The Prince's Bride

Regency Brides #5

by Joanne Wadsworth

She’s searching for love.
He’s searching for anything other than love.
Somehow, they might just be each other’s best match.

For years Captain Anteros Bourbon—aka The Cobra—has eluded his father. He has dedicated his life to fighting the war against Napoleon by building his fleet of ships and sinking his enemy’s warships, although he hides a deadly secret. He is a lost Prince of Naples and Sicily, and now his father has found him and is demanding he marry and produce the required heir. Never will he take on a wife though, or expose her to his dangerous activities, so instead he devises a plan to make it appear to his father that he has wed. He enlists the aid of an English lady he trusts by asking her to speak false marriage vows with him. A winning plan for sure, one which should rid him of his father’s man spying on him.

Lady Olivia Trentbury has been infatuated with Anteros Bourbon since the first day she met him. He has aided her family in so many ways, and when he arrives on her doorstep asking if she’ll speak false marriage vows with him, she can’t turn him away. She takes all care when his father’s spy is near, although unfortunately the villain is intent on removing her from Anteros’s sight. The spy steals her away as his hostage aboard a ship bound for Sicily. Forced to survive treacherous waters as Anteros follows in hard pursuit, she discovers staying alive has never been more of a challenge.

Can Anteros capture his lady back before it’s too late?

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Romance, Regency Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2018

About the author

Joanne Wadsworth is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author who adores getting lost in the world of romance, no matter what era in time that might be. Hot alpha Highlanders hound her, demanding their stories are told and she’s devoted to ensuring they meet their match, whether that be with a feisty lass from the present or far in the past.

Living on a tiny island at the bottom of the world, she calls New Zealand home. Big-dreamer, hoarder of chocolate, and addicted to juicy watermelons since the age of five, she chases after her four energetic children and has her own hunky hubby on the side.

So come and join in all the fun, because this kiwi girl promises to give you her “Hot-Highlander” oath, to bring you a heart-pounding, sexy adventure from the moment you turn the first page. This is where romance meets fantasy and adventure…

Highlander Heat Series: HIGHLANDER'S CASTLE, HIGHLANDER'S MAGIC, HIGHLANDER'S CHARM, HIGHLANDER'S GUARDIAN, HIGHLANDER'S FAERIE, HIGHLANDER'S CHAMPION, HIGHLANDER'S CAPTIVE.

The Matheson Brothers Series: HIGHLANDER'S DESIRE, HIGHLANDER'S PASSION, HIGHLANDER'S SEDUCTION.

Clan Matheson Series: HIGHLANDER'S KISS, HIGHLANDER'S HEART, HIGHLANDER'S SWORD.

The Fae Series: HIGHLANDER'S BRIDE, HIGHLANDER'S CARESS, HIGHLANDER'S TOUCH.

The Matheson Warriors Series: HIGHLANDER'S SHIFTER, HIGHLANDER'S CLAIM, HIGHLANDER'S COURAGE, HIGHLANDER'S CRAVING.

Regency Brides Series: THE DUKE'S BRIDE, THE EARL'S BRIDE, THE WARTIME BRIDE, THE SECRET BRIDE.

Princesses of Myth Series: PROTECTOR, WARRIOR, HUNTER, ENCHANTER, HEALER, CHASER.

Billionaire Bodyguards Series: BILLIONAIRE BODYGUARD ATTRACTION, BILLIONARE BODYGUARD BOSS, BILLIONAIRE BODYGUARD FLING.

Reviews

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept⛵ Away🌊💕

Anteros🐺🍆🌋 is the Italian Stallion🐎, the tall, dark, and handsome Captain of his own ship⛵, the COBRA🐍 in the war against Napoleon. His father, an Italian Nobleman, also captains a ship. Anteros is his second son and not likely to inherit, but his father insists he marry👰.

Olivia💃💋, the daughter of a British Earl, is the object of his fascination and lust, but so far, she has kept him at bay. Anteros🐺🍆🌋, the rake, is her fascination, she would do anything for him!

Anteros🐺🍆🌋 gets the crazy idea that he and Olivia💃💋, his 👼angel, will get married👰 to fulfil the wishes of his father, but it will be a fake marriage👰, not binding. As a ship captain⛵ at war, he doesn't want to be married.

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
The book was $2.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.

I loved this wonderfully written book! The author is a master of detail, I adored her absolutely perfectly detailed descriptions of the era, the clothes, the food, the cities and society. Even the ships and battle details are exquisite!
The book drew me in and I was completely absorbed in reading it. Anteros🐺🍆🌋 is the perfect man! He is sultry, strong, sexy and protective. Even though this book has no graphic adult scenes, the promise in his wolfish🐺 smile is definitely there! I wish the book was longer!

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Wadsworth has outdone herself with The Prince's Bride. The relationship between Captain Anteros Bourbon and Lady Olivia Trentbury is sweet and sensual. The Capain AKA The Cobra is drawn to this innocent beauty but he has a secret that would put her in danger. I knew that the Lady had spirit and wasn't afraid. She wanted adventure and would fight to win her true love. Would the Cobra take the risk? I couldn't put this book down. The story is a wild ride. I loved the action and adventure. The characters are so well written. I fell I love with them. They are a perfect pair. I loved with this regency romance. When I finished reading, The Prince's Bride I was smiling. Loved triumphed.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prince's Bride is a fantastic historical romance by Joanne Wadsworth. Ms. Wadsworth has created a book that is well-written. I love the cast characters in this book, they're amazing. Captain Anteros is a lost Prince of Naples. Olivia knows him as a captain that has helped her family. Anteros and Olivia's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed this book from the first page until the last and eagerly await my next book from Joanne Wadsworth. The Prince's Bride is book 5 of the Regency Brides Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

False Marriage Thwarted by Kidnapping

Lady Olivia, the heroine, met Anteros--a sea captain and gentleman’s club owner--at a ball a year-and-a-half before the book starts. We don't get to see much of this backstory except in the prologue and snippets of recalled memories, but apparently, Anteros has been a good friend to Olivia and her family. Lady Olivia has also gotten to know his sister, Adrestia. For all that has transpired in their past, Anteros believes that Lady Olivia owes him a favor. So when his father demands he marry-- even though Anteros has no desire to--he asks Lady Olivia to perform false vows with him to appease his father. His father accepts this compromise. Lady Olivia is later kidnapped.

Is Anteros’s father genuinely willing to accept an English noblewoman, not his chosen Austrian archduchess, for his son’s bride? Will Anteros risk to pursue and rescue lady Olivia? When will he tell her that he is actually an Italian prince whose family has been deposed by Napoleon? Will they speak false vows of marriage? Will they fall in love?

As I have often felt in this series, the book is missing something by not fully including the couple’s backstory. We are just told they have this complex past relationship with only brief moments of that history shown. I would like to understand that the dynamics between Olivia and Anteros better, and that can only be done by showing the scenes where their relationship evolved. The author prefers to write the series as novellas rather than novels, but to me, the complex character dynamics and plot shifts require longer telling to be fully satisfying for the reader.

In this series, the author creates some fascinating secondary characters. Like in this story, Anteros ’s sister, Adrestia would make a fantastic heroine. I would encourage the author to both write some of the romances for these interesting secondary characters and consider making them longer so we can understand the couple's backstory instead of just being thrown in at a much later time in their relationship.

The book had some of the common issues of grammar, punctuation, and usage, but this did not distract from the story. She did misspell the hero’s dynasty, Bourbon, as Bourdon twice.

If you enjoy historical romances with a little bit of adventure on the high seas, you might enjoy this story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is romantic, dramatic and entertaining. Anteros is bold, charming, gentle and stubborn. Olivia is determined, tough and optimistic. They started out as friends, but both developed feelings for the other. Unfortunately for Olivia, she doesn't know that Anteros is a prince and has reasons for vowing to never marry. When his father gives him an ultimatum, he can marry his chosen bride or deal with the consequences, Anteros makes a deal with him to marry Olivia instead. Only it's not that easy, both Anteros and his father are stubborn and determined to get their own way, which doesn't bode well for Olivia. There's adventure and danger on the high sea for these two, but love can prevail.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a romantic, action adventure romance. Heroine, Lady Olivia Trentbury, sister of the Earl of Winterly, is a generous, kind hearted and thoughtful woman. She deeply loves those whom she calls friends and family. Captain Anteros Bourbon is known as The Cobra. He commandeers a fleet of war ships designed to fight Napoleon and the French for the English King and for the Portuguese Royal Family. He is a confident, self-assured man, capable of the fiercest loyalty to those he calls friend and family. He lives to serve. He protects the innocent regardless of station. Olivia's family is indebted to Anteros for saving her brother and his wife. He warns Olivia of unsuitable men looking for her hand in marriage only for her dowry. He has also helped in many other ways. He returns to Oliva every time he comes to shore. He is drawn to her. However, he will not embark on a relationship with her. He does not want a wife or children. He fears his life is too dangerous. Olivia has been taken with Anteros since she met him. Her affection and ardor continue to grow every time he is around. Anteros' father has demanded he take a wife and produce an heir. His father wants him to marry the daughter of the Emperor of Austria in order to gain political power from them. Anteros tells his father he will marry none but for Lady Olivia Trentbury. His father agrees but reminds him that he must be wed on the island of Paradiso near Sicily. He entreats Olivia to be part of a ruse to speak false wedding vows to him so that his father's spy, Bruno, will witness the event and report back to his father. Anteros obtained an invitation from Maria Cristina, the Duchess of Genoa for a ball in her honor in Sicily. Olivia is to use the invitation as cover for their journey to Paradiso. Her mother upon hearing of this has encouraged Olivia to go. One evening as Olivia spent the time in Anteros' arms, Bruno hit him on the head and kidnapped Olivia. Over ten days, the search for Olivia on the high seas ensued. When he caught up to the vessel that Bruno had Olivia on, he saw a pirate ship attacking them. Anteros went into commander mode fought the pirates, killed Bruno and found Olivia. The crew and passengers from the sinking ship Olivia was on were taken aboard for safety. Does the danger end there? NO!! Will Olivia ever win Anteros heart? This was such an exciting read. When I got to the last page I did not want it to end. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

For this last book listed in the series, I thought it was a nice closer. We see the Cobra, that has been in about every book gets his girl and the youngest of the Trentbury siblings (that has been named dropped if not in) the whole series gets her man and her adventure. Riding off to the sunset to seas unknown.

I love how Joanne Wadsworth tries to put real historic events into the story and gives you the readers digest of the event in the author's notes. I also like how she has the main cast wait a min and not just jump strait into bed with them in the first few chapters. Even though I was reading a romance it felt... clean.

Now that I praised the book, let me talk about the series as a whole starting with the down sides and then moving to a positive note.

The main male leads are about the same, in books one, two, & two the main male leads spell out, "I will never get married" mostly they are moody, overly sappy males who think it is their fault the world sucks and they should not be happy. I honestly don't remember if the Trentbury Brothers where like this or not but they have their own issues and possible my favorite cookie from this mold.

The leading ladies are also cookie cutter and feel just as extensions of the other. If I didn't remember the names I would of thought this was a series of books about 5 sisters. I forget about the first two ladies but everyone after had blond hair, and on all the covers there was a blond her beauty on the cover making me thing that it the leading ladies are all blond. They all have a fighting personality when it comes to certain things but they are all innocent beauties that get man-splained then turn into vixens. ...The author is also blond, so I wonder is this her day dreams?

I also did these as audio books from Chirp, and the reader I felt could of put a bit more life into it and help bring the rating up for me. When she is in the "heat of the moment" she sounded like she was having an everyday conversation and not panting as one of the lines latterly stated.

Also, at the end of the audio book it said there there was one more to the series but here on goodreads it is the start of another Series.

When I read a book I do question the possibility on things, but I am reading to escape the world so the "this would never happen" things I question but place to the side since I am not reading for that, just to escape and Joanne does that, if she didn't I would not have finished this series.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate reading a series I started out of order, since I already read books 1 & 2 and now reading book 5 I lost some things but gained a few spoilers for book 4. I very briefly remember Captain of the Cobra, nicked maned the cobra but I didn’t know of his true name so that was something new. Anyways it was a great book of hiding the truths of his real title, what his father wants him to do to gain his one kingdom back from Neapolitan, how Anteros fights alongside the English and Portugal bit in secret he also keeps the enemies from his father’s and his lands to keep papa on the throne. But drama unfolds when assignment was blotched and Olivia was badly beaten and kidnapped just to bait Anteros to do as his father commands. As to the steam factor it’s was mostly heavy petting and kisses until the second or third to last chapter when Olivia became the suductive woman and overpowered Anteros. Other than is father being Manipulating, his sister love Olivia as her sister and they are very close friends. Other then the spy his dad had to follow his orders there wasn’t that much fighting other then from both Olivia and Anteros, he pushes her away then brings her back in his arms, then pushes her away and back for most of the book, I laughed when she left a very distinctive mark on Anteros Face from the comment he made to her....

[Cheryl Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia leads a wonderful life her mother allows more freedom than most young ladies of her time period, but her mother also trust her to do what is right. Captain Anteros Bourbon is someone that both mother and daughter feels is right to trust, Olivia would gladly put her life in his hands forever but Anteros will never marry believing he would put any person he loved in danger but he does adore his angel and will keep her safe. His life is cloaked in secrets as is his sister's they both captain their own ships protecting the waters from France during the war. Anteros father demands he marry for what she will bring, Anteros tells his father he will only marry Olivia and no other. His father seems to agree but sends his most trusted guard Bruno, to ensure no funny business takes place. The plan Anteros has with Olivia is to go through a mark wedding so his father will leave him be. All seems hood, with Olivia in front of him he is caught off guard and struck down when he comes to Olivia is gone Bruno has taken her. Anteros and his sister will do anything to get her back including marring the girl his father picked and so the story really begins.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The story of Olivia and Anteros is an exceptionally well written book and tells a great story that is full of love, kidnapping, betrayal by a father and finally a HEA. Anteros has kept his identity hidden from Olivia in order to protect those her from his father’s meddling. Olivia and her family have been aided by Antheros more than once and she had come to love him. Antheros claims he will never marry because doing so would endanger her life. Even though he says this, over and over, he can’t seem to keep away from her. This closeness his father sees as a threat for the plans he has for Atheros’ future. The book is a great read and I would highly recommend it. Adrestia definitely needs her own story written.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is romantic, dramatic and entertaining. Anteros is bold, charming, gentle and stubborn. Olivia is determined, tough and optimistic. They started out as friends, but both developed feelings for the other. Unfortunately for Olivia, she doesn't know that Anteros is a prince and has reasons for vowing to never marry. When his father gives him an ultimatum, he can marry his chosen bride or deal with the consequences, Anteros makes a deal with him to marry Olivia instead. Only it's not that easy, both Anteros and his father are stubborn and determined to get their own way, which doesn't bode well for Olivia. There's adventure and danger on the high sea for these two, but love can prevail.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is allowed much more freedom than your average young woman in regency times and she owes that all to her mother. Her and her mother have often helped the swashbuckling captain of a fleet of ships who is hunting for his father, What she doesn't know is that he is actually a prince in disguise Captain Anteros Bourbon as always sworn he will never marry he can't put any woman in that much danger but for some reason he can't stay away from Lady Olivia Trentbury. When his past puts her in danger he will do whatever it takes to keep he safe. Another great historical romance fro this very talented author she brings the past to life.

[marzimarzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable read with unexpected steam. Regency Romances are usually about prim & proper ladies so it was a lovely surprise to have such a heroine so correct in society with such 'naughty' tendencies with her pirate.
Joanne Wadsworth truly outdid herself in this captivating book with a great plot and lovely characters I hope to read more about.

Definitely recommend one-clicking this book right now.

@Joanne Wadsworth I'd love to read the stories of each of Giovani and Adrestia too.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has been building up his fleet of ships to fight Napoleon and in doing so hides from his father. She has liked him for a long time and is his friend. His father finds him and says he is to marry and produce an heir. He asks her to have a pretend wedding. His dad has someone who has been watching them and reporting back to him. But this person wants her to disappear so she ends up on a ship. It is exciting, fun, emotional, suspenseful, edge of your seat reading. I recommend it. I was given a review copy on booksprout and voluntarily review it.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5+++ star book from the amazing Joanne Wadsworth!!
I was completely swept away into The Prince's Bride. I absolutely love the tidal wave of emotions, adventure and intrigue that this book held within it's pages. I've adored Olivia from previous books in this series, but loved getting to know her in the book. The mysterious Captain has had me wanting to learn more of him and his story. The passion and spark between these two was felt in past books, this book was no exception! I cannot wait for the next book, thank you Ms Wadsworth!

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really transported me! I was captivated by the chemistry between Anteros and Olivia. I loved that he didn't want to ruin her but was going to show her everything. I love that Olivia got the better of him and showed him that they were meant to be together and fate would bring them together always. It was such an adventure from the beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Che Flaviano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated me

Highly recommended read. The excitement was palpable. The plot was well written - adventurous, suspenseful and action-packed. The heat is just perfect, the kind Joanne Wadsworth usually writes. The character development is just perfect. I wished to read more from the other characters mentioned - maybe a new book within the series perhaps :) The author is really a fav of mine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, sweetly sexy, emotionally thrilling and highly entertaining historical romantic adventure filled with danger, secrets and heart pounding passion.... Loved it!!

This unlikely couple enter into a agreement to save themselves and find so much more than either of them bargained for. Loved all the exciting twists and turns this journey takes along the way. Was a very captivating read that was very hard to put down.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anteros is an undercover spy against Napoleon and he's also a prince of Naples but his father had found and now wants him to do the dutiful thing and marry and begets heir so he goes to England to ask lady Olivia to pretend she is married to him and she agrees.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a spy and she's a lady. But together they are just WOW! We have swashbuckling, spies, kidnappings, and even a seer in a fast paced, easily read historical adventure. The characters were well developed and the storyline was well plotted and moved fast enough to keep you guessing about what they would have to do to get their HEA. (I voluntarily read an ARC).

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five in the Regency Brides series and it captured my attention from the first to the last page. This is Captain Anteros Bourbon who is a prince and Lady Olivia Trentbury's story. The book has suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping and a romance. I wonder if there are going to be more books to this series! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has been hiding from his father but now he has found demanding him to marry and have an heir. So he turns to the one he knows will help. She has wanted him for so long so when he suggests a game marriage she will do it. She is spirited away and he must hunt her down. Will he find her? See if he will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story full of action, adventure, danger, love, betrayal, family treachery, and kidnapping. The MCs are wonderfully drawn, and the story really drew me in. I was on the edge of my seat hoping for a HEA for Olivia and Anteros. Excellent Story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well filled story with a mix of action, adventure, danger, love, betrayal, family treachery and kidnapping. The characters are likeable and well described. A great chemistry and passion between them. The author has included twists that keeps the reader on the edge and just wanting to read what comes next.
The suspence and romance made this a story that is enjoyable and engaging read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anteros and Olivia had been introduced in previous stories as supporting characters. With enough hints of an impending connection it was interesting to see all of the details of their story unfold. So many secrets! While truths are revealed piece by piece, I enjoyed seeing some of the foretold future items evolve to be reality. Sweet, steamy adventure with a HEA-what more could one ask for!

[Xantippi Leska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advance copy from the author.

I loved Anteros and Olivia together, they had amazing chemistry. This book is filled with action and adventure, and some kidnapping thrown into the mix. The story line is very well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what happens next.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Anteros and Lady Olivia Trentbury are perfectly putting together a plot to fool his father. What neither expects is to make what they are pretending real as love strikes any time.
These two will have you laughing and gasping on edge for what they plan next.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely stunning. It was a priceless work of art. Everything I read from Ms. Wadsworth is wonderful and this book does not disappoint. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, great romance.

[Honey Bee Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

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