Stealing the Bride

Danvers Family (Chronological order) #2

by Elizabeth Boyle

Pub 2003-06-24 384 eng HarperCollins US A Scandalous Elopement The Marquis of Templeton has faced every sort of danger in his work for the King. but chasing after a wayward spinster whos had the effrontery to run off with the wrong man hardly seems worth his considerable talents. But when the heiress in question is none other than Lady Diana Fordham. Temple is about to meet his match. Tempestuous and passionate. headstrong and opinionated. the lady is everything a man should avoid ... A Dangerous Plan Diana has no intention of making Temples assignment easy In fact she has every reason to turn his life upside down -.. just as he did to hers when he broke her heart years ago Now its Dianas turn to give Temple a lesson in love. from a teasing glance to a scandalous embrace. However. as she leads him on a merry chase from London to Gretna Green...

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Fiction, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2003

About the author

Elizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 28 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her most recent novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment has garnered rave reviews. Her next book in the series, WE THREE KINGS will arrive in the Fall of 2027.

Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."

Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.

If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.

Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.

When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.

Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.

Reviews

[Christine]

This was generally entertaining...I didn't feel like putting it down at any point...but it was pretty far-fetched, even for a romance novel. Plus, by the time the two got together, I was really too annoyed with the pair of them to care....her for waiting for him for 13 years (seriously, there are other men, even other men who can kiss) and him for being a selfish idiot. It also suffered from an all-too-common problem of the romance genre: obvious withholding of information, serving to create unnecessary distance between reader and character. In such stories, by the time we learn the truth, it's too late to matter much. We've already lost the opportunity to truly sympathize with the characters. I've forgiven the tactic when the story is otherwise good, but in this case, it just exacerbated other issues, leading me to give it a low mark.

[Cam]

Boyle's writing is witty and I like both heroine Diana and her hero Temple (how ironic lol) but his resistance is getting mildly irritating! There's a woman who obviously loves you and her father practically said he would marry her to anyone who gets to her first (he does), sometimes these heroes really should give their women a chance to make their own decisions.

It was fantastic when Temple finally came to his senses; that denying himself form being with Diana was exactly what his Grandfather wanted and completely unlike what his father would have wanted for him. The chapters following that revelation were the best parts of the entire novel.

[Nicole]

This book took too long to get to the point. I lost interest 45% of the way in when the hero was still lying to himself and everyone else. Why is somebody as purportedly awesome as Diana still pining after Temple? Why would a spy who is as smart as Temple is supposed to be be so stubbornly stupid? What is even happening in this novel? I'd especially like to know why the heroine was wanted by the French, but I'll just read reviews with spoilers, instead of trying to finish this.

[Luz T]

This story was not to my liking. Half way through it I began to skim the pages. It was poor Diana chasing Temple through out most of the book. She would place both of them in danger because she was in denial that someone was after her. Her lack of trust in Temple was annoying. Why would he lie about them being in danger?

[Mac]

Normally I think Elizabeth Boyle writes OK books. Not my favorite, but entertaining enough. I didn't like the characters of this book and the story was far fetched and unbelievable. I didn't care for Diana chasing after Temple. She looked desperate instead of determined. And rather annoying. And Temples reasons for not wanting to marry Diana made no sense. I ended up rolling my eyes one too many times towards the end and had to power through the last 45 min of the book. I was bored during this read so I wouldn't recommend it. She has other books I've enjoyed quite a bit.

[Jenny Clark]

This was pretty good, though some of the things were over the top, like Diana being an illegitimate French princess. It is just a tad... unbelievable? overdone?
Over all, it was an enjoyable read, good to escape with. I would recommend it for romance fans for sure. The characters are pretty good, if a tad stubborn. There is some intrigue thrown in as well to help liven it up a bit.

[Rachael]

4.5 ⭐️

This was a lot of fun!! So much plot and so much adventure and romance what more could you ask for?

The minute I finished Something About Emmaline I needed to know what this couples deal was! The tension from just ONE scene was palpable so I was excited to see they had their own book and that it actually came out way before Emmaline.

This is a second chance romance done right. There’s longing, yearning a little lite angst and some serious romantic swoony scenes! Temple and Diana fought long and hard for their HEA and I’m glad they finally got it. While this was funny there was some serious moments thrown in too and it balanced out the chaotic bonkers nature of the plot well. For most of the book it’s actually Diana that pursues Temple (although his pov shows him being absolutely down bad pathetic and distraught with his feelings towards her) and that flips towards the end and we truly see how strong Diana is and how desperate Temple is in pursing her.

The writing was strong, witty and descriptive. Everything I want in a historical romance. I felt I knew these characters from page one that’s how well structured the writing and pacing was.

The sex. This was a slowburn with a fantastic build and pay off. I think Boyle writes some of the most lush and romantic sex scenes and they really drive the relationship forward. I also think this is the first book I’ve read where I didn’t mind that it ended in epilogue sex because it actually suited the couple.

Glad to have found Elizabeth Boyle and excited to continue with her backlist!

[Meg]

Lady Diana Fordham is tired of being a spinster. She's 29 and she's been pining for Temple, the Marquis of Templeton, for far too long now, and takes matters into her own hands. She stages an elopement to Gretna Green with a desperate older lord who wants her mostly for her dowry, and it's Temple's job to go after her to see her safely married... to anyone else but him. He discovers that the French are after her, trying to capture her as a bride for Napoleon, her original bridegroom is murdered, and suddenly a jaunt to a staged elopement to garner Temple's affection is a run for their lives.

As always, Elizabeth Boyle manages to take us on an adventure that's both bonkers and swoony. I've been wanting to read Temple's book since we met him in the Bachelor Chronicles (where I got the sense that he had previous book main character energy), and I was not disappointed with our spy who plays himself off as a dandy to society. The timeline moves back and forth from the past where Diana and Temple first meet and fall for each other, and Temple must choose to don a foppish persona, and the current timeline with the mad dash (at Regency era speed) to Gretna Green. Boyle uses the right number of side characters at any given time to provide both plot enhancement and comic relief. This series is shaping up to be as fun for me as the Bachelor Chronicles.

[Karen Darling]

This book did not hold my interest. I did make it halfway through, very proud of myself.

[Cynincal]

Meh...this one dragged on too much. I finished it but felt like giving up more than once.

[Rosalyn]

I can’ hardly wait to be done with this book.
Lady Diana is nothing but a spoiled bubble-headed miss. Nevermind that she’s supposed to be scandalous and daring and all those crackers. When you get down to it, she’s just some flighty miss whose man-crazy with Temple.

11/27/18

Let me add to what I’ve written so far. I AM SORRY I STARTED READING THIS. This Diana is a nincompoop! Stupid. And more stupid. Sheesh. Feed her to the sharks.

[Shannon]

I was really unsure if I wanted to continue this book after the first few chapters just bdcajad it seemed like there were so many secrets already present. However I'm glad I continued and got to see the adventures of Temple and Diana as they traisped across England and Scotland.

[LemontreeLime]

Liked parts of this Scarlet Pimpernel variation, but methinks Temple doth protest too much.

[Deranged Dreamer]

I didnt think Temple deserved Diana.
He made her wait for TEN years!!!!!!!!!

[Karmen O]

Stealing the Bride by Elizabeth Boyle, book two of the Danvers Family series
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Cover (stepback): 4.5/5 (there is a detail in the book about a character I really wish they would have showcased on the stepback)
Story: 2.5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥(+kissing, one scene is extremely short)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
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Stand Alone or Series: Could be read as a stand alone. Some set up for future books in series.
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England, Regency (1809)
Secret Identity Marquess
Eccentric Spinster Heiress
Road Trip
On the Run
Fake Married
Caught in a Storm
It Was Always You
Second Chance
Close Proximity
Hidden Identity
Mystery Plot
Espionage
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This was not the book for me, which stinks because I have enjoyed the other books in the series so well! I am a bit bummed because I so enjoy Elizabeth Boyle's writing. This book does take on some darker and traumatic themes, some occurring on the page. While there are brushes of comedic dialog here and there, the overall tone of the book is heavier. While not as perhaps outlandish with darkness as, say, the Maiden Lane series by Hoyt, Boyle does dive right into some pretty twisted themes here.

While engaging, this book is so incredibly far-fetched, even for a historical romance novel. If you don't mind blurring the lines with historical fact, you might enjoy this title. While I am not a major stickler for historical correctness and can turn a blind eye to many things, I couldn't take this book seriously. The plot had SO much potential but fizzled out quickly. It is incredibly plot Heavy, so much so that the romance takes a backseat. Additionally, the pacing is just dreadfully slow.

Diana is an insufferable Heroine who I just wanted to shake. Just LISTEN TO TEMPLE. For someone so smart, she sure is stupid when it matters.

Temple is the redeeming main character of this title. Temple's hesitation towards marriage doesn't make sense for a large portion of the book. When Temple finally discloses to Diana more of his familial history, it all makes painful sense. All in all, I don't know why Diana waited all of this time for Temple because he was so, so rude.

As for steam, Boyle uses alluded-to terms, such as manhood, her core, between her thighs, etc. I would describe the scenes in this book as being more on the sweet and tender side. Her scenes are passionate and descriptive. Readers will need to hold out for a large portion of the book for true steam to arrive.
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Read as a physical copy.
Honest review left voluntarily.
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Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
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G*n vi*lence
Mu*der- on and off page
De*th of parents
Pregnancy
De*th after pregnancy
De*th of newborn child
Serious threat of de*th
De*th
Physical v*olence

[Wednesday]

Temple and Diana are lovers who are meant to be together - although the road to their happy ending is long and fraught with danger and heartache.
Temple is an agent for the British Government during the Napoleonic wars and has created a personna of a wastral in the ton to hide this fact. It has also kept him apart from the woman he has loved most of his adult life. He is a great hero, tortured by his past, honourable, physically capable and thoughtful. And most importantly he loves with great passion.
Diana is 29 - she has deliberately remained unmarried in the hope that her love for Temple will be requited. She is plucky, resourceful and genuine. Her love for Temple drives her to understand him.
Their interactions are always intense and real.
The action that surrounds them adds a great driver to the story and gradually pushes them together.
It's exciting and engaging and I really enjoyed it.

[Lauren]

This book made me so mad! I seriously didn't want to finish. It was so long and drawn out. The huge issue was the H wanted to keep h safe by not marrying her. The h chased the H for 10 years! That's a huge waste of her life!!!! He still refuses then they fight for hours refusing her. Then next morning wakes up and changes his mind. But nothing happened to change it. Just woke up and said I change my mind even then I spent the past 10 years sure we couldn't be together. It was so bad. Also the h was TSTL. They were literally being shot at and she was like "oh sure French agents, why do you insist on such a silly obvious lie, just pullover and I'll give the people trying to kill us some money"

[Jamie]

I really fucking enjoyed this book. Surprisingly, there was a lot of mystery about our main character throughout the novel, and while the result was so damn silly, it was well thought-out throughout the book, which was so different. Characters were nicely fleshed out, which, for a historical romance, is not something you get all that often. And the way my jaw DROPPED over the two side characters being secretly married - like, hot damn, that was nice. Just kinda wish we saw the main male character's reaction to that!!

[Myrna]

I generally like Elizabeth Boyle's novels, but this one was a real clinker. I had so much hope for Temple (I really like the trope of the fierce, competent man masquerading as a fashionable wastrel), but his efforts were wasted on Lady Diana. She was so annoying! She didn't believe him when he told her she was in danger, so her only claim to boldness was in trying to seduce Temple. Ugh, This really should have been a short story.

[Robin]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this was a disappointment. I was thinking of skipping it altogether because I didn’t like either character in the first book. I almost stopped reading several times because the characters didn’t improve on further acquaintance. She’s a stubborn bossy rich girl and he lacks any kind of self awareness. I didn’t dislike the ending.

[Toni Pearson]

While I liked the first book in this series, One Night of Passion. I found Diana to be really pushy and annoying. I think Temple and her definitely belong together but her bully tactics were a turnoff for me. She came off as desperate, I think this book would've been better as a two part but the ending felt rushed for the HEA. I found myself wishing for Temple to leave her in the end.

[Abbey Thompson]

Generally a fun read, but like so many of these heroes, IF HE'D HAVE JUST FUCKING TALKED TO HER FROM THE BEGINNING, it would be a healthier, happier relationship and they'd have married much sooner.

Rating : Pretty Good

[Miriamgreen]

reduced to zero for historical blunder of calling Louis XV the Sun King. any half wit knows that it was Louis XIV who said Après moi, le déluge
this was the Sun King
an unforgivable error and shame on Boyle
otherwise a good read
spoiled by author notes

[SenoritaPerdida]

DNF. Never have 2 characters used so many words to convey absolutely zero pertinent information. H never tells the h what’s going on. h is almost TSTL and argues with everyone about everything because she’s “InDePeNdEnT and strong-willed”. Ugh.

[Sage]

Honestly, extremely annoyed by how dumb she was. She knew his occupation and yet thought he was either lying or crazy for almost half the book. It didn't make good sense. The story was fun, and Temple was great, I just struggled with Diana.

[Francesca]

2 Stelle e mezza.

[SLW]

5.5

[Anushka]

- love the couple , great chemistry
- some parts were too rushed

[Joann]

It was ok

[Ronda]

Great 2nd chance romance by Ms. Boyle