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Brides of Karadok #2
The Unlovely Bride
Lenora Montmayne leads a charmed life as the most beautiful woman at King Wymer’s court, surrounded by admirers. And then disaster strikes. The red pox sweeps the summer palace at Caer-Lyones and Lenora’s fair face falls victim to its ravages. Without her looks, what does Lenora have left to her?
If ever there was a knight the crowd loves to hate, it’s Garman Orde. Even his own family despises him. Then one night a heavily veiled lady offers him an extraordinary bargain. And he finds out that Lenora Montmayne was never just a pretty face.
The Unlovely Bride is a stand-alone novel of over 136,000 words and is 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.
If ever there was a knight the crowd loves to hate, it’s Garman Orde. Even his own family despises him. Then one night a heavily veiled lady offers him an extraordinary bargain. And he finds out that Lenora Montmayne was never just a pretty face.
The Unlovely Bride is a stand-alone novel of over 136,000 words and is 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.
527 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
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2595 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
May 19, 2023
Four stars, all for Lenora.
This book was Lenora’s triumph. She is a previous character in several other books set in Karadok and is presented as a quiet, uninteresting woman with no talents or conversation but stunningly beautiful. She is called the flower of all Karadok and never valued for anything but her beauty, because of this she never cultivates conversation, talent, friendships or interests in others outside her small circle. When the red pox comes to Karadok, Lenora is afflicted and left for dead in the crypts under the castle. She recovers and rescues herself through sheer determination. Sadly she is met, not with relief from her parents at her recovery, but with horror at the state of her once beautiful face. They then try to force a match with her with one of her more devoted courtiers before her illness or suggest she retire to a nunnery for the remainder of her years. Lenora then takes matters into her own hands and seeks out Garmon, a grumpy knight who cares not for court and is known as a boar. She offers to elope with him and give him her dowry if he takes her away from court immediately. From this point forward, Lenora has to rely on her cunning, her wits and her ability to make friends and influence people, something she did not think she had any ability for. She grows tremendously throughout the book, makes many loyal friends, solves others’ problems and is overall an insightful and compassionate person. Garmon however starts as a grouch and stays a grouch and never really deserves her.
There was a bit of romance in here but I’d say this was more a medieval story of a woman’s triumph over societal expectations and personal tragedy.
Garmon was just her grumpy husband who sometimes supported her and then was an ass, and then apologized. He was a side piece to this story.
This book was Lenora’s triumph. She is a previous character in several other books set in Karadok and is presented as a quiet, uninteresting woman with no talents or conversation but stunningly beautiful. She is called the flower of all Karadok and never valued for anything but her beauty, because of this she never cultivates conversation, talent, friendships or interests in others outside her small circle. When the red pox comes to Karadok, Lenora is afflicted and left for dead in the crypts under the castle. She recovers and rescues herself through sheer determination. Sadly she is met, not with relief from her parents at her recovery, but with horror at the state of her once beautiful face. They then try to force a match with her with one of her more devoted courtiers before her illness or suggest she retire to a nunnery for the remainder of her years. Lenora then takes matters into her own hands and seeks out Garmon, a grumpy knight who cares not for court and is known as a boar. She offers to elope with him and give him her dowry if he takes her away from court immediately. From this point forward, Lenora has to rely on her cunning, her wits and her ability to make friends and influence people, something she did not think she had any ability for. She grows tremendously throughout the book, makes many loyal friends, solves others’ problems and is overall an insightful and compassionate person. Garmon however starts as a grouch and stays a grouch and never really deserves her.
There was a bit of romance in here but I’d say this was more a medieval story of a woman’s triumph over societal expectations and personal tragedy.
Garmon was just her grumpy husband who sometimes supported her and then was an ass, and then apologized. He was a side piece to this story.
January 2, 2024
4 stars
I truly enjoyed this. It had a lot going for it. Likeable heroine who is smart and very self reliant. A hero who is kinda cold and generally doesn't care for anyone and is very set in his ways but somehow still manages to come off as a realist with a pessimist outlook instead of plain a**hole-ish.
I liked the historical context, it felt authentic. Also, the side characters added a lot to the plot and I liked them.
I truly enjoyed this. It had a lot going for it. Likeable heroine who is smart and very self reliant. A hero who is kinda cold and generally doesn't care for anyone and is very set in his ways but somehow still manages to come off as a realist with a pessimist outlook instead of plain a**hole-ish.
I liked the historical context, it felt authentic. Also, the side characters added a lot to the plot and I liked them.
December 31, 2020
Oh my, I'm teetering between 4.5 and 5. This book was absolutely amazing. Alice Coldbreath gets better with every book she writes.
Lenora is a character we've seen in previous books. She is the acknowledged beauty of the court but seems vapid and only concerned with her looks. After she comes down with the Pox, she is dumped in the catacombs beneath the castle to fend for herself or die. Luckily, Lenora is a strong-willed, tough lady and she pulls through out of sheer stubbornness. But she does not escape unscathed. Her beauty is marred by scars on her face and eyelids. Knowing that she will never make a good match now that she's lost her beauty and not willing to subject herself to the pity and scorn of the court, she takes matters into her own hands and proposes marriage to the knight she thinks will be least interested in her face and herself. Garman Orde is known as a ruthless fighter in the contests and Lenora knows that she will get honesty and no pity from him.
By chapter 5 the couple have eloped and married on the road to the farm that Garman owns. The rest of the book is spent with the H/h getting to know each other in their marriage of convenience. I loved Lenora. She knows that she used to be a self-centered twit with no substance and she is doing her best to be more interested in those around her. Her illness changed her for the better and she strives to be honest and requires honesty in return. She discovers unknown depths to her character and is slowly becoming the woman she is meant to be. Garman was a big, burly, grumpy teddy bear. He can be a right bast**d but he is loyal and caring to those he loves. (You just have to hope you are one of that small number) It was so much fun watching these two trying to figure the other out, while protecting their own vulnerabilities. Occasionally, Garman would decide he needed to pull away and would become cold and I thought the author could have done a better job of explaining his motivations. We do learn as the book goes on, but it's not until near the end that it all becomes clear. This is really a small niggle and didn't bother me much, but did leave me confused a few times as to what Garman was thinking and why.
Where Coldbreath really shines is in her relationships. I seriously fell in love with their love story. Near the end, Garman gets angry and does something that hurts Lenora terribly. He proves once again, that he is a ruthless man. But the grovel and apology were spot on. There was so much emotion and love poured into that scene that it brought tears to my eyes. I really wish I could do a brain wipe and start this book all over again.
Safety is good
Lenora is a character we've seen in previous books. She is the acknowledged beauty of the court but seems vapid and only concerned with her looks. After she comes down with the Pox, she is dumped in the catacombs beneath the castle to fend for herself or die. Luckily, Lenora is a strong-willed, tough lady and she pulls through out of sheer stubbornness. But she does not escape unscathed. Her beauty is marred by scars on her face and eyelids. Knowing that she will never make a good match now that she's lost her beauty and not willing to subject herself to the pity and scorn of the court, she takes matters into her own hands and proposes marriage to the knight she thinks will be least interested in her face and herself. Garman Orde is known as a ruthless fighter in the contests and Lenora knows that she will get honesty and no pity from him.
By chapter 5 the couple have eloped and married on the road to the farm that Garman owns. The rest of the book is spent with the H/h getting to know each other in their marriage of convenience. I loved Lenora. She knows that she used to be a self-centered twit with no substance and she is doing her best to be more interested in those around her. Her illness changed her for the better and she strives to be honest and requires honesty in return. She discovers unknown depths to her character and is slowly becoming the woman she is meant to be. Garman was a big, burly, grumpy teddy bear. He can be a right bast**d but he is loyal and caring to those he loves. (You just have to hope you are one of that small number) It was so much fun watching these two trying to figure the other out, while protecting their own vulnerabilities. Occasionally, Garman would decide he needed to pull away and would become cold and I thought the author could have done a better job of explaining his motivations. We do learn as the book goes on, but it's not until near the end that it all becomes clear. This is really a small niggle and didn't bother me much, but did leave me confused a few times as to what Garman was thinking and why.
Where Coldbreath really shines is in her relationships. I seriously fell in love with their love story. Near the end, Garman gets angry and does something that hurts Lenora terribly. He proves once again, that he is a ruthless man. But the grovel and apology were spot on. There was so much emotion and love poured into that scene that it brought tears to my eyes. I really wish I could do a brain wipe and start this book all over again.
Safety is good
December 13, 2022
I finally read my first official HR y’all!
3.5⭐️
I was worried when I read the first page that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the verbiage used or manner of writing, but I was pleasantly surprised to be swept away by it. It was all very comforting. Plus, there was lots of day-by-day activities described that were so soothing to read. Alice Coldbreath is a wonderful writer. (I also love that there’s a warning for obscene language and the “f word” wasn’t used often 😂. Or maybe the books I read have just desensitized me lmao)
Lenora was absolutely delightful! Her character arc was crafted seamlessly it was like watching a caterpillar transition into a butterfly. I use this analogy specifically because not only was this writing beautiful, but Lenora was gentil and delicate and really came into her own. The best part was that it wasn’t shoved into our face with noticeable changes, they were all subtle. But her actions and how she behaved/spoke around others, especially near the end of the book…omg 🤩. That glow-up! She could do no wrong. She deserves all the happiness in the world, all the cats- every single one of them. She deserved better than Garman. The only thing I’m thankful to him for was getting her out of the Court (🥳) so she could prosper (no thanks to him) and giving her some orgasms.
Speaking of happy endings, there were a lot of sex scenes which I was here for 😏. They were hot and sensual and apparently the only way Garman could/would ever show Lenora any kind of emotion imo. I actually got to the point where I wanted the steamy scenes to take a backseat so they could actually talk and he go back to his bluntly honest self. As for the literal happy ending, I really wished it was further out. I needed to see Lenora happy way further in the future for my own peace of mind.
Okay, I will get to my biggest issue with this pretty, wonderful, and frustrating novel: the MMC. I so badly wanted to yeet Garman far, far away. Into a bin 🗑️ somewhere. He was horrid. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad. Let me preface this by saying it wasn’t the writing, or the fact he wasn’t a fully-developed character. He was. AC did a great job of making me absolutely hate this man. So props to her for making me feel so strongly about a character. Unfortunately, I felt too strongly about him because he started to overshadow Lenora in my mind. I actively wished by around 40% we did not get a POV from Garman. I hated knowing his thoughts because up until 90% (probably further) he was questioning everything she did, even if she’d be sitting there just breathing. I didn’t really believe he loved her solely because he has no comprehension of emotions, he doesn’t know how to show them healthily, and when he did show them it was not a fun time for anyone. He did, however, lust after her like a mofo. That’s all he knew how to do. His thoughts proved to me time and time again that he did not deserve Lenora and he was childish, immature, selfish, stupid, and, despite what was first shown to us about him being honest to a fault, a liar.
Regardless of the MMC, I would probably read this again 👀 For Lenora, her cats, and Grandpa Sutton.
Thank you Kristina for throwing this book at me, I can tell this was a gentler HR read and, as my first, I now understand all the hubbub 😌
3.5⭐️
I was worried when I read the first page that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the verbiage used or manner of writing, but I was pleasantly surprised to be swept away by it. It was all very comforting. Plus, there was lots of day-by-day activities described that were so soothing to read. Alice Coldbreath is a wonderful writer. (I also love that there’s a warning for obscene language and the “f word” wasn’t used often 😂. Or maybe the books I read have just desensitized me lmao)
Lenora was absolutely delightful! Her character arc was crafted seamlessly it was like watching a caterpillar transition into a butterfly. I use this analogy specifically because not only was this writing beautiful, but Lenora was gentil and delicate and really came into her own. The best part was that it wasn’t shoved into our face with noticeable changes, they were all subtle. But her actions and how she behaved/spoke around others, especially near the end of the book…omg 🤩. That glow-up! She could do no wrong. She deserves all the happiness in the world, all the cats- every single one of them. She deserved better than Garman. The only thing I’m thankful to him for was getting her out of the Court (🥳) so she could prosper (no thanks to him) and giving her some orgasms.
Speaking of happy endings, there were a lot of sex scenes which I was here for 😏. They were hot and sensual and apparently the only way Garman could/would ever show Lenora any kind of emotion imo. I actually got to the point where I wanted the steamy scenes to take a backseat so they could actually talk and he go back to his bluntly honest self. As for the literal happy ending, I really wished it was further out. I needed to see Lenora happy way further in the future for my own peace of mind.
Okay, I will get to my biggest issue with this pretty, wonderful, and frustrating novel: the MMC. I so badly wanted to yeet Garman far, far away. Into a bin 🗑️ somewhere. He was horrid. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad. Let me preface this by saying it wasn’t the writing, or the fact he wasn’t a fully-developed character. He was. AC did a great job of making me absolutely hate this man. So props to her for making me feel so strongly about a character. Unfortunately, I felt too strongly about him because he started to overshadow Lenora in my mind. I actively wished by around 40% we did not get a POV from Garman. I hated knowing his thoughts because up until 90% (probably further) he was questioning everything she did, even if she’d be sitting there just breathing. I didn’t really believe he loved her solely because he has no comprehension of emotions, he doesn’t know how to show them healthily, and when he did show them it was not a fun time for anyone. He did, however, lust after her like a mofo. That’s all he knew how to do. His thoughts proved to me time and time again that he did not deserve Lenora and he was childish, immature, selfish, stupid, and, despite what was first shown to us about him being honest to a fault, a liar.
Regardless of the MMC, I would probably read this again 👀 For Lenora, her cats, and Grandpa Sutton.
Thank you Kristina for throwing this book at me, I can tell this was a gentler HR read and, as my first, I now understand all the hubbub 😌
September 26, 2022
I liked it, but maybe not as much as A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter. In the usual Coldbreath fashion, this story is filled with terrific banter, fairly steamy scenes for the genre, and a beautiful character arc.
Lenora was written so well. She describes herself as utterly self-consumed and vapid. As the court beauty, she didn't concern herself with boring things like learning, or caring about other people.
The book begins with Lenora describing how she survived the pox, and the other horrors of being placed in the crypt with all the others dying of the pox. It was only through inner strength that she survived the ordeal. Her family basically tells everyone her face is gone, ruined and thinks her only future is to send her to a nunnery. Granted she is left with scars, but none so horrific as her family would have everyone believing.
Enter Garman. She knows him from the tournaments, and watched him win jousting competitions. He's a cold, moody, heartless knight, brutal on and off the field. He doesn't pander to the crowds or bestow gifts upon the women of the court. (He thinks they're all idiots) She makes him a bargain and he accepts. This is medieval storytelling at its finest, it's a knight and a former beauty, their steamy romance and ultimately their hea.
*Complaint: Garman is an ass near the end of the book, and Lenora forgives him too quickly. Yes, this is medieval times and she has nothing without him, but I wanted more grovel.
Lenora was written so well. She describes herself as utterly self-consumed and vapid. As the court beauty, she didn't concern herself with boring things like learning, or caring about other people.
The book begins with Lenora describing how she survived the pox, and the other horrors of being placed in the crypt with all the others dying of the pox. It was only through inner strength that she survived the ordeal. Her family basically tells everyone her face is gone, ruined and thinks her only future is to send her to a nunnery. Granted she is left with scars, but none so horrific as her family would have everyone believing.
Enter Garman. She knows him from the tournaments, and watched him win jousting competitions. He's a cold, moody, heartless knight, brutal on and off the field. He doesn't pander to the crowds or bestow gifts upon the women of the court. (He thinks they're all idiots) She makes him a bargain and he accepts. This is medieval storytelling at its finest, it's a knight and a former beauty, their steamy romance and ultimately their hea.
*Complaint: Garman is an ass near the end of the book, and Lenora forgives him too quickly. Yes, this is medieval times and she has nothing without him, but I wanted more grovel.
June 21, 2023
When I pick up a new Alice Coldbreath book, I know going in that I'm going to be taken on a journey with the characters and she's going to make them grow along the way. In this book, Lenora (h) has just survived the pox, but is facing a completely changed fate since her whole world was comprised of her reputation as the beauty of the court. Her cousin, Eden, had challenged her to be more actively involved with others before she got sick and now, Lenora has to embrace how she wants to change. She begins by propositioning one of the knights who didn't fawn over her, Garman (H), to marry her, because he won't pity her and she has an idea of what marriage to him will be like. Except, their relationship makes them both better characters in an excellent way and their marriage becomes nothing like what either expected, in the best way. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny bit of om drama from a former suitor, and h is a virgin but H is not (minimal history from him thankfully).
This is a relationship and character-driven story with bits of drama. Lenora has quite a bit of uncertainty with how she now looks and with Garman in general, but I loved how reassuring he was with how he thought of her looks. Also how possessive (and sometimes jealous) he was with her. He's not certain how to handle their marriage either, sometimes he makes mistakes but he was considerate in so many other ways. There are scenes of Garman competing as a knight, the two of them settling in to their new home, and a fair amount of family drama to navigate. And the steam, you can't talk about one of Ms. Coldbreath's books without giving a hat's off to how she writes intimate scenes and I thought some of her best scenes from Karadok books I'd read were in this book. I also really felt the emotional intimacy between these two during their physically intimate moments with descriptions of how one of them would feel some swelling emotion during these times, that they didn't understand. While neither Lenora nor Garman address that they're falling in love until the end, when they're way head over heels, there are many little ways that they connect with and show each other affection throughout the book that really worked for me in building their relationship.
Some familiar, and some new, side characters build the supporting cast. Both characters' families are complicated, although Garman's takes the cake. But both Lenora and Garman are naturally more solitary so feel close to specific others, but aren't having heart to hearts all over the place. Lenora's cats should also be mentioned because she'd hate it if they weren't, plus they were adorable.
There is a conflict that arises between these two and I didn't love it, but I suspected it was coming so weathered it. I thought it didn't fit Garman's character as well considering how he'd been in their relationship, but it doesn't drag on either. The epilogue is also only a month in the future and I wanted something further out, like always, but especially because significant changes happen close to the end that I wanted to see more of how they adapted to them on page. But this has probably been my favorite of the Karadok world books so far.
This is a relationship and character-driven story with bits of drama. Lenora has quite a bit of uncertainty with how she now looks and with Garman in general, but I loved how reassuring he was with how he thought of her looks. Also how possessive (and sometimes jealous) he was with her. He's not certain how to handle their marriage either, sometimes he makes mistakes but he was considerate in so many other ways. There are scenes of Garman competing as a knight, the two of them settling in to their new home, and a fair amount of family drama to navigate. And the steam, you can't talk about one of Ms. Coldbreath's books without giving a hat's off to how she writes intimate scenes and I thought some of her best scenes from Karadok books I'd read were in this book. I also really felt the emotional intimacy between these two during their physically intimate moments with descriptions of how one of them would feel some swelling emotion during these times, that they didn't understand. While neither Lenora nor Garman address that they're falling in love until the end, when they're way head over heels, there are many little ways that they connect with and show each other affection throughout the book that really worked for me in building their relationship.
Some familiar, and some new, side characters build the supporting cast. Both characters' families are complicated, although Garman's takes the cake. But both Lenora and Garman are naturally more solitary so feel close to specific others, but aren't having heart to hearts all over the place. Lenora's cats should also be mentioned because she'd hate it if they weren't, plus they were adorable.
There is a conflict that arises between these two and I didn't love it, but I suspected it was coming so weathered it. I thought it didn't fit Garman's character as well considering how he'd been in their relationship, but it doesn't drag on either. The epilogue is also only a month in the future and I wanted something further out, like always, but especially because significant changes happen close to the end that I wanted to see more of how they adapted to them on page. But this has probably been my favorite of the Karadok world books so far.
June 27, 2021
This started out four stars for the non-standard romance characters. The heroine was the bland beauty in previous books, not bad but just complacent in her gorgeousness. After a bout with smallpox and hearing that she’d be better off dead than damaged by the pox she makes a decision to change and grow up. The hero is a brutally honest hero that is nonetheless charming for all his lack of apparent charm. After an ocean of smarm in HP and more contemporary romances, his bluntness was entertaining.
The H and h start out on their journey and nothing really happens. There is a lot of potential in the story: the heroine accepting her loss of beauty, more of her old beaus could have been introduced, bring in the mystery grandfather earlier that is not explored or not explored fully.
There is a lot of sex, some failure to communicate, some H unwillingness to embrace his more delicate emotions, and some mean behavior at the end.
Three stars plus.
The H and h start out on their journey and nothing really happens. There is a lot of potential in the story: the heroine accepting her loss of beauty, more of her old beaus could have been introduced, bring in the mystery grandfather earlier that is not explored or not explored fully.
There is a lot of sex, some failure to communicate, some H unwillingness to embrace his more delicate emotions, and some mean behavior at the end.
Three stars plus.
December 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Woke up in the mood for some comfort food (＾人＾)
Woke up in the mood for some comfort food (＾人＾)
April 12, 2020
Lenora was once a beauty of the court. She comes down with Pox and was thrown down to the crypts with other afflicted to await death. But Lenora was strong-willed, she threatened and bribed the "ghoulish-looking" attendents who were "taking care" of the afflicted so they can take care of her. After three months of struggle she breaks free of the Pox. Upon waking she overhears her parents wishing she had died for no man would want to marry her now. Hurt, and sad with the affliction, Lenora proposes marriage to Garman who she knows won't feel sorry for her least bother to think of her scarred face. Garman Orde is a knight who came to play in a fight. Surprised with Lenora's proposal, he finds Lenora not as ugly as everyone seems to put. Eloped and married both live on a farm Garman owns. Garman is grumpy and cold-hearted to Lenora in most of the story. But Lenora was wise when it came to dealing with his ruthlessness.
This is the story of two people married based on a convenience, each having their own vulnerabilities and trying to figure each other out. Garman is a mean bastard, which the author balances by his loyal and caring personality. He is quite hard to figure out his intentions unclear and his reasons for his behavior leaves a small niggle of bothersome. Lenora is a heroine to admire. Her tragedy changed her into a new person. She used to be concerned with her looks and she did have vapid-mean streak on her. Now she strives on honesty and the way she takes the claim of her life was wise. It was a great read.
This is the story of two people married based on a convenience, each having their own vulnerabilities and trying to figure each other out. Garman is a mean bastard, which the author balances by his loyal and caring personality. He is quite hard to figure out his intentions unclear and his reasons for his behavior leaves a small niggle of bothersome. Lenora is a heroine to admire. Her tragedy changed her into a new person. She used to be concerned with her looks and she did have vapid-mean streak on her. Now she strives on honesty and the way she takes the claim of her life was wise. It was a great read.
sampled-not-for-me
August 24, 2023I am at the 10% mark and don't like the voice used for the main female character. The story is just not holding my attention.
October 26, 2021
I liked the way Garman fell in love with Lenora even though her once-beautiful face was pockmarked from illness. He saw through to the lovely woman beneath. Lenora clearly did some growing up too, becoming more mature after the challenging experiences she went through at the start of the book.
But for me this pseudo-medieval world of Karadok created by Ms Coldbreath is not fully convincing, and I would rather the books be set in the real (historical) world. I have enjoyed the Victorian-era books she has written, but this one not quite so much. It started to drag in the last third or so. I had to push through to finish it. I might read some others in this series? Not sure.
But for me this pseudo-medieval world of Karadok created by Ms Coldbreath is not fully convincing, and I would rather the books be set in the real (historical) world. I have enjoyed the Victorian-era books she has written, but this one not quite so much. It started to drag in the last third or so. I had to push through to finish it. I might read some others in this series? Not sure.
September 7, 2022
At this point I won’t bother with another review for Mrs Coldbreath’s books, because they’re all the same.
She’s the best.
The story is awesome.
The h was perfect.
The H was broody, cold and grumpy. Precisely how I like them.
♥️ I just love this medieval HR
She’s the best.
The story is awesome.
The h was perfect.
The H was broody, cold and grumpy. Precisely how I like them.
♥️ I just love this medieval HR
September 20, 2022
RTC! I'm lowkey impressed by myself that I read 3 Alice Coldbreath novels while I was travelling for 24+ hours. What jet lag?...
***9/19/2022 UPDATE***
This was the last AC novel I read, so this one is blurring into the others ones I read. I remember the hero was bossy in bed as well. The Unlovely Bride is one of AC's longer works, and it was fun to read. Lenora was being a little extra with all the veils in the beginning, which was why I initially stopped reading it a few months ago.
I enjoyed reading it, but not sure if they are my favourite couple from this series. I wish for more cats. Lenora's pox marks are what make her more interested in other people, for her to have a personality. I am very much intrigued by this premise: of a classical beauty whose beauty is ravaged and thus has to grow a personality. I wouldn't mind reading more of these types of heroines, if the author does not inflict this character development as a punishment to the heroine. I'm also not sure about how I feel Berta whopping the spoiled servant's ass, and everyone acting like this is normal. Yes I know it was probably normal in the made-up land of Karadok but still.
***9/19/2022 UPDATE***
This was the last AC novel I read, so this one is blurring into the others ones I read. I remember the hero was bossy in bed as well. The Unlovely Bride is one of AC's longer works, and it was fun to read. Lenora was being a little extra with all the veils in the beginning, which was why I initially stopped reading it a few months ago.
I enjoyed reading it, but not sure if they are my favourite couple from this series. I wish for more cats. Lenora's pox marks are what make her more interested in other people, for her to have a personality. I am very much intrigued by this premise: of a classical beauty whose beauty is ravaged and thus has to grow a personality. I wouldn't mind reading more of these types of heroines, if the author does not inflict this character development as a punishment to the heroine. I'm also not sure about how I feel Berta whopping the spoiled servant's ass, and everyone acting like this is normal. Yes I know it was probably normal in the made-up land of Karadok but still.
March 13, 2020
4.75 stars.
The most hilarious book I’ve ever read from this author, and loves it! ❤️
But I cannot give full 5 stars, because of Garman nastiness near the end, he regretted soon enough but I wanted to hit his head with the skillet! 😠
If you already read this author’s book, go on read this one too.
Lenora is much improved person than the one you met in Eden and Roland book and Garman is a fabulous surprise for a hero! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
The most hilarious book I’ve ever read from this author, and loves it! ❤️
But I cannot give full 5 stars, because of Garman nastiness near the end, he regretted soon enough but I wanted to hit his head with the skillet! 😠
If you already read this author’s book, go on read this one too.
Lenora is much improved person than the one you met in Eden and Roland book and Garman is a fabulous surprise for a hero! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
April 22, 2023
Love this couple's story. Once beautiful, the now scarred heroine takes charge of her life when she realises she's not going to die. He's been hurt emotionally so just hates everyone. I liked how he was 'undone' when she's around him. So many wonderful characters support this couple. It's funny, sharp and so much fun.
January 24, 2021
This may be my favorite of all of Coldbreath's Karadok books--and that's saying something. She's terrific! She writes the kind of books that I *love*--reminiscent of Johanna Lindsey in her heyday, but with stronger, funnier heroines and super-smitten uber-alpha heroes. I just love the chemistry, camaraderie, and snappy dialogue between her characters, and the D/s-y sex scenes that are hot as hell. AC does a great job of stretching out the sexual tension too--in this one, the MCs gradually build up to consummation with increasingly intimate (and very hot) scenes that allow them to build emotional connectedness and partnership before the Big Moment occurs. Her world building--a medieval kingdom called Karadok--gets better with every book too.
I think I liked The Unlovely Bride so much because I had read the other books featuring heroine Lenora before reading this one. She grows from being a vapid and spoiled court beauty who can't even be bothered to talk to other people in Coldbreath's Vawdrey Brother books (although her love for her cousin, the heroine of the 3rd VB book, softens her a little) into the gutsy, very likable heroine of this book, who has lost her looks and survived a horrific experience as a pox victim but who becomes a real and better person as a result.
There was so much I liked about this book, but as with other AC books, it's the core relationship between the surprisingly unspoiled heroine and the seemingly rude, crude brute of a hero who, like AC's other heroes, turns out to be an excellent mate in the end, that really makes the story. AC may write the same kind of big, brooding, intimidating and very Dommy heroes in almost every book, but maaaan do I like her kind of hero! And her heroines do a pretty good job of standing up to them, albeit within the confines of the medieval settings of the stories. The scenes where Garman comforts Lenora, awakening her from her nightmares with the assurance that she's safe and he's there, are really moving and set the stage for their relationship from the start. Well drawn secondary characters, including the heroine's cats, really round out the story.
Great tension, romance, heat, and characters, written in a clean and amusing style that shows real talent at work here. AC has managed to blend what I liked most about steamy vintage romance with a more modern sensibility, and it just WORKS. She is my absolute favorite modern romance writer working today, and I can't wait for more from her.
I think I liked The Unlovely Bride so much because I had read the other books featuring heroine Lenora before reading this one. She grows from being a vapid and spoiled court beauty who can't even be bothered to talk to other people in Coldbreath's Vawdrey Brother books (although her love for her cousin, the heroine of the 3rd VB book, softens her a little) into the gutsy, very likable heroine of this book, who has lost her looks and survived a horrific experience as a pox victim but who becomes a real and better person as a result.
There was so much I liked about this book, but as with other AC books, it's the core relationship between the surprisingly unspoiled heroine and the seemingly rude, crude brute of a hero who, like AC's other heroes, turns out to be an excellent mate in the end, that really makes the story. AC may write the same kind of big, brooding, intimidating and very Dommy heroes in almost every book, but maaaan do I like her kind of hero! And her heroines do a pretty good job of standing up to them, albeit within the confines of the medieval settings of the stories. The scenes where Garman comforts Lenora, awakening her from her nightmares with the assurance that she's safe and he's there, are really moving and set the stage for their relationship from the start. Well drawn secondary characters, including the heroine's cats, really round out the story.
Great tension, romance, heat, and characters, written in a clean and amusing style that shows real talent at work here. AC has managed to blend what I liked most about steamy vintage romance with a more modern sensibility, and it just WORKS. She is my absolute favorite modern romance writer working today, and I can't wait for more from her.
March 3, 2021
Second read: 4 stars. It’s funny how the second read brings a different view of these books for me. I find that this book was much more enjoyable than the last one, which was basically the opposite of how I felt the first time I read them.
I really liked both the hero and heroine of this book, even if I was frustrated with the hero pretty often. Go into this book expecting bad behavior from him, so there’s no surprise when he acts a fool. The heroine’s evolution was well thought out, considering her appearances in previous book. The author built on what had been stated about her in past books, and definitely redeemed her from the boring character she once was.
As for the ending, I honestly don’t know what I was thinking before, because this time none of that bothered me. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Safe; heroine virgin, hero was a man whore but his exploits happily weren’t rubbed in my face.
——
3.5 stars. Ah, I finally finished all the Karadok books (first the Vaudrey Brothers, then the two in this series). Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite. I loved the hero & heroine, I loved the story line (initially), I really thought this book had huge potential. I even imagined it being one of my favorites at one point. Unfortunately, at about 85%, the author seemed to give up on the story. There’s an over the top conflict. The hero suddenly had a complete change of heart and declared his love (he is an extremely stubborn man so this was just over the top unbelievable). He suddenly decides that he doesn’t want to have a backbone and will do anything to please his wife. All of the loose ends were wrapped up as easily as possible. Everyone is happy, no one is unhappy, etc. The whole end of the book is just nonsense... I like a happy ending as much as any romance reader... but this wasn’t realistic and detracted greatly from the story and who the characters were at heart. Also, there was an over-abundance of sex in this story. It seems like each novel somehow had more and more and this one was just over the top with the sex scenes. It seemed like a good chunk of the middle of the book was devoted to one sex scene after another. I personally do not think that these books need to contain as much sex as an erotica novel, but it was getting close.
Anyways, I’m still looking forward to future books by this author, which I’m hoping will be closer to the Vaudrey Brothers series.
I really liked both the hero and heroine of this book, even if I was frustrated with the hero pretty often. Go into this book expecting bad behavior from him, so there’s no surprise when he acts a fool. The heroine’s evolution was well thought out, considering her appearances in previous book. The author built on what had been stated about her in past books, and definitely redeemed her from the boring character she once was.
As for the ending, I honestly don’t know what I was thinking before, because this time none of that bothered me. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Safe; heroine virgin, hero was a man whore but his exploits happily weren’t rubbed in my face.
——
3.5 stars. Ah, I finally finished all the Karadok books (first the Vaudrey Brothers, then the two in this series). Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite. I loved the hero & heroine, I loved the story line (initially), I really thought this book had huge potential. I even imagined it being one of my favorites at one point. Unfortunately, at about 85%, the author seemed to give up on the story. There’s an over the top conflict. The hero suddenly had a complete change of heart and declared his love (he is an extremely stubborn man so this was just over the top unbelievable). He suddenly decides that he doesn’t want to have a backbone and will do anything to please his wife. All of the loose ends were wrapped up as easily as possible. Everyone is happy, no one is unhappy, etc. The whole end of the book is just nonsense... I like a happy ending as much as any romance reader... but this wasn’t realistic and detracted greatly from the story and who the characters were at heart. Also, there was an over-abundance of sex in this story. It seems like each novel somehow had more and more and this one was just over the top with the sex scenes. It seemed like a good chunk of the middle of the book was devoted to one sex scene after another. I personally do not think that these books need to contain as much sex as an erotica novel, but it was getting close.
Anyways, I’m still looking forward to future books by this author, which I’m hoping will be closer to the Vaudrey Brothers series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
5 STARS
Well shit... I am such a sucker for these books. I cannot get enough of Alice Coldbreath's writing. And I would not, in my wildest dreams have guessed that Lenora's story would go like this. I was glued to the pages.
And of course, it had nothing to do with our surly, boorish hero, that never held back his opinion, good or bad. Honestly, Coldbreath creates the best characters. I even fall in love with the old crone, the cats, the dogs... the little kids. Brilliant. All of it. I cannot wait for the next release.
“Aye wife, your face.” His voice was thick with emotion and lust, but he held her gaze as he started to thrust in earnest.
“For it’s the face I love best in all the world.”
Well shit... I am such a sucker for these books. I cannot get enough of Alice Coldbreath's writing. And I would not, in my wildest dreams have guessed that Lenora's story would go like this. I was glued to the pages.
And of course, it had nothing to do with our surly, boorish hero, that never held back his opinion, good or bad. Honestly, Coldbreath creates the best characters. I even fall in love with the old crone, the cats, the dogs... the little kids. Brilliant. All of it. I cannot wait for the next release.
There was a convent plan?
dnf
January 6, 2025dnf @ 50%
just couldn't hold my attention, my previous two hr reads set the bar too high i fear.
i will try other books from this series, but i think this one just didn't have the type of conflict or mmc i care for.
just couldn't hold my attention, my previous two hr reads set the bar too high i fear.
i will try other books from this series, but i think this one just didn't have the type of conflict or mmc i care for.
June 25, 2023
“You gave me sleepless nights and restless days. I ached for you, here.” He grasped her hand and slid it over his heart. “Right in my black heart.”
Alice Coldbreath just can’t miss. I have a really hard time putting her books down once I’ve started them and this one was no different. Her imagery makes you feel every single scene to the max.
Our FMC, Lenora Montmayne, once the most beautiful and sought after woman in the kingdom, becomes a victim of the red pox and is left scarred. Rather than be pushed into a marriage, she boldly takes her future into her own hands and proposes to the grumpiest man in Karadok. What ensues is a VERY spicy love story with plenty of family drama.
Reading about Lenora in the previous novels, I was skeptical about her story as she’s written exceedingly bland and purely ornamental, but as we get further into the story, we realize that was Coldbreath’s intention. We get to see her amazing transformation from a boring court beauty to a woman of worth who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I’ve read about the "scarred hero" many times, but seeing it in a heroine made for an exciting twist!
It was hard not to fall in love with our MMC, Garman Orde, even though there were a few times I wanted to punch him in the head. There’s just something about a man, especially a broody medieval knight, who falls head over heels in love with his woman but tries everything in his power to deny it. His inner monologue as he starts to realize his feelings for Lenora is hysterical. He is stubborn, brash, and bitter, but it’s his love for Lenora that is his redemption.
There is a lot of dysfunctional family drama that literally anyone could relate to. The sex scenes were phenomenal…as they always are. I would give this book a 5 star rating for those scenes alone, they are that good. I also have to mention Berta, who had me dying laughing with every snarky comment she had to make. Who doesn’t love a low-born servant woman with the wrath of god?
I love, love, LOVED this story. She hasn't written a book yet that I didn't love. She just needs a good editor. Hey, Alice! If you are reading this, please hire me to edit your books. I’ll do it for pennies!
Alice Coldbreath just can’t miss. I have a really hard time putting her books down once I’ve started them and this one was no different. Her imagery makes you feel every single scene to the max.
Our FMC, Lenora Montmayne, once the most beautiful and sought after woman in the kingdom, becomes a victim of the red pox and is left scarred. Rather than be pushed into a marriage, she boldly takes her future into her own hands and proposes to the grumpiest man in Karadok. What ensues is a VERY spicy love story with plenty of family drama.
Reading about Lenora in the previous novels, I was skeptical about her story as she’s written exceedingly bland and purely ornamental, but as we get further into the story, we realize that was Coldbreath’s intention. We get to see her amazing transformation from a boring court beauty to a woman of worth who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I’ve read about the "scarred hero" many times, but seeing it in a heroine made for an exciting twist!
It was hard not to fall in love with our MMC, Garman Orde, even though there were a few times I wanted to punch him in the head. There’s just something about a man, especially a broody medieval knight, who falls head over heels in love with his woman but tries everything in his power to deny it. His inner monologue as he starts to realize his feelings for Lenora is hysterical. He is stubborn, brash, and bitter, but it’s his love for Lenora that is his redemption.
There is a lot of dysfunctional family drama that literally anyone could relate to. The sex scenes were phenomenal…as they always are. I would give this book a 5 star rating for those scenes alone, they are that good. I also have to mention Berta, who had me dying laughing with every snarky comment she had to make. Who doesn’t love a low-born servant woman with the wrath of god?
I love, love, LOVED this story. She hasn't written a book yet that I didn't love. She just needs a good editor. Hey, Alice! If you are reading this, please hire me to edit your books. I’ll do it for pennies!
March 30, 2020
Really wonderful!
I'm always happy when an author can make a truly insipid and stupid character into an interesting one!
In the previous book Lenora was just an emptyheaded pretty face! Here instead she's just wonderful!
Garman thinks himself to be a tough, heartless warrior. Ha! Lenora will teach him better!
I'm so looking forward to Una's story!!!!
I'm always happy when an author can make a truly insipid and stupid character into an interesting one!
In the previous book Lenora was just an emptyheaded pretty face! Here instead she's just wonderful!
Garman thinks himself to be a tough, heartless warrior. Ha! Lenora will teach him better!
I'm so looking forward to Una's story!!!!
March 1, 2023
⊹ reread, march 2023.
⊹ reread, may 2022.
⊹ read, november 2021.
this book? talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique—lenora and garman have my heart. ♡
⊹ reread, may 2022.
⊹ read, november 2021.
this book? talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique—lenora and garman have my heart. ♡
January 14, 2024
4.75 stars - I loved this!
I giggled my way through the audiobook - the verbal sparring between Lenora and Garman was surprising and delightful, but I guess they are both fans of jousting! He was glowering and virile (her words), and she rose to the occasion every time. After her near death experience, Lenora was taking charge of her life and I *loved* that about her.
Garman was also king of “what is this feeling in my chest area??”, especially in the beginning when . We also got some A+ scenes of him being irrationally jealous whenever .
The steamy scenes were also quite something. Just when I thought it was a slower burn (compared to other Alice Coldbreath books), bam! Face sitting. 🥵
I only wish that, in the third act conflict, we got more of what Garman was thinking as I had to fill in the blanks a bit. On the other hand, I did like how us staying with Lenora really highlighted her strength of character.
P.S. I loved seeing Eden and Roland from An Ill Made Match again! The fact that Eden has been known to harangue Roland’s opponents made me chortle.
I giggled my way through the audiobook - the verbal sparring between Lenora and Garman was surprising and delightful, but I guess they are both fans of jousting! He was glowering and virile (her words), and she rose to the occasion every time. After her near death experience, Lenora was taking charge of her life and I *loved* that about her.
Garman was also king of “what is this feeling in my chest area??”, especially in the beginning when . We also got some A+ scenes of him being irrationally jealous whenever .
The steamy scenes were also quite something. Just when I thought it was a slower burn (compared to other Alice Coldbreath books), bam! Face sitting. 🥵
I only wish that, in the third act conflict, we got more of what Garman was thinking as I had to fill in the blanks a bit. On the other hand, I did like how us staying with Lenora really highlighted her strength of character.
P.S. I loved seeing Eden and Roland from An Ill Made Match again! The fact that Eden has been known to harangue Roland’s opponents made me chortle.
May 16, 2023
He noticed Ivo, for his friend’s gaze was trained on her with a single-minded intensity that even a stout-hearted person would find unnerving.
Ivo, he realized, was watching his bride like she was his prey.
All of a sudden, she let out a yell and dropped her knife. Ivo was on her in a trice, binding her wounded finger in a cloth. Even from his spot at the door, Garman could see it was just a trifling nick. For some reason, Ivo, who had his own face sliced open on the battlefield, was fussing over it more than if it were a war-wound.
Ivo did not even trouble to take his gaze from his wife as he spoke.
I want to read THEIR book. Fuck Lenora and Garman. (Not really, but yknow for exaggeration purposes)
__________
Everytime. Everytime i forget how i love possesive Alice Coldbreath MMCs and everytime I'm pleasantly surprised. Love that for myself.
Ivo, he realized, was watching his bride like she was his prey.
All of a sudden, she let out a yell and dropped her knife. Ivo was on her in a trice, binding her wounded finger in a cloth. Even from his spot at the door, Garman could see it was just a trifling nick. For some reason, Ivo, who had his own face sliced open on the battlefield, was fussing over it more than if it were a war-wound.
Ivo did not even trouble to take his gaze from his wife as he spoke.
I want to read THEIR book. Fuck Lenora and Garman. (Not really, but yknow for exaggeration purposes)
__________
Everytime. Everytime i forget how i love possesive Alice Coldbreath MMCs and everytime I'm pleasantly surprised. Love that for myself.
December 23, 2025
Reread 12/22/25
Reread 11/30/21
Original review 3/17/21
4.5 stars
The Unlovely Bride is book 2 in the Brides of Karadok series, and I loved it from beginning to end. Lenora and Garman were wonderful together. I loved how Garman struggled from the beginning with his feelings towards Lenora which made him moody and grumpy most of the time. Although Garman was my favorite type of H, Lenora stole the show for me. Her strength was amazing; she didn't let her lost beauty define who she wanted to be which was a better person. Another thing I loved was how easy it was for others to fall in love with her. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
Reread 11/30/21
Original review 3/17/21
4.5 stars
The Unlovely Bride is book 2 in the Brides of Karadok series, and I loved it from beginning to end. Lenora and Garman were wonderful together. I loved how Garman struggled from the beginning with his feelings towards Lenora which made him moody and grumpy most of the time. Although Garman was my favorite type of H, Lenora stole the show for me. Her strength was amazing; she didn't let her lost beauty define who she wanted to be which was a better person. Another thing I loved was how easy it was for others to fall in love with her. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
March 6, 2020
This wasn't my favourite by Alice Coldbreath. While it has a lot of the elements that I enjoy: an interesting fictional historical setting, a slow burn romance between the MCs, an h who is a lot feistier and smarter than she gave herself credit for, and an H who has to learn how to be a human being, I felt like the H was cruel in this story. I never got that feeling from the other stories I've read by this author. Mason, Oswald, and Roland, the three brothers and Hs from the Vawdrey brother series, were never mean on purpose to their respective hs. Even Mason, who was a little cold-hearted in the beginning of his story, softened up quickly. The H in this story, on the other hand, waited until the last chapter to tell the h how he felt. I didn't feel like the about face was substantiated and therefore didn't believe in the H's transformation. I needed to see him suffer without the h and watch him get berated by all the people who were offended on the h's behalf. Unfortunately, we don't get to see that at all. Instead he told the reader how he suffered and expected us to believe him.
I did like the h in this story. She was actually pretty wise in her dealings with the H. Overall, this was just an average read. I'm hoping that Princess Una's story will be better. She deserves some happiness in her life.
I did like the h in this story. She was actually pretty wise in her dealings with the H. Overall, this was just an average read. I'm hoping that Princess Una's story will be better. She deserves some happiness in her life.
February 20, 2024
I like that we get to see this couple cuddle/spoon after they are intimate. I think there were two bath scenes. I wasn't sure if I'd find another book by this author that I would enjoy.
did-not-finish
July 12, 2023DNF at 69%.
The narrator irritates me. She sounds like she’s got a mouth full of rocks while she speaks. And, at this point in the book, there’s not enough conflict or plot to keep me interested.
I like the hero and the heroine and I could see how this could be a comfort read for many, because these two quickly fall into a rhythm with each other.
The heroine is plucky and goes after what she wants and needs. She’s brave and when her parents say “it would have been better that she died than be ugly” she doesn’t let them dictate her future. Sadly, she does believe them when they say she’s ugly and that’s a small conflict for a while. But frankly, it’s not much of a conflict. She swathes herself in veils, but very quickly shows her face to all and sundry and finds out that no one rejects her. Which is kind of weird since her parents said she’s better off dead.
The hero is gruff and grumbly, but is a warm gooey marshmallow inside. He says he was a big ole manwhore and neither of them expect him to care too much for his new bride. But, he does. He’s immediately encouraging and possessive and caring and kind. So, once again, a place for potential conflict is removed early.
There’s a weird issue in here about her being sensitive about her butt being too big. It makes no sense.
1. I cannot believe beauty standards in medieval times tended towards slim women. In a time where hunger and starvation were rampant, a larger behind would not be a negative.
2. These women wore a LOT of clothing on their bottom halves. There is no way she would have been given enough data points about her cousin’s butt vs hers that she would have thought about it at all.
3. She just lost a ton of weight being sick so that her dresses are hanging off of her. I cannot believe her butt would have remained “ample” enough to cause even a modern woman any anxiety.
I feel like I should get full credit for reading a book because I just suffered through 10+ hours with this narrator. Sadly, the plot just doesn’t give me enough reason to keep going. Every potential conflict is swept out of the way early. I think Kristina summed up this plot well: “The plot is traveling around and making friends and having a grumpy husband and finding homes for her cats.” And sadly, that’s just not enough to keep putting up with this awful narrator.
Side note… these main characters are very clean and take a LOT of baths.
The narrator irritates me. She sounds like she’s got a mouth full of rocks while she speaks. And, at this point in the book, there’s not enough conflict or plot to keep me interested.
I like the hero and the heroine and I could see how this could be a comfort read for many, because these two quickly fall into a rhythm with each other.
The heroine is plucky and goes after what she wants and needs. She’s brave and when her parents say “it would have been better that she died than be ugly” she doesn’t let them dictate her future. Sadly, she does believe them when they say she’s ugly and that’s a small conflict for a while. But frankly, it’s not much of a conflict. She swathes herself in veils, but very quickly shows her face to all and sundry and finds out that no one rejects her. Which is kind of weird since her parents said she’s better off dead.
The hero is gruff and grumbly, but is a warm gooey marshmallow inside. He says he was a big ole manwhore and neither of them expect him to care too much for his new bride. But, he does. He’s immediately encouraging and possessive and caring and kind. So, once again, a place for potential conflict is removed early.
There’s a weird issue in here about her being sensitive about her butt being too big. It makes no sense.
1. I cannot believe beauty standards in medieval times tended towards slim women. In a time where hunger and starvation were rampant, a larger behind would not be a negative.
2. These women wore a LOT of clothing on their bottom halves. There is no way she would have been given enough data points about her cousin’s butt vs hers that she would have thought about it at all.
3. She just lost a ton of weight being sick so that her dresses are hanging off of her. I cannot believe her butt would have remained “ample” enough to cause even a modern woman any anxiety.
I feel like I should get full credit for reading a book because I just suffered through 10+ hours with this narrator. Sadly, the plot just doesn’t give me enough reason to keep going. Every potential conflict is swept out of the way early. I think Kristina summed up this plot well: “The plot is traveling around and making friends and having a grumpy husband and finding homes for her cats.” And sadly, that’s just not enough to keep putting up with this awful narrator.
Side note… these main characters are very clean and take a LOT of baths.
May 16, 2021
I was humming along thinking I was probably going to be nice and stretch my rating up to a four. Nice Mary sue heroine. Jerk off hero. But he overlooked her severely pock marked face and told her her father could take her dowry and shove it so that bought him some much needed brownie points.
However for me the ending derailed big time. He throws her out because she had dinner with his estranged grandfather (the earl). Yup. Tells her pack her bags and get out he's done. Then goes off on a drunk with his moronic boyhood friends. No walking back from that one for me but then I'm no Mary sue.
But this is a romance novel so you know she forgives him. Then she tells him they should live in his now dead grandfather's broken down castle. He's the heir. It's an ugly money pit and only one quarter of the rooms are even usable. He hates it. Wants to move somewhere nicer but she says not to worry they'll throw in her dowry. He explains that won't make a dent. No biggie when her dad dies they'll have his money. A pet peeve of mine is people hoping you die so they can redo the roof or fix the plumbing. Mary sue was slipping. Also she's sending him out jousting to win money to throw into it. Maybe she has a life insurance policy on him and likes to rehab houses. Did they have life insurance in the thirteenth century.
He has at least two other viable options to live in. Why bankrupt yourself to live in a hovel neither of you have emotional attachments to and one of you hate. I just didnt get the ending. Plus I'm still mad about the pack your bags and get out thing. He didn't just say get out he actually did put her out . So 2 stars it is.
However for me the ending derailed big time. He throws her out because she had dinner with his estranged grandfather (the earl). Yup. Tells her pack her bags and get out he's done. Then goes off on a drunk with his moronic boyhood friends. No walking back from that one for me but then I'm no Mary sue.
But this is a romance novel so you know she forgives him. Then she tells him they should live in his now dead grandfather's broken down castle. He's the heir. It's an ugly money pit and only one quarter of the rooms are even usable. He hates it. Wants to move somewhere nicer but she says not to worry they'll throw in her dowry. He explains that won't make a dent. No biggie when her dad dies they'll have his money. A pet peeve of mine is people hoping you die so they can redo the roof or fix the plumbing. Mary sue was slipping. Also she's sending him out jousting to win money to throw into it. Maybe she has a life insurance policy on him and likes to rehab houses. Did they have life insurance in the thirteenth century.
He has at least two other viable options to live in. Why bankrupt yourself to live in a hovel neither of you have emotional attachments to and one of you hate. I just didnt get the ending. Plus I'm still mad about the pack your bags and get out thing. He didn't just say get out he actually did put her out . So 2 stars it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
i love my wife (impending doom)
these are so good i am eating them up!!!
these are so good i am eating them up!!!
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