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Vawdrey Brothers #3
An Ill-Made Match
Roland Vawdrey is used to the best. As the King’s champion he sets all the maiden’s hearts a-flutter. When it comes to picking out a wife, he knows exactly what he requires, perfection of face and form. Naturally, his choice falls on the fair Lenora. His dreams may be haunted by a stolen kiss with uptight Eden, but he’s not about to throw himself away on some prim, paragon of virtue!
Eden Montmayne prefers poets to knights, and would rather read a book than watch the jousting. When a betrothal feast goes awry, there is a truly scandalous outcome for Eden and Roland that throws the royal court into chaos. Even more shockingly, people soon start to wonder, could the resulting marriage be the making of them both? Despite the fact it was such an ill-made match?
This is a stand-alone full length novel of over 108,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.
Eden Montmayne prefers poets to knights, and would rather read a book than watch the jousting. When a betrothal feast goes awry, there is a truly scandalous outcome for Eden and Roland that throws the royal court into chaos. Even more shockingly, people soon start to wonder, could the resulting marriage be the making of them both? Despite the fact it was such an ill-made match?
This is a stand-alone full length novel of over 108,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
417 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
June 2, 2025
After binging this author’s medieval series for the past week I’ve come to realise how formulaic the books are. But it’s nice to see that the author still manages to bring in unique elements that makes each story very much their own.
Eden is not like other demure heroines the author usually writes but I still I really liked her. Her surliness and willing to stand up for others was definitely a nice reprieve!
Up until this book, I had been very much indifferent to Rowland and honestly, I still am. I liked his possessiveness and his devotion to Eden but at the end of the day, Mason (hero from the first book) has just set the bar too damn high. But I have to point out, this is the first time I’ve read about a ‘medieval jock’ and I was pretty interested in the jousting and melee tournaments Rowland competed in!
Unfortunately, I spotted quite a few errors which kind of detracted from the story but on the upside, I’m so glad this story was removed from the court setting (for the most part anyways) because that was my main problem with book 2.
Of all three books, the first book is still my favorite book in the series. I would commit murder for Mason and Linnet.
Rating: 3.5/5
Eden is not like other demure heroines the author usually writes but I still I really liked her. Her surliness and willing to stand up for others was definitely a nice reprieve!
Up until this book, I had been very much indifferent to Rowland and honestly, I still am. I liked his possessiveness and his devotion to Eden but at the end of the day, Mason (hero from the first book) has just set the bar too damn high. But I have to point out, this is the first time I’ve read about a ‘medieval jock’ and I was pretty interested in the jousting and melee tournaments Rowland competed in!
Unfortunately, I spotted quite a few errors which kind of detracted from the story but on the upside, I’m so glad this story was removed from the court setting (for the most part anyways) because that was my main problem with book 2.
Of all three books, the first book is still my favorite book in the series. I would commit murder for Mason and Linnet.
Rating: 3.5/5
April 28, 2023
I have read all of these books out of order, so that was the first mistake. Secondly, the hero in this book, was kind of an ass in the first two books of the series so I went in prepared to not like him.
However, he was wonderfully written here and I appreciated his slight obsession with the h.
Roland was the kings champion, who made all the ladies swoon. Eden was the queens lady, very proper and cold. Caught in and uncompromising position, they are forced to wed. The main issue is that Roland was basically engaged already to Eden’s cousin. Whoops.
As always, this author writes intimate scenes so tenderly. They are not your typical historical romance love scenes, which I appreciate. Those Vaudrey brothers are some sweet dirty talkers in the bedroom!
Secrets are revealed and it’s not until the end of the story we understand what exactly happened the morning they were found together.
Not my favorite Coldbreath story, that would be A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter, but still fun to read. Audiobook narrated by Anne Flosnik, who does an excellent job with both male and female voices.
However, he was wonderfully written here and I appreciated his slight obsession with the h.
Roland was the kings champion, who made all the ladies swoon. Eden was the queens lady, very proper and cold. Caught in and uncompromising position, they are forced to wed. The main issue is that Roland was basically engaged already to Eden’s cousin. Whoops.
As always, this author writes intimate scenes so tenderly. They are not your typical historical romance love scenes, which I appreciate. Those Vaudrey brothers are some sweet dirty talkers in the bedroom!
Secrets are revealed and it’s not until the end of the story we understand what exactly happened the morning they were found together.
Not my favorite Coldbreath story, that would be A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter, but still fun to read. Audiobook narrated by Anne Flosnik, who does an excellent job with both male and female voices.
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December 30, 2024
UPDATE: Moved this to 5 stars on a reread, because Eden and Roland are utterly hilarious. Full marks.
_____
⤅ I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but definitely not for it to be so good.
I've seen Coldbreath recommended here and there by my friends before (epecially Inna and Irene) but I'd stayed away because I'm not really a fan of the arranged marriage/marriage of convenience trope, and most of her books seem to have that theme. But then I dug a little deeper into this one, and it caught my interest.
Basically, we start off here with 22-year-old Lady Eden Montmayne, who's one of the Queen's maiden ladies-in-waiting and is the ultimate good girl. She strongly values all the moral qualities - like humility, studiousness, and chivalry - which 25-year-old Sir Roland Vawdrey distinctly lacks. Described by someone else as a 'medieval jock', he's the youngest of three noble brothers, so he makes his living through jousts and warfare. He's also charming, a manwhore, and pretty much everything Eden despises. He isn't into her either - her cousin, the beautiful Lenora, is much more his style - but for some reason, he can't stop himself thinking about her after they shared a kiss six months ago.
(This backstory is told on the author's website, but basically they were playing a medieval version of Spin the Bottle and he landed on her).
Roland's now engaged to Lenora, but to their mutual shock and horror, he and Eden wake up the morning after the betrothal feast in bed with each other. What on earth happened?! Early Modern mores being what they are, they now have to get married and make a life together, thus bringing in Coldbreath's signature 'MOC' trope. But I didn't mind, because actually Roland knows he isn't interested in Lenora even before he wakes up with Eden, and he's more than ready to get started with his new bride.
It takes Eden a little longer to get there, but that's good; it's in keeping with her character. And the characterisation is actually great. Roland's adorably besotted with Eden. I'm not generally a fan of heroes who initially overlook plain-Jane heroines, but here I could believe that he had spent months being blinded by Eden's superficial plainness and that the kiss opened his eyes. He also has been celibate for the six months since the kiss, which helps, so there's zero OW drama. If anything, I actually wish there had been a dash more angst regarding his previous ignorance of her.
The worldbuilding is actually pretty good too. There's not much world to build, to be fair: the country of 'Karadok' is just Tudor England, complete with a lady-in-waiting named Jane Cecil (Cecil, of course, being the surname of Elizabeth I's famously competent courtier William, Lord Burghersh). But I thought Coldbreath did an excellent job at conveying the social attitudes of the time, notwithstanding the 'fantasy' setting. Eden, for instance, is initially hesitant and mildly turned off by sex with Roland, which is both amusing and delightfully realistic.
I haven't read any of Coldbreath's other books yet, but if they're anything like this one, I'm onto a winner.
_____
⤅ I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but definitely not for it to be so good.
I've seen Coldbreath recommended here and there by my friends before (epecially Inna and Irene) but I'd stayed away because I'm not really a fan of the arranged marriage/marriage of convenience trope, and most of her books seem to have that theme. But then I dug a little deeper into this one, and it caught my interest.
Basically, we start off here with 22-year-old Lady Eden Montmayne, who's one of the Queen's maiden ladies-in-waiting and is the ultimate good girl. She strongly values all the moral qualities - like humility, studiousness, and chivalry - which 25-year-old Sir Roland Vawdrey distinctly lacks. Described by someone else as a 'medieval jock', he's the youngest of three noble brothers, so he makes his living through jousts and warfare. He's also charming, a manwhore, and pretty much everything Eden despises. He isn't into her either - her cousin, the beautiful Lenora, is much more his style - but for some reason, he can't stop himself thinking about her after they shared a kiss six months ago.
(This backstory is told on the author's website, but basically they were playing a medieval version of Spin the Bottle and he landed on her).
Roland's now engaged to Lenora, but to their mutual shock and horror, he and Eden wake up the morning after the betrothal feast in bed with each other. What on earth happened?! Early Modern mores being what they are, they now have to get married and make a life together, thus bringing in Coldbreath's signature 'MOC' trope. But I didn't mind, because actually Roland knows he isn't interested in Lenora even before he wakes up with Eden, and he's more than ready to get started with his new bride.
It takes Eden a little longer to get there, but that's good; it's in keeping with her character. And the characterisation is actually great. Roland's adorably besotted with Eden. I'm not generally a fan of heroes who initially overlook plain-Jane heroines, but here I could believe that he had spent months being blinded by Eden's superficial plainness and that the kiss opened his eyes. He also has been celibate for the six months since the kiss, which helps, so there's zero OW drama. If anything, I actually wish there had been a dash more angst regarding his previous ignorance of her.
The worldbuilding is actually pretty good too. There's not much world to build, to be fair: the country of 'Karadok' is just Tudor England, complete with a lady-in-waiting named Jane Cecil (Cecil, of course, being the surname of Elizabeth I's famously competent courtier William, Lord Burghersh). But I thought Coldbreath did an excellent job at conveying the social attitudes of the time, notwithstanding the 'fantasy' setting. Eden, for instance, is initially hesitant and mildly turned off by sex with Roland, which is both amusing and delightfully realistic.
I haven't read any of Coldbreath's other books yet, but if they're anything like this one, I'm onto a winner.
January 14, 2020
5 STARS
Another fantastic book. Loved Roland and Eden equally! The supporting cast was just as endearing, both human and canine. I am looking forward to many more from Ms. Coldbreath. And I won't be satisfied until Cuthbert gets his own story.
I did want to point out that there were quite a few editing errors. Auto-correct does not count as an editor, and if hiring an editor is too expensive, I will gladly offer up my services. ;) This does not detract in any way from my review, but it does signify, and should be addressed.
Looking forward to more from this author.
"As a wooer, Roland Vawdrey may have been indifferent. But as a husband, he is without peer. I love him, and I will have no other."
Another fantastic book. Loved Roland and Eden equally! The supporting cast was just as endearing, both human and canine. I am looking forward to many more from Ms. Coldbreath. And I won't be satisfied until Cuthbert gets his own story.
His staff was monstrous huge and unwieldy!
I did want to point out that there were quite a few editing errors. Auto-correct does not count as an editor, and if hiring an editor is too expensive, I will gladly offer up my services. ;) This does not detract in any way from my review, but it does signify, and should be addressed.
Looking forward to more from this author.
“I want everything to be perfect,“ he frowned. “And it is,” she told him sagely. “But right now, I want you to untidy me, and make it clear that I’m a very desired wife.” Roland’s gaze turned dark. “That my fearless lady, will be entirely my pleasure.”
December 17, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Roland's story! :)
He was such a great character who, with total naivete, accepted since the very beginning the situation and just couldn't understand why eden didn't! It was hilarious!
Eden, on the other hand, got on my nerves. She had such a huge that made her almost hateful! But, at the same time, I was sorry for her and admired her because, against all odds, she managed to make herself appreciated!
In the previous books, where she appears a self-possessed, acomplished and capable woman, here she's so out of her field that she comes out as totally incompetenet and insecure.
On the contrary, in those books where Roland was a total idiot, here we see him in a completly different light. He's sweet and generous, happy to do everything to make it easier for Eden and to make her see how much he values her.
You should read this one just to see this Roland! :)
He was such a great character who, with total naivete, accepted since the very beginning the situation and just couldn't understand why eden didn't! It was hilarious!
Eden, on the other hand, got on my nerves. She had such a huge that made her almost hateful! But, at the same time, I was sorry for her and admired her because, against all odds, she managed to make herself appreciated!
In the previous books, where she appears a self-possessed, acomplished and capable woman, here she's so out of her field that she comes out as totally incompetenet and insecure.
On the contrary, in those books where Roland was a total idiot, here we see him in a completly different light. He's sweet and generous, happy to do everything to make it easier for Eden and to make her see how much he values her.
You should read this one just to see this Roland! :)
September 29, 2020
I've been putting off reading this book because the H is such a manwhore in the previous books. But I've run out of Alice Coldbreath books and so I went ahead and hoped for the best. And it turns out that I really enjoyed this one. (which shouldn't be a surprise since I love this author's writing style)
Roland and Eden are discovered in bed together naked both having no idea how they got there. They are forced to wed immediately and they leave for Roland's home. Eden is a prissy prude who was raised as the unwanted poor relation and is put off by Roland even though she is also extremely attracted to him. Roland kissed Eden 6 months previously and she is all he's been able to think about since so he is quite happy to find himself married since he was in that frame of mind anyway. This is a marriage of convenience story and these two have a bumpy road to happiness.
Roland's past is not written in an angsty way so his past was not an issue in the story. In fact, he's been celibate ever since that kiss 6 months ago so most would consider this safe. But I had to take off 1 star because I couldn't warm up to Roland. In the past books he would sleep with any woman who came his way and I'm just not a big fan of the manwhore H so I had a hard time not thinking about all the probable illegitimate children strewn across England. And maybe it was made clear in the previous books, but his sudden change of morals and mind didn't feel natural to me and I couldn't quite wrap my head around why now? Why Eden?
Despite my quibbles, this is a great story and if you don't have my particular problem with manwhores, you will love this book.
Roland and Eden are discovered in bed together naked both having no idea how they got there. They are forced to wed immediately and they leave for Roland's home. Eden is a prissy prude who was raised as the unwanted poor relation and is put off by Roland even though she is also extremely attracted to him. Roland kissed Eden 6 months previously and she is all he's been able to think about since so he is quite happy to find himself married since he was in that frame of mind anyway. This is a marriage of convenience story and these two have a bumpy road to happiness.
Roland's past is not written in an angsty way so his past was not an issue in the story. In fact, he's been celibate ever since that kiss 6 months ago so most would consider this safe. But I had to take off 1 star because I couldn't warm up to Roland. In the past books he would sleep with any woman who came his way and I'm just not a big fan of the manwhore H so I had a hard time not thinking about all the probable illegitimate children strewn across England. And maybe it was made clear in the previous books, but his sudden change of morals and mind didn't feel natural to me and I couldn't quite wrap my head around why now? Why Eden?
Despite my quibbles, this is a great story and if you don't have my particular problem with manwhores, you will love this book.
October 8, 2022
First about the fair Lenora, the h's incredibly beautiful cousin/ow - I disliked her intensely in book #2 because she comes across as selfish and vacuous if not an out and out vamp. When I started this book immediately after the second book, I couldn't stomach her legitimization/elevation so I dropped off in disgust.
Now, picking up the book after a year, I can see Lenora, her self-doubts and her relationship with Eden (the h) from a more unbiased and fresh perspective. In fact, I am excited to read Lenora's book next.
Eden and Roland
Roland too has not been a very inspiring figure in the past books - rather an unreliable, jousting manhoe who has been shirking responsibility and respectability for the longest. But I did see a mild growth even in the previous book where he wenched less and less, and spent more time with his family. That h's dog, Bors, preferring his company over others is a big plus in his favor.
And in the present book, this character growth continues. Not only do his better qualities get showcased but he is shown as a completely besotted and celibate guy after 'The Kiss'. (I wish we'd gotten more details of this fabled kiss.)
He's engaged to Lenora but an inner dissatisfaction, one he can't pinpoint, keeps growing. On his betrothal night, things take a curious turn as he and Eden are found in bed together and are forced to marry. They have no recollection of how they got there but the reader has some clues and two possible suspects!
Anyways, while the prim and uptight h takes time to adjust to her new husband (whose 'callous, shallow and insensitive' self had earned her scorn more than once in the past) and the married state, the H is adorably happy and satisfied at the turn of events. I wish the h had been less cold and stiff-lipped than she is shown, and her sex issues also make for awkward reading. But to be fair, they do go with her personality. I enjoyed their immediate post-wedding days especially when he takes her to a jousting tournament but the middling chapters, after they reach Vawdrey Keep and their daily routine is a tad boring.
The half a dozen or so dogs at the Keep, with their distinct personalities are a good touch and deserve mention. Sir Renlowe is another interesting character, who with his kind of foolish bravery, brings things into focus for the h.
The Vawdrey men have typically had the Royals trying to meddle and annul their marriages and something similar happens here. That's good fun but very predictable.
I feel the book could have been better but I enjoyed it as this author knows what the reader wants and keeps giving it in a drip drip fashion. The only comparison can be with other AC books and so is bit lacking that way; otherwise way better than what the newer HRs dish out.
3.65*
Now, picking up the book after a year, I can see Lenora, her self-doubts and her relationship with Eden (the h) from a more unbiased and fresh perspective. In fact, I am excited to read Lenora's book next.
Eden and Roland
Roland too has not been a very inspiring figure in the past books - rather an unreliable, jousting manhoe who has been shirking responsibility and respectability for the longest. But I did see a mild growth even in the previous book where he wenched less and less, and spent more time with his family. That h's dog, Bors, preferring his company over others is a big plus in his favor.
And in the present book, this character growth continues. Not only do his better qualities get showcased but he is shown as a completely besotted and celibate guy after 'The Kiss'. (I wish we'd gotten more details of this fabled kiss.)
He's engaged to Lenora but an inner dissatisfaction, one he can't pinpoint, keeps growing. On his betrothal night, things take a curious turn as he and Eden are found in bed together and are forced to marry. They have no recollection of how they got there but the reader has some clues and two possible suspects!
Anyways, while the prim and uptight h takes time to adjust to her new husband (whose 'callous, shallow and insensitive' self had earned her scorn more than once in the past) and the married state, the H is adorably happy and satisfied at the turn of events. I wish the h had been less cold and stiff-lipped than she is shown, and her sex issues also make for awkward reading. But to be fair, they do go with her personality. I enjoyed their immediate post-wedding days especially when he takes her to a jousting tournament but the middling chapters, after they reach Vawdrey Keep and their daily routine is a tad boring.
The half a dozen or so dogs at the Keep, with their distinct personalities are a good touch and deserve mention. Sir Renlowe is another interesting character, who with his kind of foolish bravery, brings things into focus for the h.
The Vawdrey men have typically had the Royals trying to meddle and annul their marriages and something similar happens here. That's good fun but very predictable.
I feel the book could have been better but I enjoyed it as this author knows what the reader wants and keeps giving it in a drip drip fashion. The only comparison can be with other AC books and so is bit lacking that way; otherwise way better than what the newer HRs dish out.
3.65*
May 30, 2025
1st read: August 2021
2nd read: March 2023
3rd read: May 2025
I absolutely loved "An Ill-Made Match" this time around. Eden and Roland had their misunderstandings, but they made some sense. And they're both sweet, once they figure out what they're doing. They both take a while to truly understand their feelings about each other.
Roland was head-over-heels for Eden from the start, it just took him a while to realize it. Eden seemed to take a bit longer, but once she figured things out, she was all in.
I love that this book introduced Gunnilde Payne and showed more of Jane Cecil's character. They are both slated to have their own books soon and I can't wait to read them.
Also, Lenora Montmayne, who hasn't shown much personality in previous books, is great in this one. Which makes me really excited to re-read "The Unlovely Bride".
I really love all of the references to the characters that eventually star in the Brides of Karadok series (lords, ladies, knights, princesses, king's advisors, and merchant's daughters). It's fun to read the early books again, and see the characters before they have their HEAs.
********************
Original review:
Eden and Roland have always noticed each other, but usually in a negative way. Then Eden and Roland share a kiss and neither of them can stop thinking about it. Roland has always been only interested in a woman's looks, so he decides to marry the court beauty (Eden's cousin) in the hope that he'll stop thinking about Eden.
An III-Made Match was really good. I just wish that more stuff happened in the middle to develop the story and relationships. I was surprised that I liked Roland as much as did. He was a bit of a villain in the first book of the series, but he was great in this book (except for a few stupid moments). I liked Eden, too. She mostly spoke her mind and she wasn't a doormat.
2nd read: March 2023
3rd read: May 2025
I absolutely loved "An Ill-Made Match" this time around. Eden and Roland had their misunderstandings, but they made some sense. And they're both sweet, once they figure out what they're doing. They both take a while to truly understand their feelings about each other.
Roland was head-over-heels for Eden from the start, it just took him a while to realize it. Eden seemed to take a bit longer, but once she figured things out, she was all in.
I love that this book introduced Gunnilde Payne and showed more of Jane Cecil's character. They are both slated to have their own books soon and I can't wait to read them.
Also, Lenora Montmayne, who hasn't shown much personality in previous books, is great in this one. Which makes me really excited to re-read "The Unlovely Bride".
I really love all of the references to the characters that eventually star in the Brides of Karadok series (lords, ladies, knights, princesses, king's advisors, and merchant's daughters). It's fun to read the early books again, and see the characters before they have their HEAs.
********************
Original review:
Eden and Roland have always noticed each other, but usually in a negative way. Then Eden and Roland share a kiss and neither of them can stop thinking about it. Roland has always been only interested in a woman's looks, so he decides to marry the court beauty (Eden's cousin) in the hope that he'll stop thinking about Eden.
An III-Made Match was really good. I just wish that more stuff happened in the middle to develop the story and relationships. I was surprised that I liked Roland as much as did. He was a bit of a villain in the first book of the series, but he was great in this book (except for a few stupid moments). I liked Eden, too. She mostly spoke her mind and she wasn't a doormat.
March 27, 2022
Third read: I’m keeping this at 4 stars. I really do like this book… even though I absolutely didn’t like the hero in the previous books. This book redeemed him pretty quickly, imo. I’m still not a fan of his manwhoring ways in the previous books - and that he’s paired with the virginal heroine is a definite turn off. I also don’t love that the hero and heroine knew each other for years prior to getting together, and he was with many many women during that time and only looked her way with distaste. I tried to just ignore those facts while reading, and it’s actually easy to do because the book doesn’t have constant reminders of the past.
Safety details below
Second read: 4 stars. Still a very enjoyable read! I am not usually a fan of the whole “engaged to marry someone in the family” trope... but this one wasn’t bad. There was barely a connection between the hero and the heroine’s cousin(Lenora) & he was clearly just being an idiot, which was a character trait of his that was well developed in the previous books. The heroine was a little too neurotic for my tastes, which is my major reason for not rating this higher.
Safe; heroine was a virgin... hero’s past is barely discussed in this book, but he was clearly a man whore in the past books. He hasn’t been with anyone since him and the heroine kissed 6 months prior to the start of this book.
I’m a bit behind on this review, whoops! I don’t usually read this many books by one author in a row - I usually have to switch it up before I can get through an entire series. Alice Coldbreath’s books have been an anomaly for me. I have now finished 4/5 of the books she has written about Karadok. They really should be read in order, starting with this series and continuing on to the Brides if Karadok series.
About the book.... I really enjoyed reading this one. I felt it had good pacing and I liked the MC’s well enough (although neither of them was a personal favorite). Somehow each story is just different enough to keep my interest, looking forward to reading more!
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Second read: 4 stars. Still a very enjoyable read! I am not usually a fan of the whole “engaged to marry someone in the family” trope... but this one wasn’t bad. There was barely a connection between the hero and the heroine’s cousin(Lenora) & he was clearly just being an idiot, which was a character trait of his that was well developed in the previous books. The heroine was a little too neurotic for my tastes, which is my major reason for not rating this higher.
Safe; heroine was a virgin... hero’s past is barely discussed in this book, but he was clearly a man whore in the past books. He hasn’t been with anyone since him and the heroine kissed 6 months prior to the start of this book.
I’m a bit behind on this review, whoops! I don’t usually read this many books by one author in a row - I usually have to switch it up before I can get through an entire series. Alice Coldbreath’s books have been an anomaly for me. I have now finished 4/5 of the books she has written about Karadok. They really should be read in order, starting with this series and continuing on to the Brides if Karadok series.
About the book.... I really enjoyed reading this one. I felt it had good pacing and I liked the MC’s well enough (although neither of them was a personal favorite). Somehow each story is just different enough to keep my interest, looking forward to reading more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
This book was a total disappointment. Although I wasn't interested in this book, I just finished it because I was bored.
I thought the female protagonist would be strong but she just turned out another meek, naive woman. The male protagonist didn't have much depth to his character. There isn't much of a plot either.. Overall, nothing extraordinary neither very enjoyable.
I thought the female protagonist would be strong but she just turned out another meek, naive woman. The male protagonist didn't have much depth to his character. There isn't much of a plot either.. Overall, nothing extraordinary neither very enjoyable.
June 19, 2023
5 stars
This book reminded me of A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter — my favorite Alice Coldbreath book so far and one of my all-time favorite romances — in the best way. Except it’s set in medieval times, has more drama and shenanigans, while remaining lighthearted. Is it any wonder that I thoroughly enjoyed it?
I loved how Roland was so sweet and casually affectionate towards Eden from the beginning (completely surprising everyone who knew him), and the way her prim and uptight nature made him smile. Meanwhile, she was just confused about why he seemed so content with the hasty marriage to her (and so… amorous) if he was meant to marry her more beautiful cousin. This dynamic had me giggling the whole way through the audiobook.
Roland was the star of this book (Alice Coldbreath knows how to write a besotted MMC, and I particularly liked how ALL the side characters could see it), but I really liked Eden as well. As a future stern matron, she did not hesitate to scold anyone who dared criticise Roland. 😂 They really were a great match.
This book reminded me of A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter — my favorite Alice Coldbreath book so far and one of my all-time favorite romances — in the best way. Except it’s set in medieval times, has more drama and shenanigans, while remaining lighthearted. Is it any wonder that I thoroughly enjoyed it?
I loved how Roland was so sweet and casually affectionate towards Eden from the beginning (completely surprising everyone who knew him), and the way her prim and uptight nature made him smile. Meanwhile, she was just confused about why he seemed so content with the hasty marriage to her (and so… amorous) if he was meant to marry her more beautiful cousin. This dynamic had me giggling the whole way through the audiobook.
Roland was the star of this book (Alice Coldbreath knows how to write a besotted MMC, and I particularly liked how ALL the side characters could see it), but I really liked Eden as well. As a future stern matron, she did not hesitate to scold anyone who dared criticise Roland. 😂 They really were a great match.
October 14, 2022
An Ill-Made Match was a very disappointing read for me. This was the 8th book by this author that I have read and what I have come to expect are couples that I fall in love with. Unfortunately, Eden ruined the book for me, she was annoying and childish. Roland was ok but I liked his older brothers better. While I did enjoy the ending Eden's change of heart came too late for me.
April 25, 2020
Audio...4.5 stars
Story 3.75 stars
Story 3.75 stars
December 28, 2024
The story was ok and very readable. I realized that Ms. Coldbreaths's books are pretty formulaic. The thing with being formulaic, it is very comforting. The story didn't elicit strong emotions from me, but you don't need to feel strongly every time you read a book. You need to be transported to the world that the author has created and this book did just that. I'll definitely read her other books.
December 21, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (This one still did feel long and there were a few points I wanted it to move on)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I still don’t love the sex scenes here. Some parts I LOVE, but some of it doesn’t do it for me at all)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (This is totally a guess because I didn’t take notes on this one. I know there was a scene or two, then another scene or two and another scene at the end of the book...)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 months later
Format: listened to an audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I wanted to try Alice Coldbreath and started the series – my library had the whole series so I decided to finish it
Mains: Roland Vawdrey and Eden Montmayne – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Maybe ideally yes?? There’s some character cross over and Roland has page time in the prior books (though I found him annoying lol). And there’s scenes with the prior mains in this story too.
Basic plot:
Roland thinks he has his betrothed picked out, but a night where he wakes up in bed with another completely changes the plan.
Give this a try if you want:
- this is a fantasy novel done in a medieval style
- Karadok setting (fictional kingdom)
- pets – hero has dogs
- compromised heroine resulting in marriage
- unrequited longing from the hero
- knight contests and jousting
- well endowed hero
- mid to higher steam – I didn’t count the scenes in this one but it’s like 4-5? Maybe?
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: Taken from audio
Roland gazed at the noble’s box and saw her straight away.
My thoughts:
This book has been my favorite of the series so far. I really liked how Roland and Eden were on page a LOT together and there wasn’t as much court focus (just a bit of drama towards the end of the book). I loved the stronger medieval vibes of this one with so much jousting and tournaments and favors.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Roland because he was honestly so annoying to me in the prior books and I didn’t think I’d like him at all. But I did really like him and I ate up his unrequited longing for Eden and so many of the lines he said.
There were still some things I didn’t love, so not a 5 star read but I’m definitely continuing with Alice Coldbreath and hoping for a favorite!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 3
Average rating from me: 3.67 stars
Favorite book: This one
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (This one still did feel long and there were a few points I wanted it to move on)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I still don’t love the sex scenes here. Some parts I LOVE, but some of it doesn’t do it for me at all)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (This is totally a guess because I didn’t take notes on this one. I know there was a scene or two, then another scene or two and another scene at the end of the book...)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 months later
Format: listened to an audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I wanted to try Alice Coldbreath and started the series – my library had the whole series so I decided to finish it
Mains: Roland Vawdrey and Eden Montmayne – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Maybe ideally yes?? There’s some character cross over and Roland has page time in the prior books (though I found him annoying lol). And there’s scenes with the prior mains in this story too.
Basic plot:
Roland thinks he has his betrothed picked out, but a night where he wakes up in bed with another completely changes the plan.
Give this a try if you want:
- this is a fantasy novel done in a medieval style
- Karadok setting (fictional kingdom)
- pets – hero has dogs
- compromised heroine resulting in marriage
- unrequited longing from the hero
- knight contests and jousting
- well endowed hero
- mid to higher steam – I didn’t count the scenes in this one but it’s like 4-5? Maybe?
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: Taken from audio
Roland gazed at the noble’s box and saw her straight away.
My thoughts:
This book has been my favorite of the series so far. I really liked how Roland and Eden were on page a LOT together and there wasn’t as much court focus (just a bit of drama towards the end of the book). I loved the stronger medieval vibes of this one with so much jousting and tournaments and favors.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Roland because he was honestly so annoying to me in the prior books and I didn’t think I’d like him at all. But I did really like him and I ate up his unrequited longing for Eden and so many of the lines he said.
There were still some things I didn’t love, so not a 5 star read but I’m definitely continuing with Alice Coldbreath and hoping for a favorite!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 3
Average rating from me: 3.67 stars
Favorite book: This one
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 1, 2025
[So, that's what it feels like to finally read a five-stars story after a previous disappointment?]
October 15, 2025
MY 200TH BOOK!!!! 🥳🥳
All. Three. Books! FIVE STARS. Every single one? What kind of sorcery is this??? 😭😭😭 I'm incoherent right now but will probably write a proper review later!
[I have decided not to, because it was too perfect to even try, and because everything I said in my past reviews stands for this one, too. Just know. Just know.]
Roland was perfect and Eden was perfect and they were quite plainly made for each other. A delightful reversal of the usual grumpy/sunshine pairing - this time SHE'S the prickly reluctant one who fucks up (LMAOOO I'm eyeing the fuck-up in question 😂 Was it even? Innocent people lol.)
I adored Vawdrey Keep with my whole heart. The setting had a rich, slightly otherworldly and folkloric feel - food for my soul. And he calls her "wicked faery." 🤚🏻💞
Anyway. I am unwell in the best possible way. Bless Alice Coldbreath for this masterpiece of a series. My standards are now ruined.
—𐙚 ˚ My Reviews For The Vawdrey Brothers Trilogy:
[•] Her Baseborn Bridegroom - 5 ★
[•] His Forsaken Bride - 5 ★
[•] An Ill-Made Match - 5 ★
-~-
Yes, I'm in the middle of two books right now BUT BUT AHHHH
My soul is craving Roland right now. God, I can't - he's going to be perfect. I can feel it.
Future me? 🎤 Perfection baby.
All. Three. Books! FIVE STARS. Every single one? What kind of sorcery is this??? 😭😭😭 I'm incoherent right now but will probably write a proper review later!
Roland was perfect and Eden was perfect and they were quite plainly made for each other. A delightful reversal of the usual grumpy/sunshine pairing - this time SHE'S the prickly reluctant one who fucks up (LMAOOO I'm eyeing the fuck-up in question 😂 Was it even? Innocent people lol.)
I adored Vawdrey Keep with my whole heart. The setting had a rich, slightly otherworldly and folkloric feel - food for my soul. And he calls her "wicked faery." 🤚🏻💞
Anyway. I am unwell in the best possible way. Bless Alice Coldbreath for this masterpiece of a series. My standards are now ruined.
—𐙚 ˚ My Reviews For The Vawdrey Brothers Trilogy:
[•] Her Baseborn Bridegroom - 5 ★
[•] His Forsaken Bride - 5 ★
[•] An Ill-Made Match - 5 ★
-~-
Yes, I'm in the middle of two books right now BUT BUT AHHHH
My soul is craving Roland right now. God, I can't - he's going to be perfect. I can feel it.
Future me? 🎤 Perfection baby.
December 3, 2018
Dastardly Roland gets punked!
Those of you who have read the previous two Vawdrey Brothers books will wonder how in the world will selfish and self-centered youngest brother Roland get turned into a hero. Well, it happens reluctantly, slowly, and yet, somehow, overnight. Circumstances place the immature superstar "athlete" of the medieval setting with the queen's right-hand woman, who is utterly self-possessed, cultured and far too busy to worry about men. But Roland rolls with it. And I loved every second of his complete acceptance - no clutching - of the situation. Once again, vows are said and Coldbreath turns her not-so-nice hero into the stuff of fairy tale dreams. In this instance, and knowing Roland from books one and two, I wasn't sure how Coldbreath would manage it. I shouldn't have worried.
Eden is a joy. Kind and practical, yet not a superwoman. She is a creature of her station but grows beyond it. The lovers have to fight for their love, but there is a tension throughout that makes you wonder if they will either realize the desperation of their situation in time or find circumstances manipulated beyond their control. Luckily, they have a spymaster and a not-so-dim beauty on their side.
Fun, fun, fun all the way. Bring on book four!
Those of you who have read the previous two Vawdrey Brothers books will wonder how in the world will selfish and self-centered youngest brother Roland get turned into a hero. Well, it happens reluctantly, slowly, and yet, somehow, overnight. Circumstances place the immature superstar "athlete" of the medieval setting with the queen's right-hand woman, who is utterly self-possessed, cultured and far too busy to worry about men. But Roland rolls with it. And I loved every second of his complete acceptance - no clutching - of the situation. Once again, vows are said and Coldbreath turns her not-so-nice hero into the stuff of fairy tale dreams. In this instance, and knowing Roland from books one and two, I wasn't sure how Coldbreath would manage it. I shouldn't have worried.
Eden is a joy. Kind and practical, yet not a superwoman. She is a creature of her station but grows beyond it. The lovers have to fight for their love, but there is a tension throughout that makes you wonder if they will either realize the desperation of their situation in time or find circumstances manipulated beyond their control. Luckily, they have a spymaster and a not-so-dim beauty on their side.
Fun, fun, fun all the way. Bring on book four!
September 23, 2024
i love the marriage case being thrown out because everyone called to testify was just like: your majesties here is every time rowland vawdrey was a simp for eden
and everyone took notes
“As a wooer, Roland Vawdrey may have been indifferent. But as a husband, he is without peer. I love him, and I will have no other.”
I LOVE THIS SONG
and everyone took notes
“As a wooer, Roland Vawdrey may have been indifferent. But as a husband, he is without peer. I love him, and I will have no other.”
I LOVE THIS SONG
December 20, 2025
now i wanna preface this saying i loved this book and Roland DOWN (mainly cuz he never carried on arguments and even he thought she trapped him into marriage he was so happy cuz he was a coward to do so) but i do have to at least to take a star for almost getting married to her cousin in the first time and not stopping it, if it weren't for my diva Oswald nothing would have happened. Their smut scenes were top tier and i loved them so much!
He does say in the betrothal feast while drunk Lenora is the wrong one he is marrying, but again i was so mad at him for giving her the feast crown i did not care.
Before i start i have a take that might be too woke but i am kinda over how all of Alice's FMCs are heavily suffering from all ends so they have to rely on MMC for everything.
i kinda have to go by quotes, my memory is kinda shite lol.
Eden knew only too well how highly Roland prized physical beauty, to the detriment of all other accomplishments. She knew too, that he thought her a stuck-up prude with too much book-learning. She’d heard him say as much to his group of laughing cronies.
Mayhap the six months of celibacy that had afflicted him was partly to blame? For whatever reason, he was at risk of embarrassing himself if he did not calm things down. One thing was clear, he thought, his head reeling, as he was overtaken by desire. His instincts had not led him astray at midwinter. Eden Montmayne was his, and his alone.
yeah, they shared a kiss before the book starts, and he was a big playboy before 😐 later there was a scene where another Lord wins the tournament crown and puts it on Eden he dies of jealousy and me of laughter 😋😋
He turned to his wife. “We’re leaving,” he told Eden abruptly.
“Leaving?” she repeated.
“Now,” he clarified.
She stared at him. “Why?”
“You vastly over-estimate yourself, wife,“ he told her bitingly. “Your place is where I say it is. No more, no less. You are merely required to obey my will.”
He did not hear Eden’s reply, but only her hurried foot-falls after him. He just knew somehow that her nose would be in the air – stubborn wench!
Once they got back to the room, he wasted no time in slamming trunks and throwing his things into his bag. Eden of course, had nothing to pack, but busied herself tidying her appearance. He could feel her eyes on him, as he fastened the ties, and almost forbade her to even speak. He just knew whatever she said was going to infuriate him. Sure enough, it was not long before she spoke up.
“I didn’t even wear that garland, why are you so out of reason cross about it?” she started patronizingly. “Lord Kentigern likely did it as a courtesy to you, or perhaps because I am lately a bride…” Her reasonable tone was like a red rag to a bull.
“You know nothing about it, Eden,” he said angrily. “He did it to rile me and for no other reason than that, so don’t fool yourself!”
Eden stood very still a moment. “I did not flatter myself it was because I was the most beauteous there,” she said in an ominously quiet voice. “So, you need not worry I have any illusions on that score.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it!” he snapped, and she turned her back on him.
well to be fair to him until today he did not care who he gave the crown before he just gave it to most known beauty but still it made me mad.
He had not really thought overmuch of how the recipient of the tournament crown felt about it. Well, if he was honest, he had not considered it at all. It was a mere detail, a footnote to the real business of the tourney. Was it really such a matter of distinction for a girl to receive it? He cast his mind back, remembering how Gunnilde Payne had kept reaching up to reverently touch her head and check it was really sat there. Certainly, she had seemed so proud she might burst at any minute. Over the course of his career he had cavalierly handed it over only to the most beauteous maiden present. Mostly, this had been Lenora Montmayne. She had never seemed overly thrilled by the distinction, and had received it merely as her rightful due. But then, he thought judiciously, she must have received dozens of the things over the three years she had been at court. Maybe, her very first had meant something to her, but after that… He cast a look toward Eden, who was obscured in darkness, but seemed for once to be lying very still. He wanted to ask if she had never received the garland, but he already knew the answer. Suddenly, the taste in his mouth was bitter. He felt a ridiculous longing that he could turn the clock back and – what? Crown Eden Montmayne tournament Queen when he’d had the chance? It was stupid. He could no more turn back time than anyone. What was the use in thinking such thoughts? And if he had done such a thing, everyone would have been in uproar at such uncharacteristic behavior. “Eden,” he said heavily, concentrating on the throbbing ache in his sides.
all throughout the book Eden suffers from very low self-esteem and unwantedness, around fifty percent in they have a big fight where Roland tells Eden he knows Eden lured him i also want to preface this saying he did not initate this fight because he did not care how they got together but since they have communication issues all went wrong even i cried.
She drew in a shuddering breath. “You’re saying… You think… that I snuck along the corridor and let myself into your bedchamber. And then, while you were insensible, that I slipped under your covers. To entrap you.” She slumped in her seat a moment breathless and glassy-eyed. He said nothing. “But if not of my devising…?” she began hesitantly. “Then who is it you imagine was behind such a scheme?”
“Your uncle of course,” he answered brusquely. “Probably thought a younger son wasn’t good enough for his only daughter.”
She stared hard at that. “But an unwanted niece was? You really have thought this through,” she marveled. “Down to the last detail.” Her lip trembled, and she bit down on it. “When?” She asked harshly, making him jump. “When did you decide I was complicit?”
“Eden…”
“Before we consummated our marriage?” She asked. “Before you wore my colors on your arm at Sir Aubron’s tournament?”
“Eden…”
“No!” she said in a choked voice. “You wore my brooch, introduced me to your friends… You made me think… You pretended that you liked me. But all the time, you thought… you thought…”
“Eden!” he started out of his chair toward her, but she jumped to her feet and ran to the door, wrenching it open.
“If you come near me, right now,” she said shakily. “I will hate you forever.” He halted, seeing she was trembling all over and pale as chalk.
Something turned over in his chest. “Don’t go near those steps!” he warned. “Not in that state.”
“Don’t come near me, Roland Vawdrey,” she shook her head for emphasis. “I need you to leave me alone.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks now.
For some reason, the sight of her tears incapacitated Roland. He felt like he couldn’t gather his wits. Where the fuck had this storm blown up out of nowhere? All was well with his world, just a short while ago! She had been sat in his lap as meek as a lamb. He was reeling. “I can’t,” he said with utter truthfulness, and was out of his seat and at her side before she’d managed to even take another step. “Eden-”
She fell back at that. “I want to sleep in a different room to you,” she said woodenly.
“Too bad,” he said harshly. “That’s a step too far.”
“I won’t share a bed with someone who thinks I’m a thief!”
“A thief?” he echoed in bewilderment. “Who the hells ever called you a thief? Not I.”
Eden shook her head angrily. “You think I willfully stole you from Lenora!”
He gave a crack of laughter at that, and all color leeched from her face. “Eden,” he said bending down so his face was close to hers. “I was never Lenora’s. And for all I know, she could have been in league with the plot. What do I know of her wishes?” Eden’s chest heaved indignantly, and she stared at him. “Besides, you’re not bedding down anywhere else,” he told her arrogantly. “I’m not complaining about you being in my bed, so why the hells should you?” Her expression went from devastated to outraged in a second. He must be losing his mind, because for some reason he could not fathom, that was a relief to him. “Now, let’s to bed.”
What had she called herself just now? An unwanted niece? He felt slightly sick remembering those words. But there had been worse. Her face, when she cried ‘You pretended that you liked me.’ Remembering that, made him catch his breath. Why the fuck had she looked so hurt when she said that? He forced himself to go back over her words in the dark. She’d extinguished the candle as soon as she’d climbed into the box bed and it was pitch black in there now. It had been the thought that he had worn her token, had shown her off to his friends and bedded her, all the while thinking she was a deceiver which had cut her to the quick. But he didn’t even care about the deception!
“Because of your opinion of me!” she huffed. “My gods, I am astonished that you even thought to bring me home with you. I wouldn’t have, in your position.”
Roland snorted. Then abruptly, he levered himself off her, and hauled her down the mattress, until he loomed over her. His hands at her waist, anchored her beneath him.
His eyes roamed over her at leisure and Eden felt herself grow hot and bothered. “While it’s true I’ve never previously admired resourcefulness in a woman,” he said thoughtfully. “I find I’m not too angry that you decided to win me.”
“So beautiful,” he murmured. Which was a lie. “I want you.” Which was not a lie, she conceded, feeling him hard against her stomach, where he rubbed and moved sensuously against her. For some unfathomable reason, Roland Vawdrey desired her something fierce.
“Do you want me, Eden?” he muttered, lifting his head. As usual, she felt herself almost dazzled by the proximity of so much male beauty.
She couldn’t quite bring herself to answer, so instead she placed a hesitant hand against his shoulder blade. His molten gaze snapped to hers, and she saw him close his eyes as if savoring her touch. He couldn’t really like it that much, surely?
Without giving herself pause to think, she stroked her hand slowly down his spine.
He gasped, his eyes flying wide. “Eden!”
“Was that not-?” He gave a brief shake of his head, and swallowed. “Put your hands up over your head.”
“What?”
“Over your head and keep them there.”
“But why?” she asked, even as she complied.
“Because,” he murmured. “Your touch over-excites me.” It did? She pondered that piece of information. “You keep rushing me, when I want to linger.”
“When I woke up in that bed with you on that first morning, I wasn’t angry. Not by a long chalk. So, let’s have no more talk about you taking anyone else’s place. It wasn’t anyone else’s. It was yours. Are we understood?”
“You know you please me, wife,” he had said huskily. “None so well as you.” His hands had roamed down her hips and pulled her flush against him. “Oh Eden,” he had sighed gustily, shifting his weight to press against her.
Which was also foolish, as he had a large purse of gold and a new trophy out of it. What did he care if his cold bitch of a wife didn’t want his kisses? He rubbed his chest distractedly, as he moved away from the table.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨sorry he also got some negative points from this no mmc of mine should call their fmc a bitch
“So, you won then?” she asked with an air of desperation, and it dawned on Roland with horrible clarity that she could see she had hurt his feelings. How was that even possible? He was Roland Vawdrey, and no-one had, had the power to do that in years. Realizing he was still rubbing his chest, like she had inflicted a physical wound, he abruptly dropped his hand. “At Areley Kings,” she rambled on. “The jousting or the mock battle thing?”
near end of the book the couple is taken to king and queen to prove their marraige
“I heard him say it with my own ears,” said Mason firmly. “At the feast the night before. He said they were presenting him with ‘the wrong one’ and he would not take her to wife. When I asked him what possible objection he could make to the lady, he answered she was not the one he wanted. He said, ‘She is not Eden’.”
At that the muted voices rose in a great swell. Roland felt himself flush. Had he really said that? Mason’s bold gaze told him that every word was true. He felt strangely elated. Perhaps he wasn’t such a stupid bastard after all, when he let his baser-self rule on instinct alone? He had been consumed with Eden Montmayne, and what’s more he had been celibate, in the six months since she had kissed him, and made him hers. It had been his thinking self that had thought to put an end to his struggle by marrying the prettiest girl at court, like he had always intended. His thinking self was a fucking idiot. He had no patience with him. His blood ran cold at the idea he could have wed anyone else. But then he remembered that he had stated quite clearly at the feast that he would take none to wife, save Eden. That reassured him, and he could breathe easy again. He wished Eden could have heard that. Though not any of what her idiot uncle had come out with. One day that bastard would pay for talking about Eden being naked in a roomful of men.
Attley looked dismayed. “He – er – he seemed – er,” he stared down at his feet a moment and took a deep breath. “Jubilant, sire” he said at last. “Elated, proud. He was showing her off like he’d won some great prize.” Attley scratched his neck. “He – er – sat her on his lap, and not just in the pavilion with us, but at the banquet too,” he said looking embarrassed. “And – um – called her sweetheart.” Attley turned a dull red when people started up whispering again. “At the banquet he fed her from his plate and they shared a loving cup.”
it turns out like i said Lenora and Oswald planned it,
In mitigation of my behavior, please believe my motives were not just in your interest. Sir Roland is sick for love of you. I am not the only one to have noticed it, so it is not merely a figment of my imagination as you thought. If you could only see the way his eyes follow you, the way you are his sole focus when you are in the room, then you would believe it too. He is yours, and now I have delivered him. The rest is up to you.
“Well,” expanded Roland. “You intended to saddle Linnet with a couple of brats and carry on much the same as always. And as for you,” he said turning to Oswald. “You meant to send Fen into the country and forget you even had a wife!” Both his brothers stiffened. “It took you both a couple of months at least before you realized you wanted to keep them by your side.” “At least we never nearly married the wrong one!” pointed out Mason defensively. Now it was Roland’s turn to look pained, but Oswald gave a small cough. “No, no, he’s quite right. He adapted a lot faster to wedded life than we.” He regarded Roland curiously. “How long did it take incidentally? Before you were reconciled?” “Soon as I woke up, of course, and found her in my bed,” replied Roland smugly. “Turns out I’m a lot smarter than we all thought.”
A look of amusement crossed his face. “Oh Eden,” he murmured. “I do love you.” The background noise faded, and time stood still. Everything else was just… irrelevant. Roland’s lips came down on hers and he kissed her. Not angrily, but thoroughly, and with complete conviction that it was his right. When she stopped resisting him, his arm slipped around her holding her firmly against him. “My love,” he whispered in her ear, his words alight with laughter. “That was so indiscreet, it was actually worthy of a Vawdrey.” His shoulders shook with laughter. “I think in future, Renlowe needs to take you for a mentor in fearlessness.”
He does say in the betrothal feast while drunk Lenora is the wrong one he is marrying, but again i was so mad at him for giving her the feast crown i did not care.
Before i start i have a take that might be too woke but i am kinda over how all of Alice's FMCs are heavily suffering from all ends so they have to rely on MMC for everything.
i kinda have to go by quotes, my memory is kinda shite lol.
Eden knew only too well how highly Roland prized physical beauty, to the detriment of all other accomplishments. She knew too, that he thought her a stuck-up prude with too much book-learning. She’d heard him say as much to his group of laughing cronies.
Mayhap the six months of celibacy that had afflicted him was partly to blame? For whatever reason, he was at risk of embarrassing himself if he did not calm things down. One thing was clear, he thought, his head reeling, as he was overtaken by desire. His instincts had not led him astray at midwinter. Eden Montmayne was his, and his alone.
yeah, they shared a kiss before the book starts, and he was a big playboy before 😐 later there was a scene where another Lord wins the tournament crown and puts it on Eden he dies of jealousy and me of laughter 😋😋
He turned to his wife. “We’re leaving,” he told Eden abruptly.
“Leaving?” she repeated.
“Now,” he clarified.
She stared at him. “Why?”
“You vastly over-estimate yourself, wife,“ he told her bitingly. “Your place is where I say it is. No more, no less. You are merely required to obey my will.”
He did not hear Eden’s reply, but only her hurried foot-falls after him. He just knew somehow that her nose would be in the air – stubborn wench!
Once they got back to the room, he wasted no time in slamming trunks and throwing his things into his bag. Eden of course, had nothing to pack, but busied herself tidying her appearance. He could feel her eyes on him, as he fastened the ties, and almost forbade her to even speak. He just knew whatever she said was going to infuriate him. Sure enough, it was not long before she spoke up.
“I didn’t even wear that garland, why are you so out of reason cross about it?” she started patronizingly. “Lord Kentigern likely did it as a courtesy to you, or perhaps because I am lately a bride…” Her reasonable tone was like a red rag to a bull.
“You know nothing about it, Eden,” he said angrily. “He did it to rile me and for no other reason than that, so don’t fool yourself!”
Eden stood very still a moment. “I did not flatter myself it was because I was the most beauteous there,” she said in an ominously quiet voice. “So, you need not worry I have any illusions on that score.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it!” he snapped, and she turned her back on him.
well to be fair to him until today he did not care who he gave the crown before he just gave it to most known beauty but still it made me mad.
He had not really thought overmuch of how the recipient of the tournament crown felt about it. Well, if he was honest, he had not considered it at all. It was a mere detail, a footnote to the real business of the tourney. Was it really such a matter of distinction for a girl to receive it? He cast his mind back, remembering how Gunnilde Payne had kept reaching up to reverently touch her head and check it was really sat there. Certainly, she had seemed so proud she might burst at any minute. Over the course of his career he had cavalierly handed it over only to the most beauteous maiden present. Mostly, this had been Lenora Montmayne. She had never seemed overly thrilled by the distinction, and had received it merely as her rightful due. But then, he thought judiciously, she must have received dozens of the things over the three years she had been at court. Maybe, her very first had meant something to her, but after that… He cast a look toward Eden, who was obscured in darkness, but seemed for once to be lying very still. He wanted to ask if she had never received the garland, but he already knew the answer. Suddenly, the taste in his mouth was bitter. He felt a ridiculous longing that he could turn the clock back and – what? Crown Eden Montmayne tournament Queen when he’d had the chance? It was stupid. He could no more turn back time than anyone. What was the use in thinking such thoughts? And if he had done such a thing, everyone would have been in uproar at such uncharacteristic behavior. “Eden,” he said heavily, concentrating on the throbbing ache in his sides.
all throughout the book Eden suffers from very low self-esteem and unwantedness, around fifty percent in they have a big fight where Roland tells Eden he knows Eden lured him i also want to preface this saying he did not initate this fight because he did not care how they got together but since they have communication issues all went wrong even i cried.
She drew in a shuddering breath. “You’re saying… You think… that I snuck along the corridor and let myself into your bedchamber. And then, while you were insensible, that I slipped under your covers. To entrap you.” She slumped in her seat a moment breathless and glassy-eyed. He said nothing. “But if not of my devising…?” she began hesitantly. “Then who is it you imagine was behind such a scheme?”
“Your uncle of course,” he answered brusquely. “Probably thought a younger son wasn’t good enough for his only daughter.”
She stared hard at that. “But an unwanted niece was? You really have thought this through,” she marveled. “Down to the last detail.” Her lip trembled, and she bit down on it. “When?” She asked harshly, making him jump. “When did you decide I was complicit?”
“Eden…”
“Before we consummated our marriage?” She asked. “Before you wore my colors on your arm at Sir Aubron’s tournament?”
“Eden…”
“No!” she said in a choked voice. “You wore my brooch, introduced me to your friends… You made me think… You pretended that you liked me. But all the time, you thought… you thought…”
“Eden!” he started out of his chair toward her, but she jumped to her feet and ran to the door, wrenching it open.
“If you come near me, right now,” she said shakily. “I will hate you forever.” He halted, seeing she was trembling all over and pale as chalk.
Something turned over in his chest. “Don’t go near those steps!” he warned. “Not in that state.”
“Don’t come near me, Roland Vawdrey,” she shook her head for emphasis. “I need you to leave me alone.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks now.
For some reason, the sight of her tears incapacitated Roland. He felt like he couldn’t gather his wits. Where the fuck had this storm blown up out of nowhere? All was well with his world, just a short while ago! She had been sat in his lap as meek as a lamb. He was reeling. “I can’t,” he said with utter truthfulness, and was out of his seat and at her side before she’d managed to even take another step. “Eden-”
She fell back at that. “I want to sleep in a different room to you,” she said woodenly.
“Too bad,” he said harshly. “That’s a step too far.”
“I won’t share a bed with someone who thinks I’m a thief!”
“A thief?” he echoed in bewilderment. “Who the hells ever called you a thief? Not I.”
Eden shook her head angrily. “You think I willfully stole you from Lenora!”
He gave a crack of laughter at that, and all color leeched from her face. “Eden,” he said bending down so his face was close to hers. “I was never Lenora’s. And for all I know, she could have been in league with the plot. What do I know of her wishes?” Eden’s chest heaved indignantly, and she stared at him. “Besides, you’re not bedding down anywhere else,” he told her arrogantly. “I’m not complaining about you being in my bed, so why the hells should you?” Her expression went from devastated to outraged in a second. He must be losing his mind, because for some reason he could not fathom, that was a relief to him. “Now, let’s to bed.”
What had she called herself just now? An unwanted niece? He felt slightly sick remembering those words. But there had been worse. Her face, when she cried ‘You pretended that you liked me.’ Remembering that, made him catch his breath. Why the fuck had she looked so hurt when she said that? He forced himself to go back over her words in the dark. She’d extinguished the candle as soon as she’d climbed into the box bed and it was pitch black in there now. It had been the thought that he had worn her token, had shown her off to his friends and bedded her, all the while thinking she was a deceiver which had cut her to the quick. But he didn’t even care about the deception!
“Because of your opinion of me!” she huffed. “My gods, I am astonished that you even thought to bring me home with you. I wouldn’t have, in your position.”
Roland snorted. Then abruptly, he levered himself off her, and hauled her down the mattress, until he loomed over her. His hands at her waist, anchored her beneath him.
His eyes roamed over her at leisure and Eden felt herself grow hot and bothered. “While it’s true I’ve never previously admired resourcefulness in a woman,” he said thoughtfully. “I find I’m not too angry that you decided to win me.”
“So beautiful,” he murmured. Which was a lie. “I want you.” Which was not a lie, she conceded, feeling him hard against her stomach, where he rubbed and moved sensuously against her. For some unfathomable reason, Roland Vawdrey desired her something fierce.
“Do you want me, Eden?” he muttered, lifting his head. As usual, she felt herself almost dazzled by the proximity of so much male beauty.
She couldn’t quite bring herself to answer, so instead she placed a hesitant hand against his shoulder blade. His molten gaze snapped to hers, and she saw him close his eyes as if savoring her touch. He couldn’t really like it that much, surely?
Without giving herself pause to think, she stroked her hand slowly down his spine.
He gasped, his eyes flying wide. “Eden!”
“Was that not-?” He gave a brief shake of his head, and swallowed. “Put your hands up over your head.”
“What?”
“Over your head and keep them there.”
“But why?” she asked, even as she complied.
“Because,” he murmured. “Your touch over-excites me.” It did? She pondered that piece of information. “You keep rushing me, when I want to linger.”
“When I woke up in that bed with you on that first morning, I wasn’t angry. Not by a long chalk. So, let’s have no more talk about you taking anyone else’s place. It wasn’t anyone else’s. It was yours. Are we understood?”
“You know you please me, wife,” he had said huskily. “None so well as you.” His hands had roamed down her hips and pulled her flush against him. “Oh Eden,” he had sighed gustily, shifting his weight to press against her.
Which was also foolish, as he had a large purse of gold and a new trophy out of it. What did he care if his cold bitch of a wife didn’t want his kisses? He rubbed his chest distractedly, as he moved away from the table.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨sorry he also got some negative points from this no mmc of mine should call their fmc a bitch
“So, you won then?” she asked with an air of desperation, and it dawned on Roland with horrible clarity that she could see she had hurt his feelings. How was that even possible? He was Roland Vawdrey, and no-one had, had the power to do that in years. Realizing he was still rubbing his chest, like she had inflicted a physical wound, he abruptly dropped his hand. “At Areley Kings,” she rambled on. “The jousting or the mock battle thing?”
near end of the book the couple is taken to king and queen to prove their marraige
“I heard him say it with my own ears,” said Mason firmly. “At the feast the night before. He said they were presenting him with ‘the wrong one’ and he would not take her to wife. When I asked him what possible objection he could make to the lady, he answered she was not the one he wanted. He said, ‘She is not Eden’.”
At that the muted voices rose in a great swell. Roland felt himself flush. Had he really said that? Mason’s bold gaze told him that every word was true. He felt strangely elated. Perhaps he wasn’t such a stupid bastard after all, when he let his baser-self rule on instinct alone? He had been consumed with Eden Montmayne, and what’s more he had been celibate, in the six months since she had kissed him, and made him hers. It had been his thinking self that had thought to put an end to his struggle by marrying the prettiest girl at court, like he had always intended. His thinking self was a fucking idiot. He had no patience with him. His blood ran cold at the idea he could have wed anyone else. But then he remembered that he had stated quite clearly at the feast that he would take none to wife, save Eden. That reassured him, and he could breathe easy again. He wished Eden could have heard that. Though not any of what her idiot uncle had come out with. One day that bastard would pay for talking about Eden being naked in a roomful of men.
Attley looked dismayed. “He – er – he seemed – er,” he stared down at his feet a moment and took a deep breath. “Jubilant, sire” he said at last. “Elated, proud. He was showing her off like he’d won some great prize.” Attley scratched his neck. “He – er – sat her on his lap, and not just in the pavilion with us, but at the banquet too,” he said looking embarrassed. “And – um – called her sweetheart.” Attley turned a dull red when people started up whispering again. “At the banquet he fed her from his plate and they shared a loving cup.”
it turns out like i said Lenora and Oswald planned it,
In mitigation of my behavior, please believe my motives were not just in your interest. Sir Roland is sick for love of you. I am not the only one to have noticed it, so it is not merely a figment of my imagination as you thought. If you could only see the way his eyes follow you, the way you are his sole focus when you are in the room, then you would believe it too. He is yours, and now I have delivered him. The rest is up to you.
“Well,” expanded Roland. “You intended to saddle Linnet with a couple of brats and carry on much the same as always. And as for you,” he said turning to Oswald. “You meant to send Fen into the country and forget you even had a wife!” Both his brothers stiffened. “It took you both a couple of months at least before you realized you wanted to keep them by your side.” “At least we never nearly married the wrong one!” pointed out Mason defensively. Now it was Roland’s turn to look pained, but Oswald gave a small cough. “No, no, he’s quite right. He adapted a lot faster to wedded life than we.” He regarded Roland curiously. “How long did it take incidentally? Before you were reconciled?” “Soon as I woke up, of course, and found her in my bed,” replied Roland smugly. “Turns out I’m a lot smarter than we all thought.”
A look of amusement crossed his face. “Oh Eden,” he murmured. “I do love you.” The background noise faded, and time stood still. Everything else was just… irrelevant. Roland’s lips came down on hers and he kissed her. Not angrily, but thoroughly, and with complete conviction that it was his right. When she stopped resisting him, his arm slipped around her holding her firmly against him. “My love,” he whispered in her ear, his words alight with laughter. “That was so indiscreet, it was actually worthy of a Vawdrey.” His shoulders shook with laughter. “I think in future, Renlowe needs to take you for a mentor in fearlessness.”
December 10, 2018
There is no denying this author writes the exact type of heroes I love. I’m talking, possessive, jealous, protective and inst-love/lust without ever being over the top, heroes. And while Roland and Eden’s story may not have been my very favorite, these are the type of books that even the least favorite still outshines the best of some authors.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Roland. He didn’t exactly fare well in the first book of the series when he was part of that couple’s problem – not to mention he had jilted his betrothed due to rumors regarding her looks. In book two he did seem much more agreeable but still intent on finding a wife with great beauty as well as centering his life on amassing trophies and great gain. However, I found him to be an exceptional hero mostly because once he kissed the heroine, he never wanted another woman…at least not in his heart. His head doesn’t quite catch up to his heart until he is caught in a scandal and in that moment he realizes what he had been trying to deny. He wants Eden for his everything.
This series tends to have heroines that are a bit of the underdog. There is usually some reason that they are found to be undesirable as wives and yet once the hero meets them, and even if that hero has a few unflattering thoughts about her, they begin to blossom...in the hero’s eyes. This is a perfect trope for me as it helps to mark my checkboxes while it gives both hero and heroine the chance to become the type of characters I adore. And Eden does so, just as Roland did. She may have started out as a prudish miss, a bit cowardly, and not one to be sought after, but she learns to stand up for herself and speak her mind along the way and most especially at the end.
While I haven’t given any real info about this story in particular, let me say that if medieval romance (although it is set in a make believe kingdom) is your butter and alpha heroes are your jam, this one, as well as the rest in the series, is definitely worth checking out. And I greatly encourage you to do so. The fact that this author will be releasing more like this makes me absolutely giddy. I am now off to stalk her so I won’t miss a new release.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Roland. He didn’t exactly fare well in the first book of the series when he was part of that couple’s problem – not to mention he had jilted his betrothed due to rumors regarding her looks. In book two he did seem much more agreeable but still intent on finding a wife with great beauty as well as centering his life on amassing trophies and great gain. However, I found him to be an exceptional hero mostly because once he kissed the heroine, he never wanted another woman…at least not in his heart. His head doesn’t quite catch up to his heart until he is caught in a scandal and in that moment he realizes what he had been trying to deny. He wants Eden for his everything.
This series tends to have heroines that are a bit of the underdog. There is usually some reason that they are found to be undesirable as wives and yet once the hero meets them, and even if that hero has a few unflattering thoughts about her, they begin to blossom...in the hero’s eyes. This is a perfect trope for me as it helps to mark my checkboxes while it gives both hero and heroine the chance to become the type of characters I adore. And Eden does so, just as Roland did. She may have started out as a prudish miss, a bit cowardly, and not one to be sought after, but she learns to stand up for herself and speak her mind along the way and most especially at the end.
While I haven’t given any real info about this story in particular, let me say that if medieval romance (although it is set in a make believe kingdom) is your butter and alpha heroes are your jam, this one, as well as the rest in the series, is definitely worth checking out. And I greatly encourage you to do so. The fact that this author will be releasing more like this makes me absolutely giddy. I am now off to stalk her so I won’t miss a new release.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
August 3, 2019
I didn’t plan to read Roland’s story.
The youngest son, good for nothing of Vawdrey Brothers.
From book #1, his character is similar with a dumb jock of NA books! 😂
And that’s very obvious when one of your brother is a General and the other is King’s Spy Chief.
But, I shouldn’t have any doubt with Ms. Coldbreath ability to write a fantastic story.
Then, she pair him with a nerd girl, who always wears black!
Alice, I’m officially one of your big fan now!
❤️
Mathilde’s book next, she appeared in previous book and friend of heroine book#2.
A painfully shy young woman who lived under her mum thumbs for years.
She disguised as a boy and ran away!
The youngest son, good for nothing of Vawdrey Brothers.
From book #1, his character is similar with a dumb jock of NA books! 😂
And that’s very obvious when one of your brother is a General and the other is King’s Spy Chief.
But, I shouldn’t have any doubt with Ms. Coldbreath ability to write a fantastic story.
Then, she pair him with a nerd girl, who always wears black!
Alice, I’m officially one of your big fan now!
❤️
Mathilde’s book next, she appeared in previous book and friend of heroine book#2.
A painfully shy young woman who lived under her mum thumbs for years.
She disguised as a boy and ran away!
September 4, 2022
RE-READ REVIEW:
Honestly, this was exactly the kind of book I needed right now. It worked so so well this time around that I'm literally in love with the story, plot and even the writing style!
See, what timings can do to you.🌈
Eden was a little too much stuck up but kudos to Roland for handling her so well.
I'll be sure to read the other two books as well. A little late in the order but a heart wants what it wants.😁
Honestly, this was exactly the kind of book I needed right now. It worked so so well this time around that I'm literally in love with the story, plot and even the writing style!
See, what timings can do to you.🌈
Eden was a little too much stuck up but kudos to Roland for handling her so well.
I'll be sure to read the other two books as well. A little late in the order but a heart wants what it wants.😁
April 22, 2023
All the stars for this couple. He's a man of action who is besotted with the heroine. She thinks he's quite stupid at first. He's so sweet to her and she's bemused at her response to him. So much fun, they are one of my all time favourite couples.
December 19, 2023
December 2023 3rd re-read:
I love Roland so much in this book and even though people see Eden as a shrew, I love her maybe more because she was so lost about this whole situation.
Original review
I would give this wonderful book 8 stars if I could. Such a great and unexpected story.
At first, I was hesitant whether I could like Roland from what I knew of him from previous books. Yet he turned out magnificent. It wasn't as if he all of a sudden becomes an angel, he is still crude and unartistic in his speech and manners. But when it comes to marriage he takes to it with great responsibility. Well, it could be due to his secret obsession with Eden.
Portrayal of Eden took this book to another level though. This is more or less Eden’s story and we follow her path of adjusting to unexpected marriage. Her perspective reminded me a lot of my early years and how I perceived this whole new world of intimacy.
There is a mystery woven into the book which helps it move it along sprinkled with that special Alice Coldbreath’s sense of humor. Everything together makes for a very enjoyable experience.
Every single minor character is intriguing and fun to read about. There are no 2D villains or those ‘always on your side’ friends or ‘slightly dumb’ servants.
Alice Coldbreath writes light, comedic romances that are oh so sexy, which does not at all exclude her from being in a writing genius category, because she is.
I love Roland so much in this book and even though people see Eden as a shrew, I love her maybe more because she was so lost about this whole situation.
Original review
I would give this wonderful book 8 stars if I could. Such a great and unexpected story.
At first, I was hesitant whether I could like Roland from what I knew of him from previous books. Yet he turned out magnificent. It wasn't as if he all of a sudden becomes an angel, he is still crude and unartistic in his speech and manners. But when it comes to marriage he takes to it with great responsibility. Well, it could be due to his secret obsession with Eden.
Portrayal of Eden took this book to another level though. This is more or less Eden’s story and we follow her path of adjusting to unexpected marriage. Her perspective reminded me a lot of my early years and how I perceived this whole new world of intimacy.
There is a mystery woven into the book which helps it move it along sprinkled with that special Alice Coldbreath’s sense of humor. Everything together makes for a very enjoyable experience.
Every single minor character is intriguing and fun to read about. There are no 2D villains or those ‘always on your side’ friends or ‘slightly dumb’ servants.
Alice Coldbreath writes light, comedic romances that are oh so sexy, which does not at all exclude her from being in a writing genius category, because she is.
July 18, 2020
. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I quite enjoyed this one but it wasn't as engaging as the first two books.
The audio reader was fabulous.
Roland is as clueless about love as his two brothers were. He makes the mistake of deciding to marry the most beautiful woman he can (Lenora) when he really just wants Eden (Lenora's poor cousin).
Now this kinda thing would bug me like crazy, but for Roland's drunken confession at the betrothal dinner, that the bride to be was 'the wrong one'...'shoulda bin Eden'... he slurred.
Next thing you know he wakes up with Eden in his arms, naked.
But he's more than fine with that. Eden doesn't know what to think.
Now his oldest brother Oswald needs to smooth any ruffled feathers at court. But for all his planning, even Oswald can't foresee all the repercussions.
It's a pretty straight forward tale that kinda mirrors the first book in structure.
But even the characters themselves joke about the similarities which somehow makes it OK.
I suppose it could be a stand-a-lone but I don't think it would read nearly as well without reading the other two books first.
Safety is all good.
I quite enjoyed this one but it wasn't as engaging as the first two books.
The audio reader was fabulous.
Roland is as clueless about love as his two brothers were. He makes the mistake of deciding to marry the most beautiful woman he can (Lenora) when he really just wants Eden (Lenora's poor cousin).
Now this kinda thing would bug me like crazy, but for Roland's drunken confession at the betrothal dinner, that the bride to be was 'the wrong one'...'shoulda bin Eden'... he slurred.
Next thing you know he wakes up with Eden in his arms, naked.
But he's more than fine with that. Eden doesn't know what to think.
Now his oldest brother Oswald needs to smooth any ruffled feathers at court. But for all his planning, even Oswald can't foresee all the repercussions.
It's a pretty straight forward tale that kinda mirrors the first book in structure.
But even the characters themselves joke about the similarities which somehow makes it OK.
I suppose it could be a stand-a-lone but I don't think it would read nearly as well without reading the other two books first.
Safety is all good.
December 31, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
This wasn't my favorite of Alice Coldbreath's but I still enjoyed it. Like many of her books, the main characters in this one are opposites with a knight who competes in tournaments and is a bit of a brute paired with an intellectually minded courtier. The dynamic was a little more prickly for longer than I preferred. I didn't like the H in the prior two books, but I thought he was significantly better here. I felt like the h was so much less flexible and willing to put in work because she was in her head about her situation. I really wished for more moments where they were working together and communicating well.
The book opens with a prologue of Roland (H) and Eden (h) at court and put in a position where they're encouraged to exchange a kiss. This kiss shakes Roland, though he speaks to his brother about arranging a betrothal to Eden's cousin shortly after. Six months later, they're at a betrothal feast where Eden's expressing concern about the match. Meanwhile Roland's acting intoxicated and right before he passes out, he says he's with the wrong one. Both Eden and Roland wake up the next morning, naked, and in bed with each other, right before Eden's male relatives explode in the bedroom. Our couple are all out of sorts, but are quickly married and then hurried on their way with a plan to spend time away from court. That's how their relationship begins and while it's not the preferred way, it's clear that Roland is very happy with his bride, while Eden gets peeks of who Roland is at a deeper level than others see. They go to a tournament, check out their home base, and then have to go to court to defend their marriage.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (there was zero feeling on H's part for the cousin or vice versa; H also gets jealous over any attention from om to h), H not a virgin but celibate since the kiss, and h is a virgin.
Despite the more contentious moments where Eden and Roland aren't on the same page, they did have some cute scenes. He was so head over heels for her and it was hilarious to see how others viewed them when they were called to court. Eden was just harder to pin down for me since she had felt out of place in her family and then her marriage doesn't begin on the right foot. She was pretty judgmental of Roland and sometimes he played into it, but other times was pretty hurt. Steam-wise, I thought the scenes fit their personalities well with Roland overwhelmed with his attraction to her and Eden focused on how undignified these moments are lol. The best scene imo was sadly closer to the end and I wanted that physical intimacy truly clicking in slightly earlier. But that may be because the emotional intimacy wasn't smooth until later too. There IS a "my wife" scene and I loved it. There's also a bit of a breeding kink moment close to that and Roland losing his mind when Eden calls him "husband".
I thought the supporting characters were mostly fun, esp Cuthbert, who I will never not love and hope he gets his own book eventually. I did love seeing some characters here that I saw more of in the Brides of Karadok series. Also, Gunnilde is introduced in this story, she becomes a friend of Eden's who was a sweetheart, and Alice Coldbreath has said she's working on her book now. Roland's family were interesting and I liked Oswald in this book. I adored Lenora (Eden's cousin) and the hints of spirit she had in this one that she comes into in her own book in the Brides series. The court creating drama for the relationship is par for the course in this series but didn't bother me as much as in the other two books.
The final chapters had some confrontation, revelations, and realizations. I thought Eden finally got her AHA time and had a nice claiming moment. Plus the exchange of I love you's. It all felt a bit rushed though because of some arguing that had occurred right before. An epilogue three months later shows Eden and Roland happily in love and it was sweet. I'm glad that I read this and thankfully friends' reviews captured the story's highs and lows way better than I could. The Prizefighters are just always going to be my favorites I think. Though I'm more excited for Gunnilde's book now!
This wasn't my favorite of Alice Coldbreath's but I still enjoyed it. Like many of her books, the main characters in this one are opposites with a knight who competes in tournaments and is a bit of a brute paired with an intellectually minded courtier. The dynamic was a little more prickly for longer than I preferred. I didn't like the H in the prior two books, but I thought he was significantly better here. I felt like the h was so much less flexible and willing to put in work because she was in her head about her situation. I really wished for more moments where they were working together and communicating well.
The book opens with a prologue of Roland (H) and Eden (h) at court and put in a position where they're encouraged to exchange a kiss. This kiss shakes Roland, though he speaks to his brother about arranging a betrothal to Eden's cousin shortly after. Six months later, they're at a betrothal feast where Eden's expressing concern about the match. Meanwhile Roland's acting intoxicated and right before he passes out, he says he's with the wrong one. Both Eden and Roland wake up the next morning, naked, and in bed with each other, right before Eden's male relatives explode in the bedroom. Our couple are all out of sorts, but are quickly married and then hurried on their way with a plan to spend time away from court. That's how their relationship begins and while it's not the preferred way, it's clear that Roland is very happy with his bride, while Eden gets peeks of who Roland is at a deeper level than others see. They go to a tournament, check out their home base, and then have to go to court to defend their marriage.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (there was zero feeling on H's part for the cousin or vice versa; H also gets jealous over any attention from om to h), H not a virgin but celibate since the kiss, and h is a virgin.
Despite the more contentious moments where Eden and Roland aren't on the same page, they did have some cute scenes. He was so head over heels for her and it was hilarious to see how others viewed them when they were called to court. Eden was just harder to pin down for me since she had felt out of place in her family and then her marriage doesn't begin on the right foot. She was pretty judgmental of Roland and sometimes he played into it, but other times was pretty hurt. Steam-wise, I thought the scenes fit their personalities well with Roland overwhelmed with his attraction to her and Eden focused on how undignified these moments are lol. The best scene imo was sadly closer to the end and I wanted that physical intimacy truly clicking in slightly earlier. But that may be because the emotional intimacy wasn't smooth until later too. There IS a "my wife" scene and I loved it. There's also a bit of a breeding kink moment close to that and Roland losing his mind when Eden calls him "husband".
I thought the supporting characters were mostly fun, esp Cuthbert, who I will never not love and hope he gets his own book eventually. I did love seeing some characters here that I saw more of in the Brides of Karadok series. Also, Gunnilde is introduced in this story, she becomes a friend of Eden's who was a sweetheart, and Alice Coldbreath has said she's working on her book now. Roland's family were interesting and I liked Oswald in this book. I adored Lenora (Eden's cousin) and the hints of spirit she had in this one that she comes into in her own book in the Brides series. The court creating drama for the relationship is par for the course in this series but didn't bother me as much as in the other two books.
The final chapters had some confrontation, revelations, and realizations. I thought Eden finally got her AHA time and had a nice claiming moment. Plus the exchange of I love you's. It all felt a bit rushed though because of some arguing that had occurred right before. An epilogue three months later shows Eden and Roland happily in love and it was sweet. I'm glad that I read this and thankfully friends' reviews captured the story's highs and lows way better than I could. The Prizefighters are just always going to be my favorites I think. Though I'm more excited for Gunnilde's book now!
December 31, 2021
RTC!
I don't know why but I kept thinking of the movie, She's All That, when I was reading this. Not for any specific scene but just the archetype of the jock falling head over the heels for the artsy culture girl.
Roland is the King's Champion and ends up marrying Eden after being found in a compromising position with her the night of his betrothal dinner to Eden's cousin, the beautiful Lenora. Roland doesn't really care how Eden ends up in his bedchamber because he's honestly relieved not to have to marry Lenora. He knows he wants to be with Eden so he's not too bothered about how it happened. It was sexy that Roland was with Eden from the jump.
While Roland is all in, it's Eden that is confused and unsure about the relationship.
Eden is a faithful portrayal of woman with stick up her butt. Throughout the novel, she wonders when the sex will be over. We know it is the stories she is telling herself instead of examining how her feelings have changed towards Roland. She's mastered all the courtly arts but she is considered a bit of a perfectionist. She's proud of her position as one of the Queen's leading lady in waiting, and does not believe she has any appeal to men.
Their trip to Vawdrey Keep showed Eden's industriousness, but what kept me thinking was their fight and eventual falling out on what constitutes bravery, and what is worth valuing. When Eden tells Roland that upon further reflection, Sir Renlow is brave, it was a powerful moment.
I don't know why but I kept thinking of the movie, She's All That, when I was reading this. Not for any specific scene but just the archetype of the jock falling head over the heels for the artsy culture girl.
Roland is the King's Champion and ends up marrying Eden after being found in a compromising position with her the night of his betrothal dinner to Eden's cousin, the beautiful Lenora. Roland doesn't really care how Eden ends up in his bedchamber because he's honestly relieved not to have to marry Lenora. He knows he wants to be with Eden so he's not too bothered about how it happened. It was sexy that Roland was with Eden from the jump.
While Roland is all in, it's Eden that is confused and unsure about the relationship.
Eden is a faithful portrayal of woman with stick up her butt. Throughout the novel, she wonders when the sex will be over. We know it is the stories she is telling herself instead of examining how her feelings have changed towards Roland. She's mastered all the courtly arts but she is considered a bit of a perfectionist. She's proud of her position as one of the Queen's leading lady in waiting, and does not believe she has any appeal to men.
Their trip to Vawdrey Keep showed Eden's industriousness, but what kept me thinking was their fight and eventual falling out on what constitutes bravery, and what is worth valuing. When Eden tells Roland that upon further reflection, Sir Renlow is brave, it was a powerful moment.
November 7, 2018
This was what I’ve come to expect from Alice Coldbreath: something completely engaging, light hearted and charming with just a bit of depth. I liked the dual povs, the funny Vawdrey brother idiosyncrasies and the fact that there was no OP drama at all. I wish that Roland wasn’t such a manho before this story took place but at least . All in all, an adorably fun tale.
The plot has become a bit formulaic but there were enough differences to keep me engaged. There were also some minor grammatical errors, but they in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book.
Psst, Ms. Coldbreath, I’d be happy to beta read your next book if you’d like. :))
The plot has become a bit formulaic but there were enough differences to keep me engaged. There were also some minor grammatical errors, but they in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book.
Psst, Ms. Coldbreath, I’d be happy to beta read your next book if you’d like. :))
August 24, 2022
Like Nutella and bread 🥖
Delicious and addicting
Wow
Delicious and addicting
Wow
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