plain selfish.
I tried to continue reading it, but when the fiancé and the sister started having a more physical relationship without breaking the engagement with her sister first, it was too much for me. So, there it is.
I read until halfway through chapter 14, out of 19, and just couldn't anymore.
Spoilers from here on...
WHAT A MESS this book is! Just try to follow...
- one girl is running away from her fiancé in order to go back to the guy she very rudely booted 3 years before.
- her sister is divorced and suffers the scorn of basically everyone. A divorced woman back then was the worst kind possible in the eyes of society.
- the guy who got booted moved on with his life and is now two weeks away from getting married with a very sweet girl.
- the girl who came back came back only to make a mess in his life all over again.
- her fiancé and father come after her to make her marry him.
- the fiancé and the sister ends up being attracted to each other.
- and poor sweet girl who is completely in love with the guy that got booted is now in the middle of all this mess.
- and in the middle of everything, the girls father is the worst gambler, womanizer and just plain selfish.
I tried to continue reading it, but when the fiancé and the sister started having a more physical relationship without breaking the engagement with her sister first, it was too much for me. So, there it is.
August 18, 2016
Disappointing offering from a usually great author. So much is wrong with this book I don't know where to start. First off you don't steal your sister's fiancé. I don't care how badly Tara treats him. I don't care how little she wants him. I don't care if she's straying herself. It is beyond the pale.
And yes you can't help who you fall in love with. But you sure as heck can control who you open your legs to!
So there is no excuse for Aileen sleeping with Blake while he's still promised to marry her sibling Tara. That is an incredible betrayal and I immediately lost any and all respect for both lead characters when the book took their attraction to that level.
So fine, let's say some consider the author 'brave' for 'going there' I still cannot get behind how she allows the younger sister Tara who is to all intents and purposes cheated on by her fiancé with her older sister Aileen, shoulder the blame.
As women often do, Tara acts like it is all her fault. As if Tara is the one stopping Aileen from being happy by forcing Her Own fiancé, whom she met First, to keep his promise to marry her rather than dumping him so that he could be with her sister Aileen whom he claims he actually loves.
Tara- “She had expected his anger. Instead, out of love for Aileen, Blake was doing what she asked. How many men would be that giving? Few Tara knew. And how many sisters would accept what Aileen was accepting without bitterness or rancor?”
How about asking How many men would have found themselves in your sister's bed in the first place? Blake is not being giving he is disrespectful, under her father's roof, sleeping with one daughter and engaged to the other. He is insecure. He is boring. He is sulkily being forced to be responsible and keep to his engagement.
Aileen isn't accepting something done to her, she is actively sleeping with the fiancé of the sister she claims to have raised and loved. She can keep that version of love. Terrible romance.
Tara is no great character mind you. She doesn't want like or love Blake and she ran away from the marriage initially. But no matter the circumstances your sister should not be in the middle 'rescuing' your affianced from your indifference and neglect.
You have a Right to be mad in these circumstances. Whether you want the fellow or not this is trust between sisters that Aileen has destroyed by sleeping with someone she knows her sister is to marry in a few weeks. What does Aileen expect to come from that action, that utter lack of respect for family? Tara is supposed to now marry a man who does that?
At one point Tara wonders about what being with a man is like as she had heard it was messy....“If it was those things, they didn’t keep Aileen from stealing into Blake’s room each night. And what would happen when she was married to Blake? Tara found she didn’t care if he touched her or not.”
Ummm hello? You are indifferent to whether your fiancé who slept with your sister then proceeds to later touch you intimately? Well good for you! Seriously how did this tripe make it past an editor.
And yes you can't help who you fall in love with. But you sure as heck can control who you open your legs to!
So there is no excuse for Aileen sleeping with Blake while he's still promised to marry her sibling Tara. That is an incredible betrayal and I immediately lost any and all respect for both lead characters when the book took their attraction to that level.
So fine, let's say some consider the author 'brave' for 'going there' I still cannot get behind how she allows the younger sister Tara who is to all intents and purposes cheated on by her fiancé with her older sister Aileen, shoulder the blame.
As women often do, Tara acts like it is all her fault. As if Tara is the one stopping Aileen from being happy by forcing Her Own fiancé, whom she met First, to keep his promise to marry her rather than dumping him so that he could be with her sister Aileen whom he claims he actually loves.
Tara- “She had expected his anger. Instead, out of love for Aileen, Blake was doing what she asked. How many men would be that giving? Few Tara knew. And how many sisters would accept what Aileen was accepting without bitterness or rancor?”
How about asking How many men would have found themselves in your sister's bed in the first place? Blake is not being giving he is disrespectful, under her father's roof, sleeping with one daughter and engaged to the other. He is insecure. He is boring. He is sulkily being forced to be responsible and keep to his engagement.
Aileen isn't accepting something done to her, she is actively sleeping with the fiancé of the sister she claims to have raised and loved. She can keep that version of love. Terrible romance.
Tara is no great character mind you. She doesn't want like or love Blake and she ran away from the marriage initially. But no matter the circumstances your sister should not be in the middle 'rescuing' your affianced from your indifference and neglect.
You have a Right to be mad in these circumstances. Whether you want the fellow or not this is trust between sisters that Aileen has destroyed by sleeping with someone she knows her sister is to marry in a few weeks. What does Aileen expect to come from that action, that utter lack of respect for family? Tara is supposed to now marry a man who does that?
At one point Tara wonders about what being with a man is like as she had heard it was messy....“If it was those things, they didn’t keep Aileen from stealing into Blake’s room each night. And what would happen when she was married to Blake? Tara found she didn’t care if he touched her or not.”
Ummm hello? You are indifferent to whether your fiancé who slept with your sister then proceeds to later touch you intimately? Well good for you! Seriously how did this tripe make it past an editor.
November 20, 2018
Audio: 5 stars
Story: 2 stars
Once again, narrator Mary Jane Wells gives a wonderful performance! But YIKES, this is quite possibly the most unromantic romance novel I have EVER read.
It wasn't all bad. It is a traditionally published book after all.
Rarely do I give a book 2 stars - usually I would DNF way before I got close to finishing, but Mary Jane Wells is just that good of a narrator.
Story: 2 stars
Once again, narrator Mary Jane Wells gives a wonderful performance! But YIKES, this is quite possibly the most unromantic romance novel I have EVER read.
It wasn't all bad. It is a traditionally published book after all.
"God knows I've made terrible mistakes in my life, but they have brought me to the woman I am today. And I rather like her."But the few shining moments couldn't make up for the overwhelmingly dishonorable characters and their dishonorable actions.
"I know I've treated you shabbily."Maybe if they'd fought for their love, I could have found something redeemable in them...but they didn't.
Rarely do I give a book 2 stars - usually I would DNF way before I got close to finishing, but Mary Jane Wells is just that good of a narrator.
January 23, 2014
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-bride-...
I usually start my reviews with a summary in my own words and then move on to how I felt about the romance, plot, characters, etc. I’m going to do things a bit different with this review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
The main reason I am writing this review in a slightly different way is because regardless of what the blurb says, this book isn’t solely about Lady Aileen. No, this book is about Lady Aileen, her sister Lady Tara Davidson, Tara’s fiancé Blake Stephens, Tara’s first love Ruary Jamerson and Ruary’s fiancé Jane Sawyer. The POV shifts repeatedly between all five of these characters. In fact I would say this book is more about Lady Tara than anyone, as she is at the center of the storyline and everyone’s happiness depends on her decisions.
The prologue starts off with Lady Aileen finally getting the chance to come out in society and her optimism in finding a true love match. She and Lady Tara have been shut away at their country estate, Annefield, for years, while their father the Earl of Tay gambles, womanizes and lives his life in London. After years of taking care of her sister in the safety of the country it’s finally Lady Aileen’s turn to head out into the world and find true love. Unfortunately, between the prologue and first chapter times jumps nine years so we don’t actually know all that happens to Lady Aileen during her debut in London and her married life afterwards. We just know she has returned to the countryside a divorcee accused of adultery who now stays out of the public eye and that her married life was miserable. That’s when her sister Lady Tara makes her appearance and I believe takes over much of this book.
Lady Tara jilts her fiancé, Blake Stephens, and runs home when she realizes that she really is in love with the Horse Master for Annefield. But unfortunately for her Ruary Jamerson has moved past his feelings for the spoiled, flighty daughter of the Earl of Tay and has recently become engaged to another woman. Of course her fiancé, accompanied by the earl, chases her to Scotland because the shame of being abandoned right before a wedding isn’t something the bastard son of a duke wants to experience. That’s when things get confusing. Tara wants Ruary, but agrees to go ahead with the wedding to Blake when Ruary confesses his engagement to Jane. That doesn’t mean she stops chasing after Ruary, just that she has to keep a man on the hook in case Ruary doesn’t fall back into her arms. In the meantime Lady Aileen and Blake have fallen in love,. but Aileen won’t let Blake out of marrying her sister unless she agrees to cry off. Then there is Jane. Poor Jane who has to listen to the rumors of her betrothed running around with another woman at the same time her banns are being read.
In the middle of all of this is Tara. A spoiled, ridiculous girl who is so rude and self-absorbed that even at the end she doesn’t do the right thing for her sister’s sake, but because it makes Tara feel better. I was so happy when someone finally said something to her:
Personally, I might have been a tad bit more forceful in my language, but that’s just me.
I know that this is supposed to be Aileen’s love story, with the next book being about Lady Tara, but her personality and presence take a such a backstage to her sister that this didn’t feel like her book at all. By the time she and Blake fall in love and begin an affair I was more caught up in what Tara would do, how she would react to all the ongoing situations and figuring who her love interest might be in the next book in the series. Even Aileen and Blake’s happily ever after didn’t feel like their own. Just more Tara time. I do plan on reading the next book in the series, The Bride Says Maybe, mainly because if anyone can redeem such an unlikable heroine as Tara, it would be Cathy Maxwell. Final Grade- C-
Favorite Quote:
I usually start my reviews with a summary in my own words and then move on to how I felt about the romance, plot, characters, etc. I’m going to do things a bit different with this review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Lady Aileen never thought she’d be in this position—falling in love with her sister’s betrothed! Of course, her sister did run away rather than marry him, and he doesn’t seem to be all that interested in her sister either, but even so, such a match is impossible…isn’t it?
Aileen is certain she must turn away from the man she loves in order to protect her sister’s reputation. However, he’s not one to give up without a fight, and now that he’s met a woman he wants to marry, nothing on earth could convince him to let Aileen go.
The main reason I am writing this review in a slightly different way is because regardless of what the blurb says, this book isn’t solely about Lady Aileen. No, this book is about Lady Aileen, her sister Lady Tara Davidson, Tara’s fiancé Blake Stephens, Tara’s first love Ruary Jamerson and Ruary’s fiancé Jane Sawyer. The POV shifts repeatedly between all five of these characters. In fact I would say this book is more about Lady Tara than anyone, as she is at the center of the storyline and everyone’s happiness depends on her decisions.
The prologue starts off with Lady Aileen finally getting the chance to come out in society and her optimism in finding a true love match. She and Lady Tara have been shut away at their country estate, Annefield, for years, while their father the Earl of Tay gambles, womanizes and lives his life in London. After years of taking care of her sister in the safety of the country it’s finally Lady Aileen’s turn to head out into the world and find true love. Unfortunately, between the prologue and first chapter times jumps nine years so we don’t actually know all that happens to Lady Aileen during her debut in London and her married life afterwards. We just know she has returned to the countryside a divorcee accused of adultery who now stays out of the public eye and that her married life was miserable. That’s when her sister Lady Tara makes her appearance and I believe takes over much of this book.
Lady Tara jilts her fiancé, Blake Stephens, and runs home when she realizes that she really is in love with the Horse Master for Annefield. But unfortunately for her Ruary Jamerson has moved past his feelings for the spoiled, flighty daughter of the Earl of Tay and has recently become engaged to another woman. Of course her fiancé, accompanied by the earl, chases her to Scotland because the shame of being abandoned right before a wedding isn’t something the bastard son of a duke wants to experience. That’s when things get confusing. Tara wants Ruary, but agrees to go ahead with the wedding to Blake when Ruary confesses his engagement to Jane. That doesn’t mean she stops chasing after Ruary, just that she has to keep a man on the hook in case Ruary doesn’t fall back into her arms. In the meantime Lady Aileen and Blake have fallen in love,. but Aileen won’t let Blake out of marrying her sister unless she agrees to cry off. Then there is Jane. Poor Jane who has to listen to the rumors of her betrothed running around with another woman at the same time her banns are being read.
In the middle of all of this is Tara. A spoiled, ridiculous girl who is so rude and self-absorbed that even at the end she doesn’t do the right thing for her sister’s sake, but because it makes Tara feel better. I was so happy when someone finally said something to her:
Sabrina smiled evenly. “No, I don’t dislike you, Tara, but you are selfish. I understand why. If I had your looks and your father with his own special type of benign neglect, I might behave the same. It is probably not entirely your fault.
Personally, I might have been a tad bit more forceful in my language, but that’s just me.
I know that this is supposed to be Aileen’s love story, with the next book being about Lady Tara, but her personality and presence take a such a backstage to her sister that this didn’t feel like her book at all. By the time she and Blake fall in love and begin an affair I was more caught up in what Tara would do, how she would react to all the ongoing situations and figuring who her love interest might be in the next book in the series. Even Aileen and Blake’s happily ever after didn’t feel like their own. Just more Tara time. I do plan on reading the next book in the series, The Bride Says Maybe, mainly because if anyone can redeem such an unlikable heroine as Tara, it would be Cathy Maxwell. Final Grade- C-
Favorite Quote:
Her boldness stole his breath. With what little sanity he had left, he demanded. “Why?”
She moved closer to him to press her lips against the line of his jaw. “Because there isn’t another man in the world like Mr. Stephens,” she whispered. “And I am in the mood to make you very happy.”
May 13, 2014
The Bride Says No (The Brides of Wishmore #1) by Cathy Maxwell is a 2014 Avon Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK BLURB:
Lady Aileen never thought she’d be in this position—falling in love with her sister’s betrothed! Of course, her sister did run away rather than marry him, and he doesn’t seem to be all that interested in her sister either, but even so, such a match is impossible...isn’t it?
Aileen is certain she must turn away from the man she loves in order to protect her sister’s reputation. However, he’s not one to give up without a fight, and now that he’s met a woman he wants to marry, nothing on earth could convince him to let Aileen go.
This book was a hilarious mix up of duty to marry vs marriage for love. The absurdity of arranged marriages and all the money and politics that put women up for sale basically is examined up close and it's not pretty. Aileen is one of those VERY rare ladies that has gone through a divorce. While her husband was abusive it was her alleged extramarital affair that had the divorce papers signed post- haste. Now, Aileen is back in her homeland of Scotland living a quiet unassuming life... until her younger half sister arrives.
Tara was to marry Blake, the bastard son a duke, but at the last moment she gets cold feet and runs away. She believes that three years ago she left behind the love of her life , a horse trainer named Ruary. She thinks she can just waltz back into this man's life and pick up where they left off. However, Ruary is engaged to another woman now. His feelings temporarily become confused with Tara's blatant pursuit of him. Meanwhile, Tara and Aileen are stunned when their father and Blake arrive and announce Tara is still engaged to Blake and they will indeed marry. But, when Blake and Aileen meet there is a chemistry between them. Soon, Aileen and Blake are falling in love and Tara is being spurned by Ruary and is now desperate to marry Blake. That should give you an idea of how mangled this whole thing has become.
Tara is not a character I felt any warmth for and that is what the author intended. She is all about doing what serves her best interest. She doesn't want Blake anymore than he wants her, but if she can't have her horse trainer she is set on settling for Blake. She never stops to consider the feelings of others. She gets Ruary in trouble with Jane and has him confused as to how he feels about Tara. She also jerks Blake back and forth more than once and it doesn't matter to her one wit about her sister's feelings toward Blake. She is selfish, immature, and spoiled and has no idea what she really wants.
Saying Aileen is bitter about love and marriage is a massive understatement. She is sick about her father's arrangement for Tara after her own arranged marriage was such a disaster. She practically pounds the pulpit in an effort to convince her father, Blake and Tara that arranged marriages and selling women off for money , or in Blake's situation, a chance to legitimize himself and have heirs that would inherit without the "bastard" label he carries now.
Blake is pretty much in agreement with Aileen on matters of the heart and he respects her far more than he does Tara. When he learns of Aileen's troubled marriage and her father's deplorable behavior towards her , he begins to see that all the tongue wagging gossips are very wrong about Aileen. It was never the intention of Aileen or Blake to fall in love, but fall in love they did. But, Tara is not finished with Blake. She may not know her own mind , but she's not leaving Scotland without a wedding ceremony.
The steam level is very low in this one, but there was a reason for that. The plot would not have worked if things had gone too far between any of the characters caught in the web they were all dragged into.
The epilogue will have you howling when you realize that Tara and Aileen's father did not learn his lesson the first two times he tried to arrange marriages for his daughters because he can't manage his own affairs. It seems he's at it again and book two in this series promises to be just as much fun as this first one.
Cathy Maxwell is a seasoned historical romance author and I have enjoyed many of her books, this one is no exception. 4 stars
BOOK BLURB:
Lady Aileen never thought she’d be in this position—falling in love with her sister’s betrothed! Of course, her sister did run away rather than marry him, and he doesn’t seem to be all that interested in her sister either, but even so, such a match is impossible...isn’t it?
Aileen is certain she must turn away from the man she loves in order to protect her sister’s reputation. However, he’s not one to give up without a fight, and now that he’s met a woman he wants to marry, nothing on earth could convince him to let Aileen go.
This book was a hilarious mix up of duty to marry vs marriage for love. The absurdity of arranged marriages and all the money and politics that put women up for sale basically is examined up close and it's not pretty. Aileen is one of those VERY rare ladies that has gone through a divorce. While her husband was abusive it was her alleged extramarital affair that had the divorce papers signed post- haste. Now, Aileen is back in her homeland of Scotland living a quiet unassuming life... until her younger half sister arrives.
Tara was to marry Blake, the bastard son a duke, but at the last moment she gets cold feet and runs away. She believes that three years ago she left behind the love of her life , a horse trainer named Ruary. She thinks she can just waltz back into this man's life and pick up where they left off. However, Ruary is engaged to another woman now. His feelings temporarily become confused with Tara's blatant pursuit of him. Meanwhile, Tara and Aileen are stunned when their father and Blake arrive and announce Tara is still engaged to Blake and they will indeed marry. But, when Blake and Aileen meet there is a chemistry between them. Soon, Aileen and Blake are falling in love and Tara is being spurned by Ruary and is now desperate to marry Blake. That should give you an idea of how mangled this whole thing has become.
Tara is not a character I felt any warmth for and that is what the author intended. She is all about doing what serves her best interest. She doesn't want Blake anymore than he wants her, but if she can't have her horse trainer she is set on settling for Blake. She never stops to consider the feelings of others. She gets Ruary in trouble with Jane and has him confused as to how he feels about Tara. She also jerks Blake back and forth more than once and it doesn't matter to her one wit about her sister's feelings toward Blake. She is selfish, immature, and spoiled and has no idea what she really wants.
Saying Aileen is bitter about love and marriage is a massive understatement. She is sick about her father's arrangement for Tara after her own arranged marriage was such a disaster. She practically pounds the pulpit in an effort to convince her father, Blake and Tara that arranged marriages and selling women off for money , or in Blake's situation, a chance to legitimize himself and have heirs that would inherit without the "bastard" label he carries now.
Blake is pretty much in agreement with Aileen on matters of the heart and he respects her far more than he does Tara. When he learns of Aileen's troubled marriage and her father's deplorable behavior towards her , he begins to see that all the tongue wagging gossips are very wrong about Aileen. It was never the intention of Aileen or Blake to fall in love, but fall in love they did. But, Tara is not finished with Blake. She may not know her own mind , but she's not leaving Scotland without a wedding ceremony.
The steam level is very low in this one, but there was a reason for that. The plot would not have worked if things had gone too far between any of the characters caught in the web they were all dragged into.
The epilogue will have you howling when you realize that Tara and Aileen's father did not learn his lesson the first two times he tried to arrange marriages for his daughters because he can't manage his own affairs. It seems he's at it again and book two in this series promises to be just as much fun as this first one.
Cathy Maxwell is a seasoned historical romance author and I have enjoyed many of her books, this one is no exception. 4 stars
January 31, 2014
Terrible. There was no romance here. It was just people wanting other people and backstabbing each other to get with the person they really wanted.
A lot of fighting, and bratty behavior, and just plain nastiness. Don't waste your time.
A lot of fighting, and bratty behavior, and just plain nastiness. Don't waste your time.
May 2, 2015
3.5 Stars
Forbidden and scandalous romance, here we come! Aileen falls for her sister’s fiance! Did that catch your interest yet? As much as that caught my interest and I was sort of …. intrigued by the execution. I think this could’ve been a little more.
This book does something different in comparison to other traditional historical romances. There are several POVs in the story and the main couple is not necessarily the main focus of the story. Some may think that there’s too much else going on and being focused on that it detracts from the connection between our hero and heroine. It is probably one of the reasons I can’t rate this book higher. Although I see the need to highlight some of these other events.
See, Aileen and Tara’s father is a gambler. The dowry he’s getting for Tara’s hand in marriage is going to go a long way to help him stay out of ruin. But Tara is a bit conceited and in her own way is looking for her one true love. So she’s going back and forth between marrying her intended and calling off the wedding. In light of that, Blake, the fiance who needs her good reputation for his own interests, comes to find Tara to convince her to marry him. That’s where he meets Aileen. She’s been married, her reputation has been tarnished a bit. And the connection between Aileen and her sister’s fiance starts blossoming from there.
While this is a good story, and told by a talented author, I couldn’t fully connect with or care for any one character. Whose happy ending where we really wanting to see? Obviously Aileen and Blake. But then there’s also the triangle of Jane/Ruary/Tara. See Tara is in love with Ruary while engaged to Blake. Blake loves Aileen. Ruary is engaged to Jane. It’s just a bit much.
And then my other one dislike that would’ve made this story better had it not been there, Tara. LOL I know, I don’t mean take the character out but she is SO childish and selfish, like one of the mean girls. She has no concern for anyone else around her except herself, her feelings, her reputation, her happiness, her her her. I can’t say I have much desire to read the next book about her when I was so annoyed by her in this book.
Overall, this is a quick and fun read. I was probably expecting more from it, but it was a nice intro to the series.
June 29, 2021
An historical romance about a woman who falls for her sister’s betrothed. This was quite different to what I’m used to with Avon’s historical romances, as this followed a few different characters and plots, and also had fade to black sex scenes. I felt because so much was happening, there wasn’t enough time spent with the main couple to understand them or be invested. Which was actually a shame because I really liked both the hero and heroine and wanted to be emotionally attached to their romance, but I just didn’t quite get enough. The little sister Tara was also so annoying, and I found myself irritated by most of her scenes. I’m not sure if I’ll continue on with the series. It was still relatively entertaining, but with time I’m not sure I’ll care enough to keep going.
I read this for the historical romance readathon
I read this for the historical romance readathon
January 2, 2015
Very complicated relationships in this story. Aileen left home with high hopes of finding a man to love and who would love her. Instead, her father married her to a man who turned out to be cruel and abusive. She faked an affair in order to obtain a divorce, and is now back in Scotland living a quiet life. She has no intention of ever getting involved with a man again. Meanwhile, her younger half sister went to London and is engaged to the wealthy bastard son of a duke. Three days before the wedding, Tara shows up in Scotland, having fled in order to take back up with the horse trainer she had rejected three years earlier. But Ruary has moved on and is engaged to another woman. The next day, their father and her fiance show up, claiming that the marriage is still on. Blake isn't about to let himself be humiliated by Tara. But he soon finds himself far more interested in Aileen than in Tara.
So we have two love triangles going on here. There is the one involving Tara, Ruary and his fiancee Jane. There is also a conflict with Tara, Blake and Aileen. The common denominator of course, is Tara. She shows up expecting that the man she had rejected will be ready to take her back, and is surprised to find out that he isn't. She's not at all happy to find there is a rival to her getting what she wants. Ruary is surprised to see her, but not willing to give up Jane. He does seem to waffle a bit at a couple points, but his intentions stay true, even when Tara succeeds at making trouble. Tara doesn't really want to marry Blake, but she's not going to give up the bird she has in her hand until she can catch the one in the bush.
Blake has spent a long time trying to get the approval of his father, and marrying Tara seems to be doing the job. As a bastard, he's always felt a lot like he was on the outside looking in, but his marriage could open doors for him. He doesn't love Tara, but figures they'll do okay together. He is surprised by his reaction to Tara's sister, who challenges the way that things are done. The sparks between them are instant, but neither is willing to be dishonorable to Tara. Spending time together brings them closer until they can't help but react to their feelings. They want to be together, but Tara won't give up her claim on Blake, even though they've agreed they're not in love, and Blake can't honorably call it off himself.
Aileen is the type of person who takes care of everyone else before seeing to her own needs. She had done what her father wanted and ended up in a miserable marriage. She's not happy about the reputation she now has, but is willing to live with it. When Tara shows up, Aileen is determined that she won't be forced into marriage the way she was. Though she does not approve of what Tara has done and what her plans are, she will stand up for her right to choose. She puts up a great argument to her father and Blake, but is floored when Tara suddenly announces she will go through with the wedding. Aileen tries to talk to Blake, but he is uncooperative. She also discovers that she is attracted to him, but as he is engaged to her sister, she won't do anything about it. That's hard to maintain as she and Blake discover how much they have in common and the attraction starts to heat up. By the time that they realize they are in love the wedding is only days away and Tara isn't budging.
Tara's selfishness is about to ruin the lives of several people. The way she chases Ruary has caused problems between him and Jane. Ruary is slightly tempted by Tara, but realizes that the one he really wants is Jane. But by that time Tara's antics have sent Jane running and Ruary has to decide if he is going to fight for her. I enjoyed seeing what he did and how his story turned out. Once Tara discovers that Ruary is no longer an option she is even more determined to hang on to Blake. I really wanted to shake her and then lock her in her room till she grows up. I loved seeing her cousin Sabrina tell her just what a selfish brat she is. It begins to open her eyes a bit as she takes a good look at her life. As her wedding day dawns, Tara has to decide what she's going to do.
While I understood Aileen and Blake's decisions to do the honorable thing, I really wanted to smack them both. Doing the honorable thing isn't necessarily the right thing and three lives would be wrecked by it. They really needed to take charge of their own destinies. I did enjoy the ending and loved seeing what Tara did at the church. I'm looking forward to her story and seeing what changes she goes through.
So we have two love triangles going on here. There is the one involving Tara, Ruary and his fiancee Jane. There is also a conflict with Tara, Blake and Aileen. The common denominator of course, is Tara. She shows up expecting that the man she had rejected will be ready to take her back, and is surprised to find out that he isn't. She's not at all happy to find there is a rival to her getting what she wants. Ruary is surprised to see her, but not willing to give up Jane. He does seem to waffle a bit at a couple points, but his intentions stay true, even when Tara succeeds at making trouble. Tara doesn't really want to marry Blake, but she's not going to give up the bird she has in her hand until she can catch the one in the bush.
Blake has spent a long time trying to get the approval of his father, and marrying Tara seems to be doing the job. As a bastard, he's always felt a lot like he was on the outside looking in, but his marriage could open doors for him. He doesn't love Tara, but figures they'll do okay together. He is surprised by his reaction to Tara's sister, who challenges the way that things are done. The sparks between them are instant, but neither is willing to be dishonorable to Tara. Spending time together brings them closer until they can't help but react to their feelings. They want to be together, but Tara won't give up her claim on Blake, even though they've agreed they're not in love, and Blake can't honorably call it off himself.
Aileen is the type of person who takes care of everyone else before seeing to her own needs. She had done what her father wanted and ended up in a miserable marriage. She's not happy about the reputation she now has, but is willing to live with it. When Tara shows up, Aileen is determined that she won't be forced into marriage the way she was. Though she does not approve of what Tara has done and what her plans are, she will stand up for her right to choose. She puts up a great argument to her father and Blake, but is floored when Tara suddenly announces she will go through with the wedding. Aileen tries to talk to Blake, but he is uncooperative. She also discovers that she is attracted to him, but as he is engaged to her sister, she won't do anything about it. That's hard to maintain as she and Blake discover how much they have in common and the attraction starts to heat up. By the time that they realize they are in love the wedding is only days away and Tara isn't budging.
Tara's selfishness is about to ruin the lives of several people. The way she chases Ruary has caused problems between him and Jane. Ruary is slightly tempted by Tara, but realizes that the one he really wants is Jane. But by that time Tara's antics have sent Jane running and Ruary has to decide if he is going to fight for her. I enjoyed seeing what he did and how his story turned out. Once Tara discovers that Ruary is no longer an option she is even more determined to hang on to Blake. I really wanted to shake her and then lock her in her room till she grows up. I loved seeing her cousin Sabrina tell her just what a selfish brat she is. It begins to open her eyes a bit as she takes a good look at her life. As her wedding day dawns, Tara has to decide what she's going to do.
While I understood Aileen and Blake's decisions to do the honorable thing, I really wanted to smack them both. Doing the honorable thing isn't necessarily the right thing and three lives would be wrecked by it. They really needed to take charge of their own destinies. I did enjoy the ending and loved seeing what Tara did at the church. I'm looking forward to her story and seeing what changes she goes through.
December 20, 2013
Lady Aileen has suffered from being married, to a man who was conceited and selfish and a brute. She has no wish to even come close to that type of suffering ever again. Now that her sister is engaged, she is happy for Tara even though Tara can be selfish and full of herself. Then suddenly her sister comes back home saying she has decided not to marry after all. Then her betrothed comes after her, and somehow Tara decides to commit herself back to her fiancee. Aileen knows that Tara is almost acting like a child, but loves her and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. But what surprises her most is the attraction that builds between Aileen and Blake. Blake has worked his whole life building respect from others and refuses to lose everything to a fleeing fiancee, and if her actions are known could ruin him. So he goes after her, even though she is a beauty and would look good on his arm, he doesn't feel anything for her. But when he meets Aileen, for the first time in his life, he sees a woman he could admire and even love. Even though there is a barrier between Blake and Aileen, sometimes love does conquer but only if the two hearts involved are willing to fight for it with everything they have...
The Bride Says No is the first in Maxwell's latest series the "Brides of Wishmore". I was given this ARC in return of a honest review. This is your typical forbidden lovers type of story. The hero is locked into a marriage agreement, one that could cause scandal and ruin if he steps away from it. The heroine is forced to fall in love with a man that will be her sisters husband soon. I have always been a big fan of this author, and I enjoyed the unique style of the plot and the way the story pans out in the end. This is quite a romantic setting. It is set in the countryside of Scotland, in the Regency era. I have read many Scottish romances, and this seemed on the border of a very lightly tinted Scottish romance. There was only a bit of the Scottish Brogue--that makes my body tingle. :) So this seemed more on the regency genre. I did enjoy the first meeting between Blake and Aileen, boy the room sparked I thought a explosion would occur with the heated exchange that begins. Definitely brings a smile to your face when a heroine isn't humble and meek, but is a fighter. Aileen's past divorced marriage, has forced her to look at things in a different light and I would put her in the "Bluestocking" category of heroines. She was a delight though. Blake has a commanding presence, arrogant in his own way, and sexy as sin. *sigh* loved every part of his characters. Now another key player is Tara, I had some serious issues with this gal. She seemed to have this superior attitude toward her sister I disliked and it was very tasteless, I kept thinking she needed a good kick in the rear or be tossed in the lake or something. Even though at the end she somewhat proves herself, it took over 300 pages to do it. However despite my frustrations with that character, I immensely enjoyed the chemistry between Blake and Aileen. At times it was sweet and tender, but then at other times it was hungry and passionate. One of my favorite aspects of this authors writing is how she blends those two aspects into her stories so perfectly. It is never over done. I always end with a satisfied sigh, and this book was no different.
Overall this story seemed to be packed full of everything that makes a winner of a romance. Beautiful setting, magnificent characters, vivid detail, sweet romance, and a HEA!!! You can't get any better than this! LOVED IT!!
The Bride Says No is the first in Maxwell's latest series the "Brides of Wishmore". I was given this ARC in return of a honest review. This is your typical forbidden lovers type of story. The hero is locked into a marriage agreement, one that could cause scandal and ruin if he steps away from it. The heroine is forced to fall in love with a man that will be her sisters husband soon. I have always been a big fan of this author, and I enjoyed the unique style of the plot and the way the story pans out in the end. This is quite a romantic setting. It is set in the countryside of Scotland, in the Regency era. I have read many Scottish romances, and this seemed on the border of a very lightly tinted Scottish romance. There was only a bit of the Scottish Brogue--that makes my body tingle. :) So this seemed more on the regency genre. I did enjoy the first meeting between Blake and Aileen, boy the room sparked I thought a explosion would occur with the heated exchange that begins. Definitely brings a smile to your face when a heroine isn't humble and meek, but is a fighter. Aileen's past divorced marriage, has forced her to look at things in a different light and I would put her in the "Bluestocking" category of heroines. She was a delight though. Blake has a commanding presence, arrogant in his own way, and sexy as sin. *sigh* loved every part of his characters. Now another key player is Tara, I had some serious issues with this gal. She seemed to have this superior attitude toward her sister I disliked and it was very tasteless, I kept thinking she needed a good kick in the rear or be tossed in the lake or something. Even though at the end she somewhat proves herself, it took over 300 pages to do it. However despite my frustrations with that character, I immensely enjoyed the chemistry between Blake and Aileen. At times it was sweet and tender, but then at other times it was hungry and passionate. One of my favorite aspects of this authors writing is how she blends those two aspects into her stories so perfectly. It is never over done. I always end with a satisfied sigh, and this book was no different.
Overall this story seemed to be packed full of everything that makes a winner of a romance. Beautiful setting, magnificent characters, vivid detail, sweet romance, and a HEA!!! You can't get any better than this! LOVED IT!!
June 7, 2015
Ahhhh awful book. Not the worst I've read but near. I don't know where to begin so I think I will just list the thinks :
- no chemistry between the main characters
- and no romance. There wasn't time for that. They knew each other all of a week and they fell madly in love
- the main heroine although not a bad character was way too self sacrificing
- and the awful awful spoiled little brat that was the sister. I can't even explain how much that character annoyded me. She almost drove me insane. And to think the next book is for her.... I just can't.
All in all awful I am sorry but no. The thinks I mentioned are only the top of the iceberg. The whole book is annoying. I don't know if I will ever read a book by this author this thing scarred me.
- no chemistry between the main characters
- and no romance. There wasn't time for that. They knew each other all of a week and they fell madly in love
- the main heroine although not a bad character was way too self sacrificing
- and the awful awful spoiled little brat that was the sister. I can't even explain how much that character annoyded me. She almost drove me insane. And to think the next book is for her.... I just can't.
All in all awful I am sorry but no. The thinks I mentioned are only the top of the iceberg. The whole book is annoying. I don't know if I will ever read a book by this author this thing scarred me.
August 18, 2017
This book was nuts. It was kind of Insta-lovey, and none of the characters are decent human beings. Tara was the absolutely worst, and I am not sure if I'm going to continue with this series.
February 1, 2014
I’ve long been a fan of forbidden romance, and though this had hints of a love triangle (which is not my usual fare), I thoroughly enjoyed the angst caused by the fact that Aileen was a “fallen woman” and Blake was so determined to be proper and never cause a scandal due to his illegitimate status.
That’s not to mention the instant dislike/lust that they both found themselves in from the start, and the chemistry between them was delicious.
One thing that really stood out about this story for me was my discovery of just how much I dislike “time jumps”. You know, the ones where it’s “a week passed by…” type of thing? It led to far too much “telling” and not enough actually experiencing things through the eyes of the characters. While I understood the necessity of it, it still left a bad taste in my mouth.
That said, however, I enjoyed the unconventional (divorced) heroine, the forbidden romance, and the honorable-to-a-fault hero. The Aileen’s sister made me want to murder her on more than one occasion, and I can’t wait to read her story in the next installment of the series and see if another man does a better job of taming her.
There was another aspect of the story that I absolutely adored, though I fear that including it would be a spoiler, so I must only hint at it — the presence and storyline of Tara’s former love, Raury. I was very leery of reading it when the story began, but I was very pleased with the outcome.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read — one that surprised me on many levels, and I will be following this series as it continues.
4/5
That’s not to mention the instant dislike/lust that they both found themselves in from the start, and the chemistry between them was delicious.
One thing that really stood out about this story for me was my discovery of just how much I dislike “time jumps”. You know, the ones where it’s “a week passed by…” type of thing? It led to far too much “telling” and not enough actually experiencing things through the eyes of the characters. While I understood the necessity of it, it still left a bad taste in my mouth.
That said, however, I enjoyed the unconventional (divorced) heroine, the forbidden romance, and the honorable-to-a-fault hero. The Aileen’s sister made me want to murder her on more than one occasion, and I can’t wait to read her story in the next installment of the series and see if another man does a better job of taming her.
There was another aspect of the story that I absolutely adored, though I fear that including it would be a spoiler, so I must only hint at it — the presence and storyline of Tara’s former love, Raury. I was very leery of reading it when the story began, but I was very pleased with the outcome.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read — one that surprised me on many levels, and I will be following this series as it continues.
4/5
August 22, 2014
I like romances, especially historical ones set in Victorian England. This one however was very disappointing. It's supposed to be a love story of a man (Blake) who agrees to marry a woman (Tara), only to fall in love with her sister (Aileen). Except, the story wasn't about Blake and Aileen, it was a bout Tara being in love with the horse trainer, who was engaged to someone else, who discovered her fiancee kissing Tara, etc. So, I had two big issues with the book. The first was that I HATE storylines where people commit adultery and/or betray loved ones. And if you sleep with the man your sister is engaged to (or from his point of view: the sister of your fiancee) that is despicable. Sorry, but that alone completely turned me off of this story. Also, it didn;t fit Aileen's character and supposed love for her sister. The second is that there are way too many point of views in the book. The whole love story between the horse trainer and his fiancee, really? Not interested. Sure, it's the groundwork for the next book in the series but it distracted from the love story that was supposed to be at the center of the book.
January 24, 2016
When jilts her groom and comes home to Scotland she has lots of growing up to do. When her groom, Blake comes after her and meets her sister he falls fast. I really enjoyed having all the different perspectives from all the characters, including the horse master Tara came home to be with and his fiance. Obviously, there is lots of broken-hearted moments to go around but I thought it was realistic in that life is often very messy and not clearcut. Looking forward to the next book with excitement.
February 4, 2014
I'm not going to continue with this one anymore. There is barely a romance and the so-called Heroine's sister is the worst kind of spoiled brat. Nothing engaging to this story and a quick skip to the end shows me I'm not missing anything worthwhile in between. Very disappointed in this author.
February 12, 2014
A little angsty and over the top. Didn't care as much for the second half of the book.
February 22, 2023
3.5 stars Aileen and Blake. Tara and Blake. Tara and Ruary. Ruary and Jane. I had a hard time rating this one. I did like this story. It kept me entertained, but it also has some things that irked me. Tara was sort of a selfish heroine and is a big part of this story even though her book is the next one. She usually only thought about her wants and needs. Ruary is sort of a weak hero for Jane because it seemed like his turning down Tara after some kisses and meetings was more about Jane being the same social class status versus Tara being so far above him. I love that Jane had spunk and decided to not be sloppy seconds. I do like that he groveled a little to get Jane back and the verbiage on their relationship was that he would never cause her such pain again. Ruary and Jane's love story ended up being the best romance of the story to me.
Aileen and Blakes romance was sort of over the top. How is it ever okay to cheat with your sisters finance? Granted the said sister, Tara, is sort of vain and selfish and trying to get Ruary back but to have sex the eve of your sisters wedding to her finance is such a weird thing to think is okay to do sister. Even though Aileen and Blake were having sex even earlier it irked me more when they decided to have a sex session one last time before his marriage to her sister.
As for Blake, he is an even weaker hero than Blake had no problem on cheating on Tara with her sister and was willing to marry Tara unless Tara broke things off. Having sex with Tara's sister the night before your are to marry Tara is not very nice especially since he was not strong enough to break their engagement so he could marry Aileen.
It all works out in the end so Aileen and Blake and Ruary and Jane have a hea, but I wished there was a smidgeon more time in the book showing Aileen and Blake falling in love. Also having Aileen being a divorced woman made Blake's decision seem weird that he would not break up with Tara, but could easily marry a divorced woman.
Aileen and Blakes romance was sort of over the top. How is it ever okay to cheat with your sisters finance? Granted the said sister, Tara, is sort of vain and selfish and trying to get Ruary back but to have sex the eve of your sisters wedding to her finance is such a weird thing to think is okay to do sister. Even though Aileen and Blake were having sex even earlier it irked me more when they decided to have a sex session one last time before his marriage to her sister.
As for Blake, he is an even weaker hero than Blake had no problem on cheating on Tara with her sister and was willing to marry Tara unless Tara broke things off. Having sex with Tara's sister the night before your are to marry Tara is not very nice especially since he was not strong enough to break their engagement so he could marry Aileen.
It all works out in the end so Aileen and Blake and Ruary and Jane have a hea, but I wished there was a smidgeon more time in the book showing Aileen and Blake falling in love. Also having Aileen being a divorced woman made Blake's decision seem weird that he would not break up with Tara, but could easily marry a divorced woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2018
Characters who might have had potential at the start careened downward and lost all my sympathy by the end. Aileen sets off for London to snare a rich husband and thus save herself and her sister from poverty and a jerk gambler father. Things don’t turn out well and even her later calm divorcee life is destined to be upset. EVERYTHING is about ownership and the bride price of these girls, and they (and their suitors) have internalized that.
Modern characters, historical lite setting, glorification of rural Scotland? Modern language. People professing to love one another but the Power of Lurve compels them to hurt other loved ones!
I’ll probably read the second, if only because the bulk of the story focused on the younger sister and the epilogue gives her a “gruff guy heart of gold” possible storyline. This compulsion says more about me than any possible merit on the book’s part.
Read on audio through public library (Overdrive).
Modern characters, historical lite setting, glorification of rural Scotland? Modern language. People professing to love one another but the Power of Lurve compels them to hurt other loved ones!
I’ll probably read the second, if only because the bulk of the story focused on the younger sister and the epilogue gives her a “gruff guy heart of gold” possible storyline. This compulsion says more about me than any possible merit on the book’s part.
Read on audio through public library (Overdrive).
December 6, 2019
*Some spoilers below*
I absolutely hate books and shows that depict cheating as acceptable behavior. I don’t care if the couple “isn’t suited”, or that they have a marriage of convenience. You made a commitment to that person, and if you won’t commit to a relationship with them, then break it off! Cheating is cheating.
And if Aileen loved her sister so much, then WHY would she spend the NIGHT BEFORE HER SISTER’S WEDDING with her sister’s betrothed? That is NOT okay.
And Jamerson did NOT love Jane, because if he did, he never would have cheated on her. I hated everyone in this book, including Jane, because she just forgives Jamerson. As Rachel Green’s mother said: “Once a cheater, always a cheater”.
Tara was also a spoiled brat who drove me crazy.
I’m so glad that this wasn’t my first Cathy Maxwell book! I’ve read several of her others and enjoyed them, but there wasn’t one character in this book that I liked/could respect.
I absolutely hate books and shows that depict cheating as acceptable behavior. I don’t care if the couple “isn’t suited”, or that they have a marriage of convenience. You made a commitment to that person, and if you won’t commit to a relationship with them, then break it off! Cheating is cheating.
And if Aileen loved her sister so much, then WHY would she spend the NIGHT BEFORE HER SISTER’S WEDDING with her sister’s betrothed? That is NOT okay.
And Jamerson did NOT love Jane, because if he did, he never would have cheated on her. I hated everyone in this book, including Jane, because she just forgives Jamerson. As Rachel Green’s mother said: “Once a cheater, always a cheater”.
Tara was also a spoiled brat who drove me crazy.
I’m so glad that this wasn’t my first Cathy Maxwell book! I’ve read several of her others and enjoyed them, but there wasn’t one character in this book that I liked/could respect.
May 8, 2019
Great characters who I wanted to read about, an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2014
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: C
Lady Aileen left her country home and the younger sister she’s raised after their mother died giving birth to her to live her life and find a husband in London. Her father pretty much sells her to the highest bidder, a mean man who abused Aileen. But her name is the one that’s dragged through the mud during their divorce. She’s finally free of him and has now moved back to her family’s country home to settle into a quiet, lonely life. Her sister is now old enough to be out in London society and it’s announced that she’s to be married to Blake Stephens. Too bad her sister, Tara, doesn’t want to be married to Blake so she runs home just days before the wedding only to be followed by Blake. Tara thinks her heart belongs to another, a man she left behind years ago when she wanted to experience life in London. She wants to win him back but with Blake here and Aileen trying to talk sense into her, things don’t go according to plan.
This book was exactly what I was looking for – an easy, fast read that was light and didn’t require much thought. That sounds bad, but we all need books like this, right? Ones that can be read in a day, that are enjoyable but not necessarily memorable. That still sounds bad, but you readers know what I’m talking about! The characters were delightful and the story was interesting enough to keep my attention. It’s a story about a man engaged to the wrong sister, who wanted her initially to keep his vile half-brother away from her, but he has no feelings for her at all. And then he meets her sister, Aileen, a woman who is his equal and perfect match and story turns into their romance and how their future depends on the actions of Tara and whether or not she’ll woman-up and not go through with the wedding to Blake or if she’ll hold him to his word and save her reputation by forcing their marriage.
For as likable as the story is overall, I did wonder often whose story this was exactly. It was supposed to be Blake and Aileen’s love story, but it felt like Tara got more page time than anyone else. It was a bit odd to me because she’s the lead in her own book (the second in this series) so why she ended up getting such a large role in Aileen’s book doesn’t make much sense. And for that, the romance between Blake and Aileen suffered. I simply needed more of them on page. What was on page for them was sweet and endearing and especially at the end, I loved seeing this couple together. I just wanted more of them and less of Tara, who came across as a brat and made me reconsider even reading her book (I caved, I’m reading it now).
This may not be a story or end up being a series that sticks with me, but Blake and Aileen are a nice couple to get to know and they drove the story for me. There is one additional supporting character that stands out, probably because he’s one of the few characters that didn’t overpower the story. Breccan Campbell is a private man who works hard, but is always seen first for his large physical size and not much else. He’s set up to be Tara’s match and I really can’t wait to see if she finally matures, starts acting like an adult and not a spoiled child and what role Breccan plays in that. Overall this is a good read with a sweet romance but nothing that made me sit up and take notice.
Blog rating: C
Lady Aileen left her country home and the younger sister she’s raised after their mother died giving birth to her to live her life and find a husband in London. Her father pretty much sells her to the highest bidder, a mean man who abused Aileen. But her name is the one that’s dragged through the mud during their divorce. She’s finally free of him and has now moved back to her family’s country home to settle into a quiet, lonely life. Her sister is now old enough to be out in London society and it’s announced that she’s to be married to Blake Stephens. Too bad her sister, Tara, doesn’t want to be married to Blake so she runs home just days before the wedding only to be followed by Blake. Tara thinks her heart belongs to another, a man she left behind years ago when she wanted to experience life in London. She wants to win him back but with Blake here and Aileen trying to talk sense into her, things don’t go according to plan.
This book was exactly what I was looking for – an easy, fast read that was light and didn’t require much thought. That sounds bad, but we all need books like this, right? Ones that can be read in a day, that are enjoyable but not necessarily memorable. That still sounds bad, but you readers know what I’m talking about! The characters were delightful and the story was interesting enough to keep my attention. It’s a story about a man engaged to the wrong sister, who wanted her initially to keep his vile half-brother away from her, but he has no feelings for her at all. And then he meets her sister, Aileen, a woman who is his equal and perfect match and story turns into their romance and how their future depends on the actions of Tara and whether or not she’ll woman-up and not go through with the wedding to Blake or if she’ll hold him to his word and save her reputation by forcing their marriage.
For as likable as the story is overall, I did wonder often whose story this was exactly. It was supposed to be Blake and Aileen’s love story, but it felt like Tara got more page time than anyone else. It was a bit odd to me because she’s the lead in her own book (the second in this series) so why she ended up getting such a large role in Aileen’s book doesn’t make much sense. And for that, the romance between Blake and Aileen suffered. I simply needed more of them on page. What was on page for them was sweet and endearing and especially at the end, I loved seeing this couple together. I just wanted more of them and less of Tara, who came across as a brat and made me reconsider even reading her book (I caved, I’m reading it now).
This may not be a story or end up being a series that sticks with me, but Blake and Aileen are a nice couple to get to know and they drove the story for me. There is one additional supporting character that stands out, probably because he’s one of the few characters that didn’t overpower the story. Breccan Campbell is a private man who works hard, but is always seen first for his large physical size and not much else. He’s set up to be Tara’s match and I really can’t wait to see if she finally matures, starts acting like an adult and not a spoiled child and what role Breccan plays in that. Overall this is a good read with a sweet romance but nothing that made me sit up and take notice.
January 4, 2014
I think there's a hero in all of us. - John Bubber
The above quote comes from the 1992 movies with Geena Davis, Dustin Hoffman, and Andy Garcia, portraying a journalist, con man, and homeless veteran, respectively. Their lives interest after Davis’ plane crashes, Hoffman rescues the passengers, but Garcia (as Bubber) is hailed the hero.
How does a contemporary movie relate to a historical romance? Cathy Maxwell delivers an emotionally satisfying love story with characters, like those in HERO, who are not quite who they seem to be. Lady Aileen thinks she is immune to love after a scandalous divorce. Lady Tara believes she must the center of attention to validate her being. Blake seeks society’s acceptance despite his own financial success. Yet their lives interest in Kenmore, Scotland – a picturesque village on Loch Tay. Ah, the Highlands. Maxwell’s characters are not immune from Alba’s magic as they find themselves wishing for more in this new series about the Wishmore Brides.
Maxwell takes advantage of every scene to create her own magic. For example, Blake’s valet unveils his Scottish brogue once they are ensconced in the country house. When Blake comments that he did not realize the valet was Scottish, the valet responds that coming home brings out the best in him.
I find it appropriate that Maxwell sets up the love triangle(s) in Kenmore, Scottish Gaelic for “big head”. Several characters indeed have large egos that are ultimately humbled by a Corinthian, er, a verse from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Maxwell shines as she humbles her characters – characters who come all varieties: gentry, villagers, beautiful, plain, successful, and disgraced. In one particular scene after Sunday service, Blake scans the church yard and observes the local folk. It is then he realizes that the trappings of London have no effect on the content residents of Kenmore.
Nuances like these are Maxwell’s strength as she challenges readers to consider who is the hero in THE BRIDE SAYS NO.
Getting back to the quote, the film HERO opens with the journalist (Geena Davis) accepting an award. She pulls out an onion, peels it at the podium, and demonstrates that no matter how much she peel away the layers, she find nothing new. The scene mocks the public's serach for something that may not be hidden but facing them in plain sight. The characters in THE BRIDE SAYS NO also peel back the onion, hoping to find the comfort that eludes them. Yet it takes several lessons in humility for them to realize that love is within their reach. Thank you, Cathy Maxwell, for this endearing adventure.
Recommended read for fans of heartwarming romances. And, of course, readers who appreciate Scotland’s mystique.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
The above quote comes from the 1992 movies with Geena Davis, Dustin Hoffman, and Andy Garcia, portraying a journalist, con man, and homeless veteran, respectively. Their lives interest after Davis’ plane crashes, Hoffman rescues the passengers, but Garcia (as Bubber) is hailed the hero.
How does a contemporary movie relate to a historical romance? Cathy Maxwell delivers an emotionally satisfying love story with characters, like those in HERO, who are not quite who they seem to be. Lady Aileen thinks she is immune to love after a scandalous divorce. Lady Tara believes she must the center of attention to validate her being. Blake seeks society’s acceptance despite his own financial success. Yet their lives interest in Kenmore, Scotland – a picturesque village on Loch Tay. Ah, the Highlands. Maxwell’s characters are not immune from Alba’s magic as they find themselves wishing for more in this new series about the Wishmore Brides.
Maxwell takes advantage of every scene to create her own magic. For example, Blake’s valet unveils his Scottish brogue once they are ensconced in the country house. When Blake comments that he did not realize the valet was Scottish, the valet responds that coming home brings out the best in him.
I find it appropriate that Maxwell sets up the love triangle(s) in Kenmore, Scottish Gaelic for “big head”. Several characters indeed have large egos that are ultimately humbled by a Corinthian, er, a verse from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Maxwell shines as she humbles her characters – characters who come all varieties: gentry, villagers, beautiful, plain, successful, and disgraced. In one particular scene after Sunday service, Blake scans the church yard and observes the local folk. It is then he realizes that the trappings of London have no effect on the content residents of Kenmore.
Nuances like these are Maxwell’s strength as she challenges readers to consider who is the hero in THE BRIDE SAYS NO.
Getting back to the quote, the film HERO opens with the journalist (Geena Davis) accepting an award. She pulls out an onion, peels it at the podium, and demonstrates that no matter how much she peel away the layers, she find nothing new. The scene mocks the public's serach for something that may not be hidden but facing them in plain sight. The characters in THE BRIDE SAYS NO also peel back the onion, hoping to find the comfort that eludes them. Yet it takes several lessons in humility for them to realize that love is within their reach. Thank you, Cathy Maxwell, for this endearing adventure.
Recommended read for fans of heartwarming romances. And, of course, readers who appreciate Scotland’s mystique.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
May 2, 2015
Forbidden and scandalous romance, here we come! Aileen falls for her sister's fiance! Did that catch your interest yet? As much as that caught my interest and I was sort of .... intrigued by the execution. I think this could've been a little more.
This book does something different in comparison to other traditional historical romances. There are several POVs in the story and the main couple is not necessarily the main focus of the story. Some may think that there's too much else going on and being focused on that it detracts from the connection between our hero and heroine. It is probably one of the reasons I can't rate this book higher. Although I see the need to highlight some of these other events.
See, Aileen and Tara's father is a gambler. The dowry he's getting for Tara's hand in marriage is going to go a long way to help him stay out of ruin. But Tara is a bit conceited and in her own way is looking for her one true love. So she's going back and forth between marrying her intended and calling off the wedding. In light of that, Blake, the fiance who needs her good reputation for his own interests, comes to find Tara to convince her to marry him. That's where he meets Aileen. She's been married, her reputation has been tarnished a bit. And the connection between Aileen and her sister's fiance starts blossoming from there.
While this is a good story, and told by a talented author, I couldn't fully connect with or care for any one character. Whose happy ending where we really wanting to see? Obviously Aileen and Blake. But then there's also the triangle of Jane/Ruary/Tara. See Tara is in love with Ruary while engaged to Blake. Blake loves Aileen. Ruary is engaged to Jane. It's just a bit much.
And then my other one dislike that would've made this story better had it not been there, Tara. LOL I know, I don't mean take the character out but she is SO childish and selfish, like one of the mean girls. She has no concern for anyone else around her except herself, her feelings, her reputation, her happiness, her her her. I can't say I have much desire to read the next book about her when I was so annoyed by her in this book.
Overall, this is a quick and fun read. I was probably expecting more from it, but it was a nice intro to the series.
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September 6, 2016
I also say no. I understand attraction. When it exists it is too powerful to ignore. Aileen has never felt it before so she is a debutante despite her experience being married. She has been through a scary situation with a verbally and physically abusive husband. She’s intelligent as she was able to manipulate him into divorcing her. The divorce stigmatized her socially but she feels safe living away in Scotland. Despite that show of inner strength she’s showing her weak side in this story. She is trying to control her sister and father in a martyr-like way. She envies Blake for what he has overcome without realizing she has the same potential but is wallowing in self-pity.
Yes, her sister is self-centered and immature. However, there is no excuse for Aileen acting on her attraction to Blake. Sorry. The two of them should have talked and dealt with the situation like adults before commencing a relationship. I liked him, but I would not want Aileen for a friend. She does what she wants to do regardless of the consequences to others. I wouldn’t want to get in her way.
Yes, her sister is self-centered and immature. However, there is no excuse for Aileen acting on her attraction to Blake. Sorry. The two of them should have talked and dealt with the situation like adults before commencing a relationship. I liked him, but I would not want Aileen for a friend. She does what she wants to do regardless of the consequences to others. I wouldn’t want to get in her way.
January 31, 2014
2.5/5
A decent read - Aileen and Blake were nicely suited and enjoyable to read. However upon reflection I would probably say that the first half of the book was more engaing. I felt like the second half lacked the same depth and whilst I liked the side plot between Ruary and Jane there was just a bit too much hysterics for my liking. I would have actually been inclined to rate the book slightly higher had it not been for Tara. Oh, Tara. It's been a while since I've come across such an annoying, selfish and childish character. So she "redeems" herself a little right at the end but honestly, it was too little too late with me. You can't spend almost an entire book being self centred and think one good deed takes makes up for it. She is even the heroine of the next book, and I can't for the life of me think of her as deserving - spare me. Perhaps I'm being a little harsh but although Aileen and Blake's HEA was sweet, Tara's nastiness was just too much to overlook.
A decent read - Aileen and Blake were nicely suited and enjoyable to read. However upon reflection I would probably say that the first half of the book was more engaing. I felt like the second half lacked the same depth and whilst I liked the side plot between Ruary and Jane there was just a bit too much hysterics for my liking. I would have actually been inclined to rate the book slightly higher had it not been for Tara. Oh, Tara. It's been a while since I've come across such an annoying, selfish and childish character. So she "redeems" herself a little right at the end but honestly, it was too little too late with me. You can't spend almost an entire book being self centred and think one good deed takes makes up for it. She is even the heroine of the next book, and I can't for the life of me think of her as deserving - spare me. Perhaps I'm being a little harsh but although Aileen and Blake's HEA was sweet, Tara's nastiness was just too much to overlook.
May 12, 2014
Book #1 in Cathy Maxwell’s Brides of Wishmore series.
This book is delightfully read with a lilting Scottish brogue by Mary Jane Wells. The narration is crystal clear and easy on the ears, and her nuances and inflections were spot-on; her higher pitched voice for Tara is perfect as is her sluggish, drunken reading of the wastrel Lord Tay. And the lower, deeper, and austere voice for Blake is quite seductive.
Cathy Maxwell is a new-to-me author who has written quite a few historical romances. As I like to read series in order, I picked up this one through my public library’s wonderful collection.
This is a wonderful dual romance of sorts which are unusual and challenging to craft—think of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen or A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara—about two sisters, Aileen and Tara Davidson, daughters of a drunken Scottish earl, and their rough roads to romance.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: bit.ly/RAi83l
This book is delightfully read with a lilting Scottish brogue by Mary Jane Wells. The narration is crystal clear and easy on the ears, and her nuances and inflections were spot-on; her higher pitched voice for Tara is perfect as is her sluggish, drunken reading of the wastrel Lord Tay. And the lower, deeper, and austere voice for Blake is quite seductive.
Cathy Maxwell is a new-to-me author who has written quite a few historical romances. As I like to read series in order, I picked up this one through my public library’s wonderful collection.
This is a wonderful dual romance of sorts which are unusual and challenging to craft—think of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen or A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara—about two sisters, Aileen and Tara Davidson, daughters of a drunken Scottish earl, and their rough roads to romance.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: bit.ly/RAi83l
May 16, 2017
I had high hopes for this book. The plot sounded like it had some great potential. Sadly there was too much of the characters thinking and observing their surroundings and not enough talking to each other for me. Also, The amount the Heroine and Hero were actually together on the page wasn't often enough for me to get to feel their chemistry. The story shifted more about Tara (the Heroine's sister) than I would have liked. As well as other secondary characters more so than the leads at some points. I read till 70% and lightly skimmed the rest.
This is a newer author to me, so I don't have a lot to compare of hers. The next book in the series also sounds interesting.. as per the lead up to it at the end of this book. I may give her another shot.. perhaps this was just the first book laying the foundation for the series.. as there was too much happening, i thought, that took away from the lead characters story.
This is a newer author to me, so I don't have a lot to compare of hers. The next book in the series also sounds interesting.. as per the lead up to it at the end of this book. I may give her another shot.. perhaps this was just the first book laying the foundation for the series.. as there was too much happening, i thought, that took away from the lead characters story.
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