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Forever Brides #1
Tainted Bride
Only trust can save her….
Sailing to London, Sophia Braighton only hopes to escape certain ruin. But when she arrives, her Great Aunt Daphne has other plans for the American-born beauty. Determined to marry off her niece to a man of means, she propels Sophia into London society, not knowing that the young woman’s trust in men is shattered. In fact, Sophia never expects to ever feel anything for a man. Then again, she never expects to find herself in the company of the dashing earl of Marlton….
From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement. Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride. And when he learns of the painful secret she harbors, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible. But will the quest destroy him—and his future with his beloved?
Sailing to London, Sophia Braighton only hopes to escape certain ruin. But when she arrives, her Great Aunt Daphne has other plans for the American-born beauty. Determined to marry off her niece to a man of means, she propels Sophia into London society, not knowing that the young woman’s trust in men is shattered. In fact, Sophia never expects to ever feel anything for a man. Then again, she never expects to find herself in the company of the dashing earl of Marlton….
From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement. Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride. And when he learns of the painful secret she harbors, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible. But will the quest destroy him—and his future with his beloved?
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First published September 27, 2016
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About the author
A.S. Fenichel
43 books782 followersA.S. Fenichel (Andie Fenichel) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 25, 2016
'Tainted Bride' by A.S. Fenichel is the first book in the "Forever Brides" series. It is story of Sophia Braighton and Daniel Fallon.
Sophia lives in America but has come to London for a season at the wishes of her parents. Sophia's father is from London and has family there. So Sophia does as they ask even though she does not wish to be married after a traumatic issue that happened to her with she was just 16. Sophia ends up meeting a few people that she grows strong friendships with while in London. Sophia also meets Daniel. Daniel has a 'chip' on his shoulder from being engaged to a women that he later found out was a very loose women. So Daniel doesn't trust many women and tries to fight the growing attraction he has for Sophia. But will that work? Will their past come back to haunt them? Enjoyed this book greatly!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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Sophia lives in America but has come to London for a season at the wishes of her parents. Sophia's father is from London and has family there. So Sophia does as they ask even though she does not wish to be married after a traumatic issue that happened to her with she was just 16. Sophia ends up meeting a few people that she grows strong friendships with while in London. Sophia also meets Daniel. Daniel has a 'chip' on his shoulder from being engaged to a women that he later found out was a very loose women. So Daniel doesn't trust many women and tries to fight the growing attraction he has for Sophia. But will that work? Will their past come back to haunt them? Enjoyed this book greatly!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
August 10, 2016
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Generally I don't give such a low rating for an historical romance considering I'm more biased towards that genre more than New Adult and Contemporary also but this book just didn't do it for me. The story was too shallow and it just developed way too fast. But the real turn off for me? Daniel Fallon was to feminine for my taste. He could have been a bit better more manly? Maybe that's not the word but whatever it is I didn't like him. Also by the end Sophia started acting like a brat. It annoyed me. I skimmed the last bit.
Generally I don't give such a low rating for an historical romance considering I'm more biased towards that genre more than New Adult and Contemporary also but this book just didn't do it for me. The story was too shallow and it just developed way too fast. But the real turn off for me? Daniel Fallon was to feminine for my taste. He could have been a bit better more manly? Maybe that's not the word but whatever it is I didn't like him. Also by the end Sophia started acting like a brat. It annoyed me. I skimmed the last bit.
February 7, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This is a book that deals with the difficult subject of sexual assault and the impact it has on victims as fantasizes back in the Victorian era. I applaud the author for how she dealt with the subject as I'm sure it would have been even more difficult to dealt with it in a time when the man would certainly had no impact on, but it would have completely ruined the woman.
That said, I thought the story line was engaging and the outcome satisfying. It was a sweet romance and I'll probably read more from this author.
This is a book that deals with the difficult subject of sexual assault and the impact it has on victims as fantasizes back in the Victorian era. I applaud the author for how she dealt with the subject as I'm sure it would have been even more difficult to dealt with it in a time when the man would certainly had no impact on, but it would have completely ruined the woman.
That said, I thought the story line was engaging and the outcome satisfying. It was a sweet romance and I'll probably read more from this author.
October 18, 2016
ARC REVIEW
I love books like this, books that I know have been a labor of love and healing for the author. It's a very emotional and heartfelt story and knowing that so much of the author's self is put into makes it so much better. In her acknowledgements in the beginning of the book she says this book was part of a healing process, you can tell the emotion behind the hurt and the tragedy was palpable. The writing was beautifully done, the character development was clear and well done. Lady Daphne is a great supporting character, she was exactly what Sophia needed. Dorothea was another great supporting character outspoken, straightforward and fearless and the voice of reason when Sophia needed it the most. Sophia and Daniel are perfect for each other it's plain as day but the process of them realizing it is a difficult one but so sweet of an outcome.
Sophia was foisted on to her great aunt so she could have a season in London after an event that ruined her first season in Philadelphia three years ago. Sophia has resigned herself to never get married she plans to just go through the motions to appease Aunt Daphne but she won't marry. Even after meeting the dashing Daniel Fallon the Earl of Marlton who makes her stomach go aflutter she can not allow herself to love him. Daniel had no immediate plans to marry but just after one night, one ball Daniel can think of noone else but Sophia. Daniel has reservations, he feels like he can't trust himself after what happened last time, and he won't be taken for a fool this time. When the villain from Sophia's past who ruined her shows up in London, Sophia is scared and shocked especially when a rumor about her not being innocent comes out in the paper. Daniel can't help but believe what he heard but something about how Sophia acts doesn't ring true about the rumor. Sophia tells Daniel the truth about what happened three years ago and why she can never marry. Daniel does the unexpected and proposes and after some convincing that Sophia can stand the touch of a man as long as it was done in love Sophia agrees. But it's only the beginning, tragedy strikes and Sophia falls into a bout of depression. Daniel is trying to find out the way to ruin the blackguard who ruined his Sophie and deal with his distraught wife until Daniel disappears.
Overall, it was a great story. Sophia learns that friends and family can help you get through whatever tragedy may happen and love heals.
I love books like this, books that I know have been a labor of love and healing for the author. It's a very emotional and heartfelt story and knowing that so much of the author's self is put into makes it so much better. In her acknowledgements in the beginning of the book she says this book was part of a healing process, you can tell the emotion behind the hurt and the tragedy was palpable. The writing was beautifully done, the character development was clear and well done. Lady Daphne is a great supporting character, she was exactly what Sophia needed. Dorothea was another great supporting character outspoken, straightforward and fearless and the voice of reason when Sophia needed it the most. Sophia and Daniel are perfect for each other it's plain as day but the process of them realizing it is a difficult one but so sweet of an outcome.
Sophia was foisted on to her great aunt so she could have a season in London after an event that ruined her first season in Philadelphia three years ago. Sophia has resigned herself to never get married she plans to just go through the motions to appease Aunt Daphne but she won't marry. Even after meeting the dashing Daniel Fallon the Earl of Marlton who makes her stomach go aflutter she can not allow herself to love him. Daniel had no immediate plans to marry but just after one night, one ball Daniel can think of noone else but Sophia. Daniel has reservations, he feels like he can't trust himself after what happened last time, and he won't be taken for a fool this time. When the villain from Sophia's past who ruined her shows up in London, Sophia is scared and shocked especially when a rumor about her not being innocent comes out in the paper. Daniel can't help but believe what he heard but something about how Sophia acts doesn't ring true about the rumor. Sophia tells Daniel the truth about what happened three years ago and why she can never marry. Daniel does the unexpected and proposes and after some convincing that Sophia can stand the touch of a man as long as it was done in love Sophia agrees. But it's only the beginning, tragedy strikes and Sophia falls into a bout of depression. Daniel is trying to find out the way to ruin the blackguard who ruined his Sophie and deal with his distraught wife until Daniel disappears.
Overall, it was a great story. Sophia learns that friends and family can help you get through whatever tragedy may happen and love heals.
September 18, 2016
This story deals with a very touchy subject that may be triggering for some readers. Yet somehow the author manages to approach it in a way that not only comes across as realistic, but also straddles the line of seriousness without becoming depressing.
The characters were also very well done, each of the "main" players having a distinctive personality, although there were times when I didn't agree with how they acted or reacted to certain situations. For example, while I understood Sophie's depression and Daniel's required absence from her during a difficult time - I did not understand why she suddenly seemed to do a 180 personality wise transforming into a spoiled brat that I hardly recognized as the original character. Thankfully, this behavior was eventually corrected, again in a way that seemed consistent with the overall story, so while I felt it was worth mentioning, it wasn't something that made me like the book any less.
Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal those who enjoy a well-written historical romance. I will definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The characters were also very well done, each of the "main" players having a distinctive personality, although there were times when I didn't agree with how they acted or reacted to certain situations. For example, while I understood Sophie's depression and Daniel's required absence from her during a difficult time - I did not understand why she suddenly seemed to do a 180 personality wise transforming into a spoiled brat that I hardly recognized as the original character. Thankfully, this behavior was eventually corrected, again in a way that seemed consistent with the overall story, so while I felt it was worth mentioning, it wasn't something that made me like the book any less.
Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal those who enjoy a well-written historical romance. I will definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 27, 2025
TW: Rape of A Minor
After several DNF and not enjoyable reads I actually enjoyed this even tho as you can tell from the title the MFC will have gone thru some things so its an emotional read. Overall a great read, The way it's written idk if it's 3rd person POV did sorta get on my nerves but nothing too serious to stop me from finishing this read.
After several DNF and not enjoyable reads I actually enjoyed this even tho as you can tell from the title the MFC will have gone thru some things so its an emotional read. Overall a great read, The way it's written idk if it's 3rd person POV did sorta get on my nerves but nothing too serious to stop me from finishing this read.
August 14, 2016
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Sophia is being sent to London, to her Great Aunt, for a Season in hopes that she will find a husband. Sophia has no intentions on marrying, she just wants to get through the Season and then she can go back home and live her life without hearing anymore about finding a husband.
The reason she is in London? She has been "ruined" by actions that were none of her own, by someone who was a trusted friend of the family and someone she had known all her life. She is afraid of men now and knows she could never trust one.
Daniel has lost his trust in women after finding his fiance' with another man. He wants nothing to do with love, he doesn't believe it is possible anymore. He knows at one point he will have to marry to provide an heir but he doesn't have to deal with that right away.
When Sophie meets Daniel she is taken by his handsomeness an Daniel is feeling something he hasn't felt in awhile, attraction. They begin to spend more time together which they both enjoy but when he gets too close it sends Sophia into a panic.
Sophia finally tells Daniel why she can never marry, the whole story. It also comes out that the person who victimized her has been around and tells her she is "his", like a possession. Daniel is livid and does his own investigating on this person. He also tries to convince Sophia that relations between two people is not like her experience.
Can Daniel save Sophia from the danger stalking her? Can he convince her to take a chance on love?
I loved this book. Sophia is a great character as she is strong, smart and very giving of herself. She is fairly direct toward people and has a great sense of humor. Daniel is such a good man whose heart was broken. It doesn't take long for him to feel protective of Sophia.
The author does a good job in character development. I felt like I knew enough about all the main characters. There was a good range of personalities.
In the end I loved how Daniel and Sophia saved each other, and showed the other they could love again!
Sophia is being sent to London, to her Great Aunt, for a Season in hopes that she will find a husband. Sophia has no intentions on marrying, she just wants to get through the Season and then she can go back home and live her life without hearing anymore about finding a husband.
The reason she is in London? She has been "ruined" by actions that were none of her own, by someone who was a trusted friend of the family and someone she had known all her life. She is afraid of men now and knows she could never trust one.
Daniel has lost his trust in women after finding his fiance' with another man. He wants nothing to do with love, he doesn't believe it is possible anymore. He knows at one point he will have to marry to provide an heir but he doesn't have to deal with that right away.
When Sophie meets Daniel she is taken by his handsomeness an Daniel is feeling something he hasn't felt in awhile, attraction. They begin to spend more time together which they both enjoy but when he gets too close it sends Sophia into a panic.
Sophia finally tells Daniel why she can never marry, the whole story. It also comes out that the person who victimized her has been around and tells her she is "his", like a possession. Daniel is livid and does his own investigating on this person. He also tries to convince Sophia that relations between two people is not like her experience.
Can Daniel save Sophia from the danger stalking her? Can he convince her to take a chance on love?
I loved this book. Sophia is a great character as she is strong, smart and very giving of herself. She is fairly direct toward people and has a great sense of humor. Daniel is such a good man whose heart was broken. It doesn't take long for him to feel protective of Sophia.
The author does a good job in character development. I felt like I knew enough about all the main characters. There was a good range of personalities.
In the end I loved how Daniel and Sophia saved each other, and showed the other they could love again!
August 2, 2016
Rated 4.5!
Sophia Braighton has left her home in America to start over. In England, her parents hope that she will find a suitor and marry. Sophia refuses to do so and she has her reasons, but that doesn't mean she cannot enjoy the season. Everything is going swimmingly until she meets Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton. There is just something about the man she cannot resist, try as she may.
Daniel knows from the first moment he sees Sophia that he wants her. She is the only woman who will do to become his bride. Only problem is that Sophia seems to withdraw whenever he makes any advances. Daniel is determined to expose her secrets and comfort her, but once he knows, there is no going back. Daniel just hopes his actions will strengthen their newfound relationship and love for each other.
This is the second romance novel that I have read in the last few months that carved out a place in my heart and touched my very soul. TAINTED BRIDE took me on an extraordinary emotional journey. Author A.S. Fenichel breathes life into her work. Her storyline is flawless and vivid... one moment I was bursting with laughter and the next in tears. The characters leap right off the page at me. Not only do James and Sophia help heal each other's wounds, but they develop a love that is sure to last the ages. I am so pleased to have discovered such a beautiful and inspiring voice in the historical romance genre. Ms. Fenichel just earned her spot in my top ten.
Sophia Braighton has left her home in America to start over. In England, her parents hope that she will find a suitor and marry. Sophia refuses to do so and she has her reasons, but that doesn't mean she cannot enjoy the season. Everything is going swimmingly until she meets Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton. There is just something about the man she cannot resist, try as she may.
Daniel knows from the first moment he sees Sophia that he wants her. She is the only woman who will do to become his bride. Only problem is that Sophia seems to withdraw whenever he makes any advances. Daniel is determined to expose her secrets and comfort her, but once he knows, there is no going back. Daniel just hopes his actions will strengthen their newfound relationship and love for each other.
This is the second romance novel that I have read in the last few months that carved out a place in my heart and touched my very soul. TAINTED BRIDE took me on an extraordinary emotional journey. Author A.S. Fenichel breathes life into her work. Her storyline is flawless and vivid... one moment I was bursting with laughter and the next in tears. The characters leap right off the page at me. Not only do James and Sophia help heal each other's wounds, but they develop a love that is sure to last the ages. I am so pleased to have discovered such a beautiful and inspiring voice in the historical romance genre. Ms. Fenichel just earned her spot in my top ten.
August 4, 2016
What a wonderfully charming book that handles a terrible personal trauma with grace and tenderness. Sophia is no shrinking violet; she has spunk and engenders loyalty quickly upon arriving in London. The author has created a strong setting of support and friendships for Sophia. The friends that surround her are as developed as our hero and heroine. With her friend’s help she is able to move on with her life ad embrace the possibilities the future holds.
In Lord Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, we are given a hero who is jaded and carries a wounded heart. But underneath that pain and disappointment is a tender, understanding and deeply possessive man. HE is a man who will defend his family and friends and will stand up for those who have been oppressed or misused.
This book as kidnapping, travel between the colonies and England, a house party, threats, moments of extreme happiness and also of great fear. The author, A.S. Fenichel, wraps all of these along with Sophie’s personal trauma in a story of love and coming out the other side in triumph in a realistic and touching way.
This is one to read, enjoy and come away with a gratitude for good people! Thank you for a wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In Lord Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, we are given a hero who is jaded and carries a wounded heart. But underneath that pain and disappointment is a tender, understanding and deeply possessive man. HE is a man who will defend his family and friends and will stand up for those who have been oppressed or misused.
This book as kidnapping, travel between the colonies and England, a house party, threats, moments of extreme happiness and also of great fear. The author, A.S. Fenichel, wraps all of these along with Sophie’s personal trauma in a story of love and coming out the other side in triumph in a realistic and touching way.
This is one to read, enjoy and come away with a gratitude for good people! Thank you for a wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2024
Rape not taint
3.5 stars
Not a bad story but I'm often dubious about books that require gratuitous violence against woman as a prevalent trope.
The hero was caring and helped heal but it looks like the villain lives to fight another day
3.5 stars
Not a bad story but I'm often dubious about books that require gratuitous violence against woman as a prevalent trope.
The hero was caring and helped heal but it looks like the villain lives to fight another day
November 3, 2022
I am far more disappointed by a book that starts out really well, but ends badly than a book that is just totally bad. Unfortunately, this book was one of the former. This book definitely started out great, the characters drew me in and I was excited to read it. But once I reached the 60% mark, I knew that I was not going to like the ending. This book could've ended at the 60% mark and I probably wouldn't given it 3 or 4 stars. (I'll come back to this later).
This book centers on our heroine, Sophia (19 years old), who has just arrived in London for one last ditch effort on her family's part to see her married. At the age of 16, Sophia is sexually assaulted by a trusted family friend and has been unable to let herself be alone with a man since, or even contemplate marrying one. She meets Daniel who is an Earl at a ball (age unclear, though I believe he is supposed to be around 27 years old). Daniel is besotted with Sophia and spends the first half of the book attempting to get her to talk to him, like him, and eventually marry him. This whole process ends at around 60%.
Everything that occurs after this is, in my opinion, unnecessary and detrimental to the story. Sophia and Daniel get married and while they are on their honeymoon her dad has a medical event that causes him to become partially paralyzed, and die several days later. Sophia gets super depressed and refuses to leave her room or talk to Daniel. During this time, Daniel and his friends are trying to find information on the guy that SAed Sophia (name: Alistair) so they can put him in jail without exposing what he did to Sophia to everybody (of course, Daniel does not tell Sophia this). Daniel is kidnapped by Ailstair and eventually recovered, Sophia finds out she's pregnant, and all is well.
I have so many issues with how the events of these books played out, so I'll just mention a few.
1. Our heroine was raped when she was 16 and responds to that assault by developing a fear of men. But we are supposed to somehow believe that after 3 years of this behavior, she is all of a sudden okay to sleep with Daniel?? They don't even build up to having sex, he sneaks in her room and they have sex when previously they have only kissed. It doesn't make any sense to me.
2. Sophia has said that she trusts Daniel. Daniel has not given her any reason not to. But when Daniel gets kidnapped, Sophia just assumes that he has disappeared because he is having a sexathon with his mistress. A mistress that he does not have, and that has never even been alluded to. Daniel wasn't even supposed to be a rake before he met Sophia. If Sophia trusts Daniel, how in the world does it make sense for her to jump to this conclusion??
3. Given the fact that out main characters obviously don't trust each other, the conclusion to the climax happens far too quickly. There needed to be a lot more groveling on both character's parts before the ending would make sense.
This review has been kind of mean, so I will end on a good note: The writing in this book is done well. There are a few repetitive moments in some of the dialogue, but otherwise I didn't notice any glaring grammatical or spelling errors and the sentence structure flowed well.
This book wasn't for me, but I think other people might enjoy it depending on their individual preferences!
This book centers on our heroine, Sophia (19 years old), who has just arrived in London for one last ditch effort on her family's part to see her married. At the age of 16, Sophia is sexually assaulted by a trusted family friend and has been unable to let herself be alone with a man since, or even contemplate marrying one. She meets Daniel who is an Earl at a ball (age unclear, though I believe he is supposed to be around 27 years old). Daniel is besotted with Sophia and spends the first half of the book attempting to get her to talk to him, like him, and eventually marry him. This whole process ends at around 60%.
Everything that occurs after this is, in my opinion, unnecessary and detrimental to the story. Sophia and Daniel get married and while they are on their honeymoon her dad has a medical event that causes him to become partially paralyzed, and die several days later. Sophia gets super depressed and refuses to leave her room or talk to Daniel. During this time, Daniel and his friends are trying to find information on the guy that SAed Sophia (name: Alistair) so they can put him in jail without exposing what he did to Sophia to everybody (of course, Daniel does not tell Sophia this). Daniel is kidnapped by Ailstair and eventually recovered, Sophia finds out she's pregnant, and all is well.
I have so many issues with how the events of these books played out, so I'll just mention a few.
1. Our heroine was raped when she was 16 and responds to that assault by developing a fear of men. But we are supposed to somehow believe that after 3 years of this behavior, she is all of a sudden okay to sleep with Daniel?? They don't even build up to having sex, he sneaks in her room and they have sex when previously they have only kissed. It doesn't make any sense to me.
2. Sophia has said that she trusts Daniel. Daniel has not given her any reason not to. But when Daniel gets kidnapped, Sophia just assumes that he has disappeared because he is having a sexathon with his mistress. A mistress that he does not have, and that has never even been alluded to. Daniel wasn't even supposed to be a rake before he met Sophia. If Sophia trusts Daniel, how in the world does it make sense for her to jump to this conclusion??
3. Given the fact that out main characters obviously don't trust each other, the conclusion to the climax happens far too quickly. There needed to be a lot more groveling on both character's parts before the ending would make sense.
This review has been kind of mean, so I will end on a good note: The writing in this book is done well. There are a few repetitive moments in some of the dialogue, but otherwise I didn't notice any glaring grammatical or spelling errors and the sentence structure flowed well.
This book wasn't for me, but I think other people might enjoy it depending on their individual preferences!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2016
After a disheartening voyage of six weeks at sea, Miss Sophia Braighton of Philadelphia sets foot on English soil. Her great-aunt Lady Daphne Collington is to chaperone her in her London season, in hopes of Sophia securing a husband. However, because of a scandal in America, Sophia doesn’t want a husband. Ever. Not even when Daniel Fallon, the earl of Marlton sends her heart aflutter. Daniel is immediately smitten by the beautiful American, but can he overcome the betrayal of a former fiancée?
TAINTED BRIDE is the first book in the promising Forever Bride series, and Ms. Fenichel’s eloquent prose make the Regency era come to life with great clarity. The author’s understanding of the mores of the era adds much depth to the story, and the dialogues also ring especially true. Sophia went through a heartbreaking ordeal in America, which Ms. Fenichel conveys so well that I have seldom felt so much pain and compassion for a character. While Sophia is charming and has a sunny disposition, melancholy is never far from the surface. TAINTED BRIDE is very beautifully written, very moving, and the characters are particularly well rounded. Lady Daphne is superb, full of surprises, and while Daniel is lovely, it is the irresistible Thomas Wheeler who captured my heart. And what to say about the positively revolting villain?
I really loved TAINTED BRIDE, the first half is splendid however, I felt the second half dragged on a bit. I found a certain situation involving Sophia excruciatingly hard to read. The credit goes to the author because I can’t recall profound distress ever being described so accurately; I really hurt for Sophia, but it would have been just as effective, in my opinion, had it not lasted so long. The same goes for what brought about this situation and how it is dealt with, which could have been trimmed down; I felt that too many somewhat superfluous details bogged down the story, and slowed the pace, and somehow distracted from the romance, in a way.
TAINTED BRIDE is a compelling story of love, trust, loyalty and friendship, and Ms. Fenichel is not afraid to show the ugliness beneath the glittering veneer of polite society in a way that is seldom found in historical romance, and in most elegant fashion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
TAINTED BRIDE is the first book in the promising Forever Bride series, and Ms. Fenichel’s eloquent prose make the Regency era come to life with great clarity. The author’s understanding of the mores of the era adds much depth to the story, and the dialogues also ring especially true. Sophia went through a heartbreaking ordeal in America, which Ms. Fenichel conveys so well that I have seldom felt so much pain and compassion for a character. While Sophia is charming and has a sunny disposition, melancholy is never far from the surface. TAINTED BRIDE is very beautifully written, very moving, and the characters are particularly well rounded. Lady Daphne is superb, full of surprises, and while Daniel is lovely, it is the irresistible Thomas Wheeler who captured my heart. And what to say about the positively revolting villain?
I really loved TAINTED BRIDE, the first half is splendid however, I felt the second half dragged on a bit. I found a certain situation involving Sophia excruciatingly hard to read. The credit goes to the author because I can’t recall profound distress ever being described so accurately; I really hurt for Sophia, but it would have been just as effective, in my opinion, had it not lasted so long. The same goes for what brought about this situation and how it is dealt with, which could have been trimmed down; I felt that too many somewhat superfluous details bogged down the story, and slowed the pace, and somehow distracted from the romance, in a way.
TAINTED BRIDE is a compelling story of love, trust, loyalty and friendship, and Ms. Fenichel is not afraid to show the ugliness beneath the glittering veneer of polite society in a way that is seldom found in historical romance, and in most elegant fashion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2019
Sophia is a beautifully strong yet feminine main character and I found myself wanting to hug her. She's gone through so much pain and abuse, no thanks to that villain scumbag. She flees to England to her aunt's care. Once there, she discovers that life is indeed worth living and there are men in the world willing to avenge what's happened to her.
I'm a huge historical romance fan, especially stories about Colonial Americans who travel to Britain. The premise of this story grabbed me right away. What I wasn't prepared for was the honest, non-romanticized, portrayal of rape and female slavery in Tainted Bride. Well done, Fenichel!
Filled with interesting characters and circumstances, Tainted Bride is a historical gem. Daniel and Sophia sizzle between the pages and when the scumbag returns to England to claim Sophia as his own, Daniel risks everything he owns and holds dear to avenge Sophia.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from Lyrical Press via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
I'm a huge historical romance fan, especially stories about Colonial Americans who travel to Britain. The premise of this story grabbed me right away. What I wasn't prepared for was the honest, non-romanticized, portrayal of rape and female slavery in Tainted Bride. Well done, Fenichel!
Filled with interesting characters and circumstances, Tainted Bride is a historical gem. Daniel and Sophia sizzle between the pages and when the scumbag returns to England to claim Sophia as his own, Daniel risks everything he owns and holds dear to avenge Sophia.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from Lyrical Press via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
September 29, 2016
Sophia Braighton had no idea what to expect upon her move to London. She's been in a state of emotional freeze since a family friend attacked and raped her three years previously. She informs her Great Aunt Daphne she has no plans to marry, which Daphne refuses to believe. Sophia immediately makes several close friends, and enters Society, simply going through the courtship motions. At least until she meets Daniel Fallon.
Daniel has a few issues of his own, and is quick to become jealous and a little jaded by the American beauty. But he's drawn to her charm and vulnerability in spite of himself. But when the old family friend reappears, Daniel will stop at nothing to save Sophia, even to the point of marrying her.
I enjoyed the world Fenichel has created. She paid fine attention to the details of Regency era life, and writes characters with heart and soul. A wonderful start to the Forever Brides series.
Daniel has a few issues of his own, and is quick to become jealous and a little jaded by the American beauty. But he's drawn to her charm and vulnerability in spite of himself. But when the old family friend reappears, Daniel will stop at nothing to save Sophia, even to the point of marrying her.
I enjoyed the world Fenichel has created. She paid fine attention to the details of Regency era life, and writes characters with heart and soul. A wonderful start to the Forever Brides series.
August 16, 2016
Tainted bride has all the elements of a satisfying Regency piece, the terrible ton making life impossible with their gossip mongering; the Philadelphia, America crowd is no better than the Londoners. Sophia's dour aunt gives her a second chance at a life that Sophia is now convinced she does not want. Lady Daphne Collington is my favorite character in this book. She hass all the spunk and feistiness due a dowager.
Sophia's character goes through much emotional trauma over the course of this book.
Alistair is a true villain through and through. 100% arrogant and vile.
Although men are involved in much of each action scene, this is a women in control story.
A quick paced tale full of societal mores, rules and scandal This is a strong story about the power of friendship..
Sophia's character goes through much emotional trauma over the course of this book.
Alistair is a true villain through and through. 100% arrogant and vile.
Although men are involved in much of each action scene, this is a women in control story.
A quick paced tale full of societal mores, rules and scandal This is a strong story about the power of friendship..
September 27, 2016
A rich historical with true to the time descriptions.
Sophia is sent to London to the marriage mart after the scandal in Philadelphia by her parents in hope that she will find a match. Greeted by what appears to be a stuffy Aunt Daphne, she quickly sees through the 'stiff upper lip' facade to the warm woman she hides from the ton.
James is not looking for a match, indeed he caught his former fiancee in 'flagrante delicto' and has trust issues.
Read the tale of their budding relationship and the travails that follow.
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion and found it to be an engrossing read.
I plan to buy for a friend who also enjoys sweet historical romances with a touch of heat.
Sophia is sent to London to the marriage mart after the scandal in Philadelphia by her parents in hope that she will find a match. Greeted by what appears to be a stuffy Aunt Daphne, she quickly sees through the 'stiff upper lip' facade to the warm woman she hides from the ton.
James is not looking for a match, indeed he caught his former fiancee in 'flagrante delicto' and has trust issues.
Read the tale of their budding relationship and the travails that follow.
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion and found it to be an engrossing read.
I plan to buy for a friend who also enjoys sweet historical romances with a touch of heat.
September 25, 2016
This story has some really dark elements, but I really enjoyed Sophia and Daniel's journey. Sophia had prepared herself for the life of a spinster until she made new friends and met Daniel. The attraction to Daniel was swift and strong, though she fought it for a while. Once Daniel set his eye on Sophia, he was determined to have her, although his past gave him some misgivings. With friends all around both of them, helping and advising, these two found their HEA. This is the first in the series and I look forward to more from this author.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley.
September 28, 2016
Sophie comes to England to live with family. Sophie's life is over(she thinks) but that does not mean that she can not help other people. Daniel walks in, she can't resist him! When her enemy arrives in England, she has to open up and tell what happened.
Excellent story about not letting overcoming your fears!
Excellent story about not letting overcoming your fears!
March 24, 2019
I find that very often, after I read a book, in a few weeks can't remember too much about it. This book, however, is one of the unforgettable ones. The beautiful story with wonderful characters made it a joy to read.
October 23, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
While I thoroughly liked the book, I don't care for the title because it makes it sound like she did something wrong and she didn't. I understand that that was the way it was thought of during that time, but I just don't think we have to support it by making titles sound that way. Just sayin
A. S. Fenichel is a new author for me but I'll definitely read more of her books in the future.
I usually steer clear of novels that contain rape and probably wouldn't even have looked at this one if I'd realized this book dealt with it. However, this author dealt with the whole thing beautifully. The rape was several years in the past and while we were told some of the details, they weren't terribly graphic. You knew what happened, but it wasn't so plainly spelled out in great detail. What the book dealt with so wonderfully -- with grace and tenderness - was the journey through the aftermath of that and on to the healing.
The villain was a real nasty piece of work. He was into all sorts of bad stuff and didn't care who he hurt or how badly. We can all agree to just hate him thoroughly!
I really liked the hero, Daniel Fallon loved Sophia Braighton from the first moment he saw her. He is loyal, loving, steadfast and caring throughout the entire book. He's exactly the kind of man someone like Sophia needs to help her to recover from her trauma. You couldn't ask for a better hero. But -- like most hero's in romance novels -- he could communicate a little better.
The story was so beautifully written and the characters so well developed that you could just feel Sophia's pain, heartache and self doubt.
There are some really fun, quirky secondary characters in the book as well.
So -- I've told you what I did like -- now for the couple of things I didn't
Toward the end of the book -- as we're working toward the solution with the villain -- Daniel disappears. So -- Sophia decides he's taken a mistress and has run off with her. Now -- where did that come from. I understand it is supposed to be because of her own self esteem issues, but goodness -- Daniel had been loyal and steadfast since the day he met her and had NEVER given even a hint that he might do something like that, yet that is the first place she goes.
I don't understand her welcoming her parents back into her life (they are from America) so joyfully without ironing out the nasty things they tried to do to her. She was raped and they wanted to marry her off to somebody in order to 'save face'. They didn't even tell her brother anything, just let him dislike his sister because of her reactions to the man who raped her (because he liked the man).
Anyway -- I really enjoyed the book.
Merged review:
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
While I thoroughly liked the book, I don't care for the title because it makes it sound like she did something wrong and she didn't. I understand that that was the way it was thought of during that time, but I just don't think we have to support it by making titles sound that way. Just sayin
A. S. Fenichel is a new author for me but I'll definitely read more of her books in the future.
I usually steer clear of novels that contain rape and probably wouldn't even have looked at this one if I'd realized this book dealt with it. However, this author dealt with the whole thing beautifully. The rape was several years in the past and while we were told some of the details, they weren't terribly graphic. You knew what happened, but it wasn't so plainly spelled out in great detail. What the book dealt with so wonderfully -- with grace and tenderness - was the journey through the aftermath of that and on to the healing.
The villain was a real nasty piece of work. He was into all sorts of bad stuff and didn't care who he hurt or how badly. We can all agree to just hate him thoroughly!
I really liked the hero, Daniel Fallon loved Sophia Braighton from the first moment he saw her. He is loyal, loving, steadfast and caring throughout the entire book. He's exactly the kind of man someone like Sophia needs to help her to recover from her trauma. You couldn't ask for a better hero. But -- like most hero's in romance novels -- he could communicate a little better.
The story was so beautifully written and the characters so well developed that you could just feel Sophia's pain, heartache and self doubt.
There are some really fun, quirky secondary characters in the book as well.
So -- I've told you what I did like -- now for the couple of things I didn't
Toward the end of the book -- as we're working toward the solution with the villain -- Daniel disappears. So -- Sophia decides he's taken a mistress and has run off with her. Now -- where did that come from. I understand it is supposed to be because of her own self esteem issues, but goodness -- Daniel had been loyal and steadfast since the day he met her and had NEVER given even a hint that he might do something like that, yet that is the first place she goes.
I don't understand her welcoming her parents back into her life (they are from America) so joyfully without ironing out the nasty things they tried to do to her. She was raped and they wanted to marry her off to somebody in order to 'save face'. They didn't even tell her brother anything, just let him dislike his sister because of her reactions to the man who raped her (because he liked the man).
Anyway -- I really enjoyed the book.
While I thoroughly liked the book, I don't care for the title because it makes it sound like she did something wrong and she didn't. I understand that that was the way it was thought of during that time, but I just don't think we have to support it by making titles sound that way. Just sayin
A. S. Fenichel is a new author for me but I'll definitely read more of her books in the future.
I usually steer clear of novels that contain rape and probably wouldn't even have looked at this one if I'd realized this book dealt with it. However, this author dealt with the whole thing beautifully. The rape was several years in the past and while we were told some of the details, they weren't terribly graphic. You knew what happened, but it wasn't so plainly spelled out in great detail. What the book dealt with so wonderfully -- with grace and tenderness - was the journey through the aftermath of that and on to the healing.
The villain was a real nasty piece of work. He was into all sorts of bad stuff and didn't care who he hurt or how badly. We can all agree to just hate him thoroughly!
I really liked the hero, Daniel Fallon loved Sophia Braighton from the first moment he saw her. He is loyal, loving, steadfast and caring throughout the entire book. He's exactly the kind of man someone like Sophia needs to help her to recover from her trauma. You couldn't ask for a better hero. But -- like most hero's in romance novels -- he could communicate a little better.
The story was so beautifully written and the characters so well developed that you could just feel Sophia's pain, heartache and self doubt.
There are some really fun, quirky secondary characters in the book as well.
So -- I've told you what I did like -- now for the couple of things I didn't
Toward the end of the book -- as we're working toward the solution with the villain -- Daniel disappears. So -- Sophia decides he's taken a mistress and has run off with her. Now -- where did that come from. I understand it is supposed to be because of her own self esteem issues, but goodness -- Daniel had been loyal and steadfast since the day he met her and had NEVER given even a hint that he might do something like that, yet that is the first place she goes.
I don't understand her welcoming her parents back into her life (they are from America) so joyfully without ironing out the nasty things they tried to do to her. She was raped and they wanted to marry her off to somebody in order to 'save face'. They didn't even tell her brother anything, just let him dislike his sister because of her reactions to the man who raped her (because he liked the man).
Anyway -- I really enjoyed the book.
Merged review:
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
While I thoroughly liked the book, I don't care for the title because it makes it sound like she did something wrong and she didn't. I understand that that was the way it was thought of during that time, but I just don't think we have to support it by making titles sound that way. Just sayin
A. S. Fenichel is a new author for me but I'll definitely read more of her books in the future.
I usually steer clear of novels that contain rape and probably wouldn't even have looked at this one if I'd realized this book dealt with it. However, this author dealt with the whole thing beautifully. The rape was several years in the past and while we were told some of the details, they weren't terribly graphic. You knew what happened, but it wasn't so plainly spelled out in great detail. What the book dealt with so wonderfully -- with grace and tenderness - was the journey through the aftermath of that and on to the healing.
The villain was a real nasty piece of work. He was into all sorts of bad stuff and didn't care who he hurt or how badly. We can all agree to just hate him thoroughly!
I really liked the hero, Daniel Fallon loved Sophia Braighton from the first moment he saw her. He is loyal, loving, steadfast and caring throughout the entire book. He's exactly the kind of man someone like Sophia needs to help her to recover from her trauma. You couldn't ask for a better hero. But -- like most hero's in romance novels -- he could communicate a little better.
The story was so beautifully written and the characters so well developed that you could just feel Sophia's pain, heartache and self doubt.
There are some really fun, quirky secondary characters in the book as well.
So -- I've told you what I did like -- now for the couple of things I didn't
Toward the end of the book -- as we're working toward the solution with the villain -- Daniel disappears. So -- Sophia decides he's taken a mistress and has run off with her. Now -- where did that come from. I understand it is supposed to be because of her own self esteem issues, but goodness -- Daniel had been loyal and steadfast since the day he met her and had NEVER given even a hint that he might do something like that, yet that is the first place she goes.
I don't understand her welcoming her parents back into her life (they are from America) so joyfully without ironing out the nasty things they tried to do to her. She was raped and they wanted to marry her off to somebody in order to 'save face'. They didn't even tell her brother anything, just let him dislike his sister because of her reactions to the man who raped her (because he liked the man).
Anyway -- I really enjoyed the book.
June 4, 2024
good enough story, but…
Yes the story and characters were interesting, the plot a bit rough, when you take rape and prostitution into account, but it was the detailed sex that ruined it for me, not necessary, never is, ruined the story making it more pornographic than a great story.
Yes the story and characters were interesting, the plot a bit rough, when you take rape and prostitution into account, but it was the detailed sex that ruined it for me, not necessary, never is, ruined the story making it more pornographic than a great story.
November 11, 2024
The MMC is terrible and so incredibly toxic
January 10, 2017
**I received a free eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Sophia has been hurt by a man, and her reputation suffered a lot after that. Since the attack, she finds it really hard to trust men, and can't see herself getting married to one. She thinks they just care about their own satisfaction and nothing else, and she can't stand the thought of having a man touch her.
It's really sad to see that Sophia is blamed for what happened, like she was responsible for such a thing! And I have to say that I liked Sophia very much, she's so nice and wishes to help people who are in a similar situation as hers, which is actually very risky, since she could be once again involved in a scandal. But because of this, Sophia makes two great friends, and I love the relationship between these three girls. They really stick up for each other.
Daniel was a very nice guy, but for some reason I wasn't too crazy about him, I think he was a bit immature at times.
And I'm still not sure, but I think I might've liked Thomas better than Daniel, he was incredibly nice to Sophia and didn't judge her straight away without having any proofs, like Daniel did. Thomas met Sophia first, and was also captivated by her, although I don't think he actually fell in love with her, just appreciated her and admired her a lot.
Something really interesting about this book is that the pace was just perfect, and it was like the whole thing contained only good parts! No, seriously. You know how, when you're reading, you might find yourself wanting to read like crazy to get to the good stuff? This book was pretty much all good stuff, I didn't feel the need to rush through things to get to the cool parts. Not bad, not bad!
And it was very sweet to see how badly Sophia wanted children and to form a family, but, since she didn't wish to marry, she didn't think she could have that in her life. And that awful man who hurt her wouldn't go away! I just felt so bad for her...
I hate the double standards from that time, since it's rumored that Sophia might have shared her bed with a man, Daniel gets mad and runs off to his former mistress to make Sophia jealous, rub it in her face or whatever... And seriously, it just makes me so mad that men expect women to remain virgins until marriage, but they can fool around all they want (even after getting married), while saying awful things about prostitutes, their mistresses and such. Stop being such hypocrites!!... Ugh, I can't...
But oh well, can't change the past now, can we?
All in all, a very entertaining read if you like historical romances and a female lead to admire, it's also very nice to see how she gets over her fear of men step by step.
Oh and can we also talk about how stupid Michael is? You don't ruin the reputation of the girl you like and then run off without saying a thing... I wonder how that story's going to end.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
Sophia has been hurt by a man, and her reputation suffered a lot after that. Since the attack, she finds it really hard to trust men, and can't see herself getting married to one. She thinks they just care about their own satisfaction and nothing else, and she can't stand the thought of having a man touch her.
It's really sad to see that Sophia is blamed for what happened, like she was responsible for such a thing! And I have to say that I liked Sophia very much, she's so nice and wishes to help people who are in a similar situation as hers, which is actually very risky, since she could be once again involved in a scandal. But because of this, Sophia makes two great friends, and I love the relationship between these three girls. They really stick up for each other.
Daniel was a very nice guy, but for some reason I wasn't too crazy about him, I think he was a bit immature at times.
And I'm still not sure, but I think I might've liked Thomas better than Daniel, he was incredibly nice to Sophia and didn't judge her straight away without having any proofs, like Daniel did. Thomas met Sophia first, and was also captivated by her, although I don't think he actually fell in love with her, just appreciated her and admired her a lot.
Something really interesting about this book is that the pace was just perfect, and it was like the whole thing contained only good parts! No, seriously. You know how, when you're reading, you might find yourself wanting to read like crazy to get to the good stuff? This book was pretty much all good stuff, I didn't feel the need to rush through things to get to the cool parts. Not bad, not bad!
And it was very sweet to see how badly Sophia wanted children and to form a family, but, since she didn't wish to marry, she didn't think she could have that in her life. And that awful man who hurt her wouldn't go away! I just felt so bad for her...
I hate the double standards from that time, since it's rumored that Sophia might have shared her bed with a man, Daniel gets mad and runs off to his former mistress to make Sophia jealous, rub it in her face or whatever... And seriously, it just makes me so mad that men expect women to remain virgins until marriage, but they can fool around all they want (even after getting married), while saying awful things about prostitutes, their mistresses and such. Stop being such hypocrites!!... Ugh, I can't...
But oh well, can't change the past now, can we?
All in all, a very entertaining read if you like historical romances and a female lead to admire, it's also very nice to see how she gets over her fear of men step by step.
Oh and can we also talk about how stupid Michael is? You don't ruin the reputation of the girl you like and then run off without saying a thing... I wonder how that story's going to end.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
September 27, 2016
Miss Sophia Braighton is sailing to London from Philadelphia to stay with her aunt and uncle. She is met by Lady Daphne Collington, her great-aunt, who informs her that her aunt and uncle are in the countryside and that she will be staying with her. The woman is a dowager countess and the widow of an earl.
Sophia is quite taken with the beauty of the size of Aunt Daphne’s London townhouse. It hadbeen gifted to her by her son, the Earl of Grafton.
The first morning, she learns from her aunt that a young lady, Elinor Burkestock, was mentioned in the gossip sheets as having been caught kissing a young gentleman and her reputation may be ruined. The young man she was with, Sir Michael Rollins, begged Elinor to wait for him as he had to leave town for a short while. Some people think he is just after her money. Hopefully, he will return soon and offer for her. Having been through her own experience like that, Sophia asks if she can meet the young woman and offer her support. Sophia had been found in a compromised position and the family decided that she needs to leave the country. In truth, she had been attacked and raped. Now, she has vowed to never marry. Elinor is happy that Sophia offers her friendship. Joined by another young lady, Dory Flammel, the three quickly bond.
Sophia soon exhibits her humor to people she meets and is quite good at mimicking people’s voices and accents. Thomas Wheel is a young man who is intrigued by her.
When introduced to Sophia, Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, is taken with her beauty and enjoys dancing and conversing with her. Daniel had been engaged to a young woman who proved to be of low morals. He soon broke off the engagement. There is a definite attraction between Daniel and Sophia, but he is frustrated by her vow to never marry because she considers herself soiled goods. Imagine her surprise when the man who raped her is present in London. Alistair Pundington sees her, sneers at her, and rips her dress, increasing her fear of the man.
As Daniel comes to know Sophia better, their attraction grows but Sophia refuses to marry him. Alistair puts out to people that Sophia is a whore to which Daniel threatens him and tells him to never speak of her again.
Will Sophia be able to relent and marry Daniel? Is there a way to get rid of the constant threat of Alistair?
This story has a good plot. My problem is that Sophia’s “woe is me” attitude became very grating as the story progressed.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sophia is quite taken with the beauty of the size of Aunt Daphne’s London townhouse. It hadbeen gifted to her by her son, the Earl of Grafton.
The first morning, she learns from her aunt that a young lady, Elinor Burkestock, was mentioned in the gossip sheets as having been caught kissing a young gentleman and her reputation may be ruined. The young man she was with, Sir Michael Rollins, begged Elinor to wait for him as he had to leave town for a short while. Some people think he is just after her money. Hopefully, he will return soon and offer for her. Having been through her own experience like that, Sophia asks if she can meet the young woman and offer her support. Sophia had been found in a compromised position and the family decided that she needs to leave the country. In truth, she had been attacked and raped. Now, she has vowed to never marry. Elinor is happy that Sophia offers her friendship. Joined by another young lady, Dory Flammel, the three quickly bond.
Sophia soon exhibits her humor to people she meets and is quite good at mimicking people’s voices and accents. Thomas Wheel is a young man who is intrigued by her.
When introduced to Sophia, Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, is taken with her beauty and enjoys dancing and conversing with her. Daniel had been engaged to a young woman who proved to be of low morals. He soon broke off the engagement. There is a definite attraction between Daniel and Sophia, but he is frustrated by her vow to never marry because she considers herself soiled goods. Imagine her surprise when the man who raped her is present in London. Alistair Pundington sees her, sneers at her, and rips her dress, increasing her fear of the man.
As Daniel comes to know Sophia better, their attraction grows but Sophia refuses to marry him. Alistair puts out to people that Sophia is a whore to which Daniel threatens him and tells him to never speak of her again.
Will Sophia be able to relent and marry Daniel? Is there a way to get rid of the constant threat of Alistair?
This story has a good plot. My problem is that Sophia’s “woe is me” attitude became very grating as the story progressed.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 31, 2016
Posted on What I'm Reading
Not gonna lie, the cover intrigued me. Yep, the cover totally drew me in. It must have been the dress. Pretty sure it was the dress. Anyway, the story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I'm going to take into consideration that it's a first book. The beginning of Tainted Bride was a little slow, and I was gonna give up, but I stuck with the story. Which did get got better. The middle of the story was really good. I mean given Daniel's past he was understanding to Sophia's plight. He was extremely sweet. However, towards the end started to get a little complicated and over the top. There were a few issues like secret keeping and trust issues. So, I did struggle with this part of the story, because when Daniel was understanding to Sophia's issues it didn't make sense for the things she was thinking. I guess I could chock it up to grief. However, it was too much to put in the end.
Tainted Bride had a lot of potential, and I think the series actually has some great potential. I hope the next book will be a little smoother. It should be interesting, because the heroine seems like a ditz. However, I think there is more to her (or at least I hope). Like I said Tainted Bride was a start of a new series, and sometimes kinks need to be worked out. I'm hoping to see that in the next book.
Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley.
Not gonna lie, the cover intrigued me. Yep, the cover totally drew me in. It must have been the dress. Pretty sure it was the dress. Anyway, the story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I'm going to take into consideration that it's a first book. The beginning of Tainted Bride was a little slow, and I was gonna give up, but I stuck with the story. Which did get got better. The middle of the story was really good. I mean given Daniel's past he was understanding to Sophia's plight. He was extremely sweet. However, towards the end started to get a little complicated and over the top. There were a few issues like secret keeping and trust issues. So, I did struggle with this part of the story, because when Daniel was understanding to Sophia's issues it didn't make sense for the things she was thinking. I guess I could chock it up to grief. However, it was too much to put in the end.
Tainted Bride had a lot of potential, and I think the series actually has some great potential. I hope the next book will be a little smoother. It should be interesting, because the heroine seems like a ditz. However, I think there is more to her (or at least I hope). Like I said Tainted Bride was a start of a new series, and sometimes kinks need to be worked out. I'm hoping to see that in the next book.
Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley.
September 2, 2016
Tainted Bride review by Shannan
I rather enjoyed A.S. Fenichel's Regency romance, Tainted Bride, which looks to be the first of a new series called The Forever Brides. From the beginning as Sophia gets off the boat from Philadelphia to London until the final words of the epilogue, Fenichel hold the reader's attention. As a survivor of rape and of the feeling of pain that comes of family choosing to hide the scandal vs prosecute the offender, the author handled the attack, nightmares, how the secret permeates so much of your thought and actions, and all the other details of it perfectly. Sophia is a very believable, likeable heroine. I loved her great aunt Daphne, the way she could seem so proper but was a loving caring aunt behind closed doors, including to offer Sophia a home if she opts to not wed. Elinor was a bit flighty but a good friend despite this. Dorothea , on the other hand, despite such a rough start turns out to be a wonderful confidante and friend. The guys were pretty fun too. I'd love to read how Markus and Emma got together, as well as see what happens with Thomas, Michael, Anthony, the ladies and the constable Harwig. The conflict between Sophia and her former attacker, Pundington, shows how much her friends love her and helps to bring this fiend to ground for that and other crimes he's committed. I can't wait to read more of this author's books.
I rather enjoyed A.S. Fenichel's Regency romance, Tainted Bride, which looks to be the first of a new series called The Forever Brides. From the beginning as Sophia gets off the boat from Philadelphia to London until the final words of the epilogue, Fenichel hold the reader's attention. As a survivor of rape and of the feeling of pain that comes of family choosing to hide the scandal vs prosecute the offender, the author handled the attack, nightmares, how the secret permeates so much of your thought and actions, and all the other details of it perfectly. Sophia is a very believable, likeable heroine. I loved her great aunt Daphne, the way she could seem so proper but was a loving caring aunt behind closed doors, including to offer Sophia a home if she opts to not wed. Elinor was a bit flighty but a good friend despite this. Dorothea , on the other hand, despite such a rough start turns out to be a wonderful confidante and friend. The guys were pretty fun too. I'd love to read how Markus and Emma got together, as well as see what happens with Thomas, Michael, Anthony, the ladies and the constable Harwig. The conflict between Sophia and her former attacker, Pundington, shows how much her friends love her and helps to bring this fiend to ground for that and other crimes he's committed. I can't wait to read more of this author's books.
September 21, 2016
Sophia Braighton is sent from America to her Great Aunt Daphne who propels Sophia into London society, not knowing that the young woman’s trust in men is shattered after being raped three years earlier. In fact, Sophia never expects to ever feel anything for a man. Then again, she never expects to find herself in the company of the Earl of Marlton
From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement. Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride even when he learns of the painful secret she harbours, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible.
I enjoyed the book & thought Daniel was so understanding for a nineteenth century nobleman. I liked Sophia at the beginning & the end but didn’t like her spoiled brat episode. Where did the thoughts that loving, loyal, understanding Daniel would disappear with a mistress! Pundington, the villain was well drawn to the extent that him feeling his moustache had me cringing. I look forward to reading the other books in the series
I received an ARC copy
From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement. Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride even when he learns of the painful secret she harbours, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible.
I enjoyed the book & thought Daniel was so understanding for a nineteenth century nobleman. I liked Sophia at the beginning & the end but didn’t like her spoiled brat episode. Where did the thoughts that loving, loyal, understanding Daniel would disappear with a mistress! Pundington, the villain was well drawn to the extent that him feeling his moustache had me cringing. I look forward to reading the other books in the series
I received an ARC copy
September 25, 2016
Everyone deserves a second chance. Sophia has come to London, she doesn't want to be here but her father has given her no choice in the matter. She doesn't want to get married, she is scared of what it entitles. She finds herself annoyed with Daniel Marlton has he won't give up he wants her and he can't keep away, she is all he thinks about. Sophia can't understand why he wants her, he has money, is handsome and she is just her.
Sophia knows that she can't ever marry Daniel no matter who much she has come to like him, she was hurt really badly when she was a young girl and she is afraid of what he will expect of her.
Daniel knows that he to destroy the man that hurt the only woman he could love, he just can't tell what he is doing. He gets himself into trouble and Sophia thinks that he has taken a mistress and doesn't love her but he loves her so much and all he wants is to come home to her.
Can Daniel's friends find him before it is too late?
A great love story that made me cry and laugh as Sophia is very honest and out there. Found a new author will be stopping by to read her other books. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Sophia knows that she can't ever marry Daniel no matter who much she has come to like him, she was hurt really badly when she was a young girl and she is afraid of what he will expect of her.
Daniel knows that he to destroy the man that hurt the only woman he could love, he just can't tell what he is doing. He gets himself into trouble and Sophia thinks that he has taken a mistress and doesn't love her but he loves her so much and all he wants is to come home to her.
Can Daniel's friends find him before it is too late?
A great love story that made me cry and laugh as Sophia is very honest and out there. Found a new author will be stopping by to read her other books. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
February 9, 2017
I like that this tale brings a girl from a good Philadelphia family to London in the hope of meeting a suitable husband. We get a few contrasts and yet see how similar the well-off classes of the two countries were. Our heroine has been made to look compromised by a libertine in America so she's hoping to arrange a match before anyone finds out on the British scene. That being the case, I was astonished that the girl up and tells several people she has just met, all about it over the next few weeks. Not the way to keep a secret especially as well-off women in London had little to do but gossip.
Anyway I liked the characters, especially a mature aunt who is to launch our heroine, and we get a look at the relative status of various women. The obsession with keeping women away from men until they were respectably married comes across as smothering, which I am sure it was. The romance actually takes a lower priority than the women's affairs and I like that our heroine thinks of others as well as herself. The romance is for adult readers but mature teens should be fine.
I was sent an ARC and this is an unbiased review.
Anyway I liked the characters, especially a mature aunt who is to launch our heroine, and we get a look at the relative status of various women. The obsession with keeping women away from men until they were respectably married comes across as smothering, which I am sure it was. The romance actually takes a lower priority than the women's affairs and I like that our heroine thinks of others as well as herself. The romance is for adult readers but mature teens should be fine.
I was sent an ARC and this is an unbiased review.
September 24, 2016
Tainted Bride by A.S. Fenichel is the first book in a series called Forever Brides. Sophia Braighton is facing ruin, but as a last ditch effort, her family ships her to England in order to find a husband. Sophia does not want a husband as men are untrustworthy. Her dreams of a husband and children are banished; she just wants to live a quiet life. Her great aunt takes her under her wing and Sophia is thrust into society. Daniel Fallon does not trust women and has no desire to be roped into a marriage. He felt played by his ex-fiance. Neither of them expected to find the other and have ‘those feelings’ again. Add in a nasty man from Sophia’s past and the romance and tension heat right up.
Tainted Bride addresses the horror of how easily a woman can be considered unacceptable during the regency times. It reminds us how tenuous life can be and to grab what is important. I enjoyed the book and found it a fun read.
Tainted Bride addresses the horror of how easily a woman can be considered unacceptable during the regency times. It reminds us how tenuous life can be and to grab what is important. I enjoyed the book and found it a fun read.
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