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Ainslie Brothers #3
Daring In a Blue Dress
Chivalry is far from dead in the third novel in the “gut-wrenchingly funny”* Matchmaker in Wonderland Romance series.
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval reenactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall...or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair...
*Open Book Society
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval reenactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall...or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair...
*Open Book Society
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
48 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Katie MacAlister
122 books5,977 followersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 27, 2016
2,5 stars.
When it comes to this book, I really, truly believe it is one of those „It’s not you, it’s me“ cases.
You see, there are so many aspects to this story that I believe other people would enjoy, but when it comes to me, I just couldn’t bring myself to like it, even though I wanted to.
In fact, reading this book made want to DNF it, and it made me regret my decision about not DNFing books that I read for review.
But I’ll give it that one – it made me see how making that decision wasn’t the smartest idea in the world.
Daring in a Blue Dress is a third book in the Matchmaker In Wonderland series, but you don’t have to read the first two in order to read this one, because it can be read as a standalone.
The story is written in somewhat unusual way, where it follows two POVs: Mercy’s and Alden’s (who’s name I adore!). While Mercy’s POV was written in first person, Alden’s was written in third person.
I think that was a smart move from author because sometimes, when writing a story from different POVs, it can be hard to make them sound different.
The story starts with Mercy coming to England and meeting a girl who’s job she decides to take because she can’t work where she planned originally.
I liked that part. I liked Mercy’s voice, I liked the idea I got from those few pages about where the story could go and it sat my expectations level a bit higher.
Unfortunately, as the story developed, I liked this book less and less.
Mercy was so unlikeable to me, I know some people would find her behaviour interesting and funny, but I’m not one of those people.
At some scenes, I even found her as an emotional blackmailer.
For Alden‘s charcter there’s a phrase that we, in my country, use and it would describe him perfectly: Mrtvo puhalo.That means there’s not many characteristics I could use to describe him, he was there to be there, and the only thing that I can surely say about him is that he suffers from anxiety, even though it is never said in the book. There, you can read that he is just really, really shy.
This book contains more then some sex scenes, but they are not overdone.
There are some scenes where something important is going on but Mercy can’t concentrate because Alden is just too sexy to her, and while someone would roll their eyes on those scenes, I actually welcomed them because I felt they were believable.
However, closer to the end, some important scenes were happening (and when I say important, I mean „fear for your life importnt“) and when Mercy couldn’t think about anything but how Alden sexy is, I rolled my eyes.
There is a mystery aspect to this story, but it wasn’t a big mystery if you ask me, as I figured out who’s involved with who almost from the beginning.
The lawyer in me also questioned the law aspect to this story.
All in all, although this book wasn’t for me, I think other people would enjoy it.
Personally, I think that it would be a great tv movie that I would like to watch one Sunday afternoon.
When it comes to this book, I really, truly believe it is one of those „It’s not you, it’s me“ cases.
You see, there are so many aspects to this story that I believe other people would enjoy, but when it comes to me, I just couldn’t bring myself to like it, even though I wanted to.
In fact, reading this book made want to DNF it, and it made me regret my decision about not DNFing books that I read for review.
But I’ll give it that one – it made me see how making that decision wasn’t the smartest idea in the world.
Daring in a Blue Dress is a third book in the Matchmaker In Wonderland series, but you don’t have to read the first two in order to read this one, because it can be read as a standalone.
The story is written in somewhat unusual way, where it follows two POVs: Mercy’s and Alden’s (who’s name I adore!). While Mercy’s POV was written in first person, Alden’s was written in third person.
I think that was a smart move from author because sometimes, when writing a story from different POVs, it can be hard to make them sound different.
The story starts with Mercy coming to England and meeting a girl who’s job she decides to take because she can’t work where she planned originally.
I liked that part. I liked Mercy’s voice, I liked the idea I got from those few pages about where the story could go and it sat my expectations level a bit higher.
Unfortunately, as the story developed, I liked this book less and less.
Mercy was so unlikeable to me, I know some people would find her behaviour interesting and funny, but I’m not one of those people.
At some scenes, I even found her as an emotional blackmailer.
For Alden‘s charcter there’s a phrase that we, in my country, use and it would describe him perfectly: Mrtvo puhalo.That means there’s not many characteristics I could use to describe him, he was there to be there, and the only thing that I can surely say about him is that he suffers from anxiety, even though it is never said in the book. There, you can read that he is just really, really shy.
This book contains more then some sex scenes, but they are not overdone.
There are some scenes where something important is going on but Mercy can’t concentrate because Alden is just too sexy to her, and while someone would roll their eyes on those scenes, I actually welcomed them because I felt they were believable.
However, closer to the end, some important scenes were happening (and when I say important, I mean „fear for your life importnt“) and when Mercy couldn’t think about anything but how Alden sexy is, I rolled my eyes.
There is a mystery aspect to this story, but it wasn’t a big mystery if you ask me, as I figured out who’s involved with who almost from the beginning.
The lawyer in me also questioned the law aspect to this story.
All in all, although this book wasn’t for me, I think other people would enjoy it.
Personally, I think that it would be a great tv movie that I would like to watch one Sunday afternoon.
August 6, 2018
This is third in a series. You don't need to read the others before reading this one, though it probably helps. Personally, I recommend doing so if only so you'll have a better idea what to expect. Because this book has many of the same aspect as the others.
So yeah. I'm finding that Katie MacAlister has a, well, call it style? At least in this series, the story leans towards the silly. The main couple tends to have misreads caused by the silly. But the banter is typically fun and the settings are at least unique and you'll probably be able to attach to one or two side characters with at least interest (and sometimes outright joy). This has all those elements, though a bit more on the silly than the others and I found almost all the side characters off-putting. Lady Sybel was particularly bad and I kept waiting for Alden to pack her off his hands. The conniving jerk (sorry, Lady Jerkface) makes all these demands and pulls poor-me sympathy plays when she's the one who sold the stupid house in the first place. In other words, she already took all his money and now wants to freeload as well. Man I hated her. So Aiden comes off as spineless as well as shy and since everybody else takes her side, often enough (including Mercy), it made me impatient with them, too.
Anyway, the main couple are still charming. And I liked their interactions. And I liked how Mercy worked to overcome his anxiety and get at the great guy underneath. So I'm still pegging this at three stars, despite the higher friction in this story than in the others so far.
A note about Steamy: I finished this a bit ago and forget how many explicit sex scenes there were. It was at or near the middle of my steam tolerance, so there weren't more than a handful.
So yeah. I'm finding that Katie MacAlister has a, well, call it style? At least in this series, the story leans towards the silly. The main couple tends to have misreads caused by the silly. But the banter is typically fun and the settings are at least unique and you'll probably be able to attach to one or two side characters with at least interest (and sometimes outright joy). This has all those elements, though a bit more on the silly than the others and I found almost all the side characters off-putting. Lady Sybel was particularly bad and I kept waiting for Alden to pack her off his hands. The conniving jerk (sorry, Lady Jerkface) makes all these demands and pulls poor-me sympathy plays when she's the one who sold the stupid house in the first place. In other words, she already took all his money and now wants to freeload as well. Man I hated her. So Aiden comes off as spineless as well as shy and since everybody else takes her side, often enough (including Mercy), it made me impatient with them, too.
Anyway, the main couple are still charming. And I liked their interactions. And I liked how Mercy worked to overcome his anxiety and get at the great guy underneath. So I'm still pegging this at three stars, despite the higher friction in this story than in the others so far.
A note about Steamy: I finished this a bit ago and forget how many explicit sex scenes there were. It was at or near the middle of my steam tolerance, so there weren't more than a handful.
July 1, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Cheeky silly fun! It's hard not to have fun with a book from MacAlister and so was the case of Daring in a Blue Dress. Witty, endearing characters, endless humor, a little mystery and adventure.
The gist of it is that Alden has bought himself an old estate with the intent of flipping it. He's gonna get in, get things fixed up and he's out. Simple! Ahhh if only his house wasn't trying to commit suicide and take him down in the process. And it didn't come complete with a trope of medieval knights in training, a stubborn former lady of the mansion, semi-perv-ily named birds and one sassy, maddening and totally captivating woman his sister-in-law was trying to hook him up with. Somehow he's got to survive...them all. Poor sod.
Alden! Ahhh he was a fabulous hero. He's awkward as hell around women--like stutters, panics and runs awkward-- but he's sexy and endearing too. I just loved him. How hard he worked, the exasperation, the shyness and grumbliness when everyone started to drive him bonkers. And Mercy was a wonderful heroine for him. She's determined and quirky and always out for fun and doing something new. She was daring and ready to take on his gawkiness which was really just a hoot.
They were excellent together. His grumpy to her cheery. His shy to her outgoing. Their chemistry and heat was both steamy and silly...just like them. Have I mentioned fun already? Because they just were.
There's a lot going on in Alden's world and whew boy it was all hilarious and fun if not maddeningly frustrating (poor Alden and all the crazy surrounding him lol). It was a blast watching the knights in training--they run a 3 week learn how to be a knight course--and seeing all the home repair disasters that popped up. Add in a little mystery and danger as it appears someone's out to get Alden and mysterious tunnels are discovered and it was just a treat.
All in all, MacAlister, once again, charmed and delighted. With quirky wit, endearing characters, and laugh out loud humor Daring in a Blue Dress left me smitten and smiling.
May 6, 2017
This is a fun and sexy mystery series! Though, I did not care much for the couple in book #2, the author is back on form with the couple in this addition to the light-hearted series.
There is conflict but no angst, even the suspense is like something out of a Scooby-Doo cartoon. However, the laughs and the sexy bits more than make up for it. Such fun! Can hardly wait for book #4 to be released.
There is conflict but no angst, even the suspense is like something out of a Scooby-Doo cartoon. However, the laughs and the sexy bits more than make up for it. Such fun! Can hardly wait for book #4 to be released.
August 29, 2016
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the series, and every one has made me smile. The series is set in England around a group of Ainslie siblings, some who were born to their noble parents and some who were adopted from around the world. The first book is about the oldest who inherited the title from his birth parents. The second is about the second oldest who was adopted. This book is about the fourth oldest son Alden who was also adopted. Each of the heroines coincidentally (or not) also know each other.
Katie MacAlister uses such fun descriptions of very strange sounds. She also sets ridiculous circumstances. The combination literally has me laughing out loud multiple times throughout the book.
This is the third book in the series, and every one has made me smile. The series is set in England around a group of Ainslie siblings, some who were born to their noble parents and some who were adopted from around the world. The first book is about the oldest who inherited the title from his birth parents. The second is about the second oldest who was adopted. This book is about the fourth oldest son Alden who was also adopted. Each of the heroines coincidentally (or not) also know each other.
Katie MacAlister uses such fun descriptions of very strange sounds. She also sets ridiculous circumstances. The combination literally has me laughing out loud multiple times throughout the book.
October 21, 2021
I always enjoy a Katie MacAlister book! This one had some humorous moments and banter between the two MCs but it didn’t feel like the funny that I’m used to with Katie’s characters. Could just be me. Still a quick fun read.
October 25, 2021
Well written rom com in this author's distinctive style. Our hero Alden, professional mature aged student, moves to his new mansion in the Cornish countryside, intending to renovate it, but unfortunately finds the elderly lady he bought it from, is still in residence. She's also rented out the grounds to a medieval jousting group. Professional mature aged student, Mercy, has joined the group as a temporary archery instructor and she and Alden immediately hit it off. There are strange things happening though and as they start investigating further, they wade deeper into trouble. There are steamy, but chuckle worthy sex scenes and this is a light-hearted read, perfect for lifting the spirits. Not to be taken seriously at all. I found it easy to pick up and put down though, as the characters didn't really engage me as much as they could have. A fun book. 3.5 stars.
September 7, 2016
DARING IN A BLUE DRESS by Katie MacAlister: More Charming
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I liked this entry in this contemporary England-based series much better than the last one I read in the series, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S ROMP. I was turned off in that particular book by a stupid detail that obviously went unnoticed in editing. Silly little details can often ruin a book for me.
DARING IN A BLUE DRESS (Blue Dress, Blue Dress, Devil with a Blue,…) is a bit of a farce: based on the ridiculous, the improbable and the unlikeliest of situations. Misunderstanding and assumption also play a big part. It’s as if Katie MacAlister has the heart of the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges living in her and she somehow thinks up these totally ridiculous plots, and populates them with people who are personable and relatable.
Agh, these song based titles! They cause the dreaded ear worm!
DARING IN A BLUE DRESS is not flawless, but I found the story to be more tightly plotted and the writing seems improved: less jumbled and expository. That the story is told in two points of view and two persons (1st and 3rd) is unusual and felt a little weird. It’s a novel way, I think, of novel writing.
As weirdness piles on top of strange event the story line can sometimes go a little too far, like an old movie where much is sacrificed for the comedy. There is one relationship, though supposedly revealed at the end, still eluded me. Much does…..
If you like silly with a little sexy and an underdog, then you’re likely to enjoy this story by Katie MacAllister.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I liked this entry in this contemporary England-based series much better than the last one I read in the series, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S ROMP. I was turned off in that particular book by a stupid detail that obviously went unnoticed in editing. Silly little details can often ruin a book for me.
DARING IN A BLUE DRESS (Blue Dress, Blue Dress, Devil with a Blue,…) is a bit of a farce: based on the ridiculous, the improbable and the unlikeliest of situations. Misunderstanding and assumption also play a big part. It’s as if Katie MacAlister has the heart of the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges living in her and she somehow thinks up these totally ridiculous plots, and populates them with people who are personable and relatable.
Agh, these song based titles! They cause the dreaded ear worm!
DARING IN A BLUE DRESS is not flawless, but I found the story to be more tightly plotted and the writing seems improved: less jumbled and expository. That the story is told in two points of view and two persons (1st and 3rd) is unusual and felt a little weird. It’s a novel way, I think, of novel writing.
As weirdness piles on top of strange event the story line can sometimes go a little too far, like an old movie where much is sacrificed for the comedy. There is one relationship, though supposedly revealed at the end, still eluded me. Much does…..
If you like silly with a little sexy and an underdog, then you’re likely to enjoy this story by Katie MacAllister.
June 28, 2016
I got so bored with this book. The heroine's summer job fell through so a stranger on a train suggests she take her job so she can run off and live with her boyfriend. So the heroine takes the job. Umm...ok.
The hero is such a beta male that I couldn't respect him. He buys a house and the condition is the owner gets to live in the gate house for as long as she lives. Seems simple. Well, she doesn't want to live in the gate house and basically tells him to make her.
She is an old lady so he says well, ok you can stay in the house. Then the old lady (the former owner) invited a medieval combat troupe to stay for the summer. He says you couldn't do that because I'm the owner now. She says well I was the owner when I made the deal and there's nothing you can do about it. He says, well whatever.
No. Can you respect a doormat hero like this? I can't. Did not finish book.
The hero is such a beta male that I couldn't respect him. He buys a house and the condition is the owner gets to live in the gate house for as long as she lives. Seems simple. Well, she doesn't want to live in the gate house and basically tells him to make her.
She is an old lady so he says well, ok you can stay in the house. Then the old lady (the former owner) invited a medieval combat troupe to stay for the summer. He says you couldn't do that because I'm the owner now. She says well I was the owner when I made the deal and there's nothing you can do about it. He says, well whatever.
No. Can you respect a doormat hero like this? I can't. Did not finish book.
September 18, 2016
Funny, sometimes quite ridiculous story that was great reading, for me, at this time! The story was definitely "light", but still in its way memorable.
This book was the third in a series. I am planning on reading the first two--not because I feel like I was missing something in this story (which could be read as a stand alone) but because I want to see if the author had the same ridiculous uniqueness in the other two books this novel had.
Oh, and a fourth book in this series is coming out.
This book was the third in a series. I am planning on reading the first two--not because I feel like I was missing something in this story (which could be read as a stand alone) but because I want to see if the author had the same ridiculous uniqueness in the other two books this novel had.
Oh, and a fourth book in this series is coming out.
June 27, 2016
That was way too silly. I think I lost some brain cells. Not surprising, since the main characters seemed to be running way low themselves.
Also, I believe there may have been a chapter worth of plot missing towards the end?
Also, I believe there may have been a chapter worth of plot missing towards the end?
September 27, 2016
Humorous
September 1, 2019
There were moments in this book that were sweet and adorable, and some that were quite funny. I enjoy occasionally hanging out with a Beta hero in the sea of romance Alphas. But there were a few things that drove me nuts.
One, Mercy's slut-shaming tendencies. She called another woman a hussy because that woman had the audacity to be friendly and attractive around Mercy's love interest. She uses the term many times to describe that character, acting very much like a catty teenager. Mercy also took great offense at a perceived insinuation that she might be quick to sleep with a man, even though that insinuation was really just in her own head. The slut-shaming is a real bummer, because there were several mature, thoughtful conversations between Mercy and Alden about consent, boundaries and sexual preferences that were really refreshing. This could have been a very sex-positive story, but instead, we were left with Mercy's deep, immature insecurities.
Two, there are several times when Mercy and Alden are complete doormats. They let people push them around, mainly for plot purposes and probably intended comedic effect, but I just found it annoying. They would profess to have certain standards or beliefs, and then they would immediately compromise on those beliefs when they could have just said a firm no or walked away. I get that this was meant to just initiate some hijinxs, but is was just irritating.
I don't feel inclined to read any more of this series.
One, Mercy's slut-shaming tendencies. She called another woman a hussy because that woman had the audacity to be friendly and attractive around Mercy's love interest. She uses the term many times to describe that character, acting very much like a catty teenager. Mercy also took great offense at a perceived insinuation that she might be quick to sleep with a man, even though that insinuation was really just in her own head. The slut-shaming is a real bummer, because there were several mature, thoughtful conversations between Mercy and Alden about consent, boundaries and sexual preferences that were really refreshing. This could have been a very sex-positive story, but instead, we were left with Mercy's deep, immature insecurities.
Two, there are several times when Mercy and Alden are complete doormats. They let people push them around, mainly for plot purposes and probably intended comedic effect, but I just found it annoying. They would profess to have certain standards or beliefs, and then they would immediately compromise on those beliefs when they could have just said a firm no or walked away. I get that this was meant to just initiate some hijinxs, but is was just irritating.
I don't feel inclined to read any more of this series.
February 3, 2023
Another fun romp in the English countryside from Katie MacAlister. I love the Ainslie family and enjoy getting to see more of them. In this one, we get to know Alden and I love that it's not just him and Mercy building a relationship, but also her trying to help him get over his social anxieties, him trying to build a life for himself away from his family, and on top of all that--there's a bit of a mystery thrown in! I loved watching them come together and try to figure out their feelings while also trying to decide what's an accident and what's a planned attempt at harm. Who should they trust! And of course, they can't be late for their battles--because of course there is a medieval fair/tournament happening on Alden's new estate at the same time! And I love that MacAlister brings back some action and characters from Hard Day's Knight. I'm just sad that there are only 4 in this series. I'd love to see more set in this world, even if they weren't truly Ainslie Brothers.
September 10, 2017
This just wasn't for me. It was very well written but I kept thinking of it as historical and I'm just not into that. It wasn't even because of the medieval fair going on. It was because of what is said in conversation between Alden and Mercy. That and the law. How could the law not be on Alden's side? The reasoning behind that leans more historical than modern.
They were way too naive. Especially Alden.
How can he think the house just hates him?
Mercy...I hate women in books who are too caught up in how handsome a man is that they miss something important. She misses lots of important stuff. I constantly wanted to slap her. I liked her for the most part however the epilogue made me not.
I felt there were missed opportunities to make it more interesting. Like with Vandal and the letter situation.
They were way too naive. Especially Alden.
How can he think the house just hates him?
Mercy...I hate women in books who are too caught up in how handsome a man is that they miss something important. She misses lots of important stuff. I constantly wanted to slap her. I liked her for the most part however the epilogue made me not.
I felt there were missed opportunities to make it more interesting. Like with Vandal and the letter situation.
July 29, 2017
I read Perils of Pauline, then went back and binged the whole Matchmaker in Wonderland series to date. They're that good!
In this 3rd installment, Mercy finds unexpected employment with a group of medieval warriors and a painfully shy man who is alternately grateful and embarrassed by the support she can give him. As usual, MacAlister's rich character descriptions make these personalities believable instead of cliche or cloying. The the resolution to the underlying mystery is plausible if not built out in depth and the whole is another entertaining read!
In this 3rd installment, Mercy finds unexpected employment with a group of medieval warriors and a painfully shy man who is alternately grateful and embarrassed by the support she can give him. As usual, MacAlister's rich character descriptions make these personalities believable instead of cliche or cloying. The the resolution to the underlying mystery is plausible if not built out in depth and the whole is another entertaining read!
June 15, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/da...
Daring In a Blue Dress
A Matchmaker In Wonderland, Book #3
By Katie MacAlister
ISBN: 9781101990667
Author’s Website: http://www.katiemacalister.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer
Synopsis:
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval re-enactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall…or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair.
Review:
Back to reading about the eccentric and quirky Ainslie Brothers. This makes me happy (with a big goofy grin on my face). This quirky Ainslie family is just pure, unadulterated fun. In the third installment of the Ainslie Brothers series, we get to meet Alden Ainslie – one of 10 siblings; who is extremely shy around woman. His pregnant sister-in-law Alice (wife of Elliot) is busy trying to pair off all the Ainslie men and she has a certain someone in mind for Alden (after all – he is over 30).
In an effort to assist the Ainslie estate income (which was already stressed), Alden plans to flip Bestwood Hall. He has bought this monstrosity of a decaying old house with the intention of fixing it up and reselling the home. So in a panic to get away from the match making…off Alden goes to Bestwood Hall to begin his renovations. Once Alden arrives at his property, a number of things happen, which turn an interesting situation into a crazy (albeit funny) situation. Alden soon learns that Lady Sybilla (the previous owner of Bestwood Hall and has the right to live on the estate for her lifetime) does NOT want to move the refurbished gatehouse and that she rented the garden area for a three week period to a medieval re-enactment company.
Mercy has plans for the summer, to be a nanny for a family, to earn money to continue on with her education. As this job falls apart, she manages to land a job for a company holding sessions of medieval re-enactment for a three week period on the grounds of Bestwood Hall. Unbeknownst to Alden, Mercy is the woman that Alice wants Alden to meet.
When Mercy and Ainslie meet, you can tell there is something there. But with a terribly shy Alden and a scattered Mercy, the development of their relationship is not without some unusual moments. As time proceeds, they do talk and become somewhat more comfortable (Mercy is hot and bothered for Alden). As these two forge a relationship, the stiffness between them lessons in an awkwardly funny manner. I LOVE how they interact. I can honestly say….I never thought I would laugh at the descriptions of some of the lovemaking that went on….but I did.
The humor in this book was spot on for me….for example (and most notably the character Alden was the funny guy)…
“What was that noise? It sounded like a banshee screaming.”
“It was the mantel. I believe it just tried to commit suicide.”
There were a number of sub-plots going on which surprisingly enhanced the main love story plot as opposed to detracting from it. There is the Hairy Tit situation. There numbers are very low and with only three breeding places in the whole of England, the biggest and best location is of course on the property of Bestwood Hall. Then there is the medieval re-enactment company. And wouldn’t you know it….Mercy is good at archery (be patient…you will learn why that is important when you read the book). And then there is the discovery of tunnels…what significance do they play.
I enjoyed the nicknames that Alden and Mercy took with each other while on the sleuthing trail, once they discovered the secret passage…just shows how in tune these two are to each other (even if they have not figured it out themselves):
“Look, stairs! In your window seat!. Oh my god, this is just like something out of my childhood Nancy Drew book.”………..
He gestured to the stairs. “I guess we go down. Are you all right with that, Nancy?”
“right as rain, Ned. Lead on!”
The one thing that did not make sense to me was the title…Daring in a Blue Dress. Guess I shall just have to read the story again and see if I can’t figure out the meaning of the title. But that shall have to wait until I have finished the entire series.
This book has everything: romance, humor, interesting plot lines, unique and strangely relatable characters. Basically, keeping in the theme of the prior books in this series.
The amount of times I caught myself giggling and then outright laughing while reading this book was wonderful! Laughter is important and when in pursuit of romance….cute! Thank you Katie MacAlister for penning such an enjoyable book. Cannot wait for the continuation of the Ainslie Brothers series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Daring In a Blue Dress
A Matchmaker In Wonderland, Book #3
By Katie MacAlister
ISBN: 9781101990667
Author’s Website: http://www.katiemacalister.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer
Synopsis:
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval re-enactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall…or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair.
Review:
Back to reading about the eccentric and quirky Ainslie Brothers. This makes me happy (with a big goofy grin on my face). This quirky Ainslie family is just pure, unadulterated fun. In the third installment of the Ainslie Brothers series, we get to meet Alden Ainslie – one of 10 siblings; who is extremely shy around woman. His pregnant sister-in-law Alice (wife of Elliot) is busy trying to pair off all the Ainslie men and she has a certain someone in mind for Alden (after all – he is over 30).
In an effort to assist the Ainslie estate income (which was already stressed), Alden plans to flip Bestwood Hall. He has bought this monstrosity of a decaying old house with the intention of fixing it up and reselling the home. So in a panic to get away from the match making…off Alden goes to Bestwood Hall to begin his renovations. Once Alden arrives at his property, a number of things happen, which turn an interesting situation into a crazy (albeit funny) situation. Alden soon learns that Lady Sybilla (the previous owner of Bestwood Hall and has the right to live on the estate for her lifetime) does NOT want to move the refurbished gatehouse and that she rented the garden area for a three week period to a medieval re-enactment company.
Mercy has plans for the summer, to be a nanny for a family, to earn money to continue on with her education. As this job falls apart, she manages to land a job for a company holding sessions of medieval re-enactment for a three week period on the grounds of Bestwood Hall. Unbeknownst to Alden, Mercy is the woman that Alice wants Alden to meet.
When Mercy and Ainslie meet, you can tell there is something there. But with a terribly shy Alden and a scattered Mercy, the development of their relationship is not without some unusual moments. As time proceeds, they do talk and become somewhat more comfortable (Mercy is hot and bothered for Alden). As these two forge a relationship, the stiffness between them lessons in an awkwardly funny manner. I LOVE how they interact. I can honestly say….I never thought I would laugh at the descriptions of some of the lovemaking that went on….but I did.
The humor in this book was spot on for me….for example (and most notably the character Alden was the funny guy)…
“What was that noise? It sounded like a banshee screaming.”
“It was the mantel. I believe it just tried to commit suicide.”
There were a number of sub-plots going on which surprisingly enhanced the main love story plot as opposed to detracting from it. There is the Hairy Tit situation. There numbers are very low and with only three breeding places in the whole of England, the biggest and best location is of course on the property of Bestwood Hall. Then there is the medieval re-enactment company. And wouldn’t you know it….Mercy is good at archery (be patient…you will learn why that is important when you read the book). And then there is the discovery of tunnels…what significance do they play.
I enjoyed the nicknames that Alden and Mercy took with each other while on the sleuthing trail, once they discovered the secret passage…just shows how in tune these two are to each other (even if they have not figured it out themselves):
“Look, stairs! In your window seat!. Oh my god, this is just like something out of my childhood Nancy Drew book.”………..
He gestured to the stairs. “I guess we go down. Are you all right with that, Nancy?”
“right as rain, Ned. Lead on!”
The one thing that did not make sense to me was the title…Daring in a Blue Dress. Guess I shall just have to read the story again and see if I can’t figure out the meaning of the title. But that shall have to wait until I have finished the entire series.
This book has everything: romance, humor, interesting plot lines, unique and strangely relatable characters. Basically, keeping in the theme of the prior books in this series.
The amount of times I caught myself giggling and then outright laughing while reading this book was wonderful! Laughter is important and when in pursuit of romance….cute! Thank you Katie MacAlister for penning such an enjoyable book. Cannot wait for the continuation of the Ainslie Brothers series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 2, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/da...
Daring In a Blue Dress
A Matchmaker In Wonderland, Book #3
By Katie MacAlister
ISBN: 9781101990667
Author’s Website: http://www.katiemacalister.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval re-enactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall…or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair.
Review:
Back to reading about the eccentric and quirky Ainslie Brothers. This makes me happy (with a big goofy grin on my face). This quirky Ainslie family is just pure, unadulterated fun. In the third installment of the Ainslie Brothers series, we get to meet Alden Ainslie – one of 10 siblings; who is extremely shy around woman. His pregnant sister-in-law Alice (wife of Elliot) is busy trying to pair off all the Ainslie men and she has a certain someone in mind for Alden (after all – he is over 30).
In an effort to assist the Ainslie estate income (which was already stressed), Alden plans to flip Bestwood Hall. He has bought this monstrosity of a decaying old house with the intention of fixing it up and reselling the home. So in a panic to get away from the match making…off Alden goes to Bestwood Hall to begin his renovations. Once Alden arrives at his property, a number of things happen, which turn an interesting situation into a crazy (albeit funny) situation. Alden soon learns that Lady Sybilla (the previous owner of Bestwood Hall and has the right to live on the estate for her lifetime) does NOT want to move the refurbished gatehouse and that she rented the garden area for a three week period to a medieval re-enactment company.
Mercy has plans for the summer, to be a nanny for a family, to earn money to continue on with her education. As this job falls apart, she manages to land a job for a company holding sessions of medieval re-enactment for a three week period on the grounds of Bestwood Hall. Unbeknownst to Alden, Mercy is the woman that Alice wants Alden to meet.
When Mercy and Ainslie meet, you can tell there is something there. But with a terribly shy Alden and a scattered Mercy, the development of their relationship is not without some unusual moments. As time proceeds, they do talk and become somewhat more comfortable (Mercy is hot and bothered for Alden). As these two forge a relationship, the stiffness between them lessons in an awkwardly funny manner. I LOVE how they interact. I can honestly say….I never thought I would laugh at the descriptions of some of the lovemaking that went on….but I did.
The humor in this book was spot on for me….for example (and most notably the character Alden was the funny guy)…
“What was that noise? It sounded like a banshee screaming.”
“It was the mantel. I believe it just tried to commit suicide.”
There were a number of sub-plots going on which surprisingly enhanced the main love story plot as opposed to detracting from it. There is the Hairy Tit situation. There numbers are very low and with only three breeding places in the whole of England, the biggest and best location is of course on the property of Bestwood Hall. Then there is the medieval re-enactment company. And wouldn’t you know it….Mercy is good at archery (be patient…you will learn why that is important when you read the book). And then there is the discovery of tunnels…what significance do they play.
I enjoyed the nicknames that Alden and Mercy took with each other while on the sleuthing trail, once they discovered the secret passage…just shows how in tune these two are to each other (even if they have not figured it out themselves):
“Look, stairs! In your window seat!. Oh my god, this is just like something out of my childhood Nancy Drew book.”………..
He gestured to the stairs. “I guess we go down. Are you all right with that, Nancy?”
“right as rain, Ned. Lead on!”
The one thing that did not make sense to me was the title…Daring in a Blue Dress. Guess I shall just have to read the story again and see if I can’t figure out the meaning of the title. But that shall have to wait until I have finished the entire series.
This book has everything: romance, humor, interesting plot lines, unique and strangely relatable characters. Basically, keeping in the theme of the prior books in this series.
The amount of times I caught myself giggling and then outright laughing while reading this book was wonderful! Laughter is important and when in pursuit of romance….cute! Thank you Katie MacAlister for penning such an enjoyable book. Cannot wait for the continuation of the Ainslie Brothers series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Daring In a Blue Dress
A Matchmaker In Wonderland, Book #3
By Katie MacAlister
ISBN: 9781101990667
Author’s Website: http://www.katiemacalister.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
Stranded in England without money or a ticket home, Mercy Starling takes a job working for a medieval re-enactment company. After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend to live in the past, wield swords and long bows, and dress up in armor? And the best part of her summer job is Bestwood Hall…or rather, its intriguing new owner.
The painfully shy Alden Ainslie is overwhelmed by the medieval reenactors who invade the Tudor house he’s renovating, but he’s drawn to the bubbly Mercy. And he valiantly joins in the fun, dodging not just arrows, lances, and the odd sword thrust, but also some pretty suspicious—and potentially deadly—attacks on himself. Someone wants him to give up on the house. But Alden is desperate to prove himself—and win the heart of his lady fair.
Review:
Back to reading about the eccentric and quirky Ainslie Brothers. This makes me happy (with a big goofy grin on my face). This quirky Ainslie family is just pure, unadulterated fun. In the third installment of the Ainslie Brothers series, we get to meet Alden Ainslie – one of 10 siblings; who is extremely shy around woman. His pregnant sister-in-law Alice (wife of Elliot) is busy trying to pair off all the Ainslie men and she has a certain someone in mind for Alden (after all – he is over 30).
In an effort to assist the Ainslie estate income (which was already stressed), Alden plans to flip Bestwood Hall. He has bought this monstrosity of a decaying old house with the intention of fixing it up and reselling the home. So in a panic to get away from the match making…off Alden goes to Bestwood Hall to begin his renovations. Once Alden arrives at his property, a number of things happen, which turn an interesting situation into a crazy (albeit funny) situation. Alden soon learns that Lady Sybilla (the previous owner of Bestwood Hall and has the right to live on the estate for her lifetime) does NOT want to move the refurbished gatehouse and that she rented the garden area for a three week period to a medieval re-enactment company.
Mercy has plans for the summer, to be a nanny for a family, to earn money to continue on with her education. As this job falls apart, she manages to land a job for a company holding sessions of medieval re-enactment for a three week period on the grounds of Bestwood Hall. Unbeknownst to Alden, Mercy is the woman that Alice wants Alden to meet.
When Mercy and Ainslie meet, you can tell there is something there. But with a terribly shy Alden and a scattered Mercy, the development of their relationship is not without some unusual moments. As time proceeds, they do talk and become somewhat more comfortable (Mercy is hot and bothered for Alden). As these two forge a relationship, the stiffness between them lessons in an awkwardly funny manner. I LOVE how they interact. I can honestly say….I never thought I would laugh at the descriptions of some of the lovemaking that went on….but I did.
The humor in this book was spot on for me….for example (and most notably the character Alden was the funny guy)…
“What was that noise? It sounded like a banshee screaming.”
“It was the mantel. I believe it just tried to commit suicide.”
There were a number of sub-plots going on which surprisingly enhanced the main love story plot as opposed to detracting from it. There is the Hairy Tit situation. There numbers are very low and with only three breeding places in the whole of England, the biggest and best location is of course on the property of Bestwood Hall. Then there is the medieval re-enactment company. And wouldn’t you know it….Mercy is good at archery (be patient…you will learn why that is important when you read the book). And then there is the discovery of tunnels…what significance do they play.
I enjoyed the nicknames that Alden and Mercy took with each other while on the sleuthing trail, once they discovered the secret passage…just shows how in tune these two are to each other (even if they have not figured it out themselves):
“Look, stairs! In your window seat!. Oh my god, this is just like something out of my childhood Nancy Drew book.”………..
He gestured to the stairs. “I guess we go down. Are you all right with that, Nancy?”
“right as rain, Ned. Lead on!”
The one thing that did not make sense to me was the title…Daring in a Blue Dress. Guess I shall just have to read the story again and see if I can’t figure out the meaning of the title. But that shall have to wait until I have finished the entire series.
This book has everything: romance, humor, interesting plot lines, unique and strangely relatable characters. Basically, keeping in the theme of the prior books in this series.
The amount of times I caught myself giggling and then outright laughing while reading this book was wonderful! Laughter is important and when in pursuit of romance….cute! Thank you Katie MacAlister for penning such an enjoyable book. Cannot wait for the continuation of the Ainslie Brothers series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
March 27, 2019
This story was very entertaining. I loved the strange dynamic between our heroine and the Ainslie brother that is anxiety ridden. I actually haven't read the other 2 Ainslie Brothers novels ( I think there is only 2 at this point... ) but I would based on how this story went down. It was clever and kept me guessing. I have loved Katie's novels for a very long time and this did not disappoint.
June 10, 2020
Poor Alden...can’t talk to women and has to deal with a bunch of bastard tits. This was really fun and the mystery was great. I think that he is stuck with her Lady for life though....which is gonna be great! I hope that he strikes a deal with Vandal and Fenice to stick around!
February 25, 2023
I love "Daring in a Blue Dress".
I loved reading "Daring in a Blue Dress". There is romance, suspense and mystery. I love HEA. This is the third book in the series. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
I loved reading "Daring in a Blue Dress". There is romance, suspense and mystery. I love HEA. This is the third book in the series. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
December 23, 2017
Bastante inesperado y divertido, me gusta está serie hasta ahora muy buena, excelente escritora!!
August 12, 2017
While I love the humor in Katie MacAlister's books I'm so flipping tired of slutty women. No more K.A. books for me.
October 20, 2017
AS pretty much always, I really enjoyed this Katie MAcAlister book! I love when characters from previous novels reappear! Now I need to Re-read some of them!
September 23, 2018
2.5 stars. A few plot points were weird and not really wrapped up...
September 22, 2019
Fun, Sexy.
October 8, 2019
A Matchmaker in Wonderland Romance 2016 - Had
November 5, 2023
There is a plot twist one at the end but a delightful one though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2024
I love Katie MacAlister's books. Romantic and laugh out loud funny, they are always a pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews