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His Trilogy #3
His Bride
Though the story line is similar to some others I have read. I did enjoy this one. Written during Elizabethian times- the widower Sir Edmund Blackwell is having to accept an offer made by his ex-father-in-law to get the castle and lands back into shape and it will take a large sum of money. A bride and large dowry has been offered to Edmund with strings attached. It is made clear that the father-in-law is out to ruin Edmund. But Edmund is not one to turn down a challenge and accepts. He is to marry his deceased wife's cousin and if she is anything like Elizabeth was, Edmund is in for a miserable time. But she turns out to be just the opposite. Gwyneth Hall doesn't realize she is being used like a pawn and goes into this marriage to make it a success though she has never even met Edmund. With time Edmund lets his guard down to see Gwyneth as she really is and Gwyneth learns that there is a different person behind that face of Edmund's. Full of passion, some humorous bits, and over-all enjoyable
374 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
97 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Callen
46 books524 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Gayle Callen writes historical romances for Avon Books. Her twenty-second novel, The Wrong Bride, was published in November 2015.
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2023
Read:1/1/23
3.5 stars
This was a pretty good read! The story starts off with the H having to accept another marriage offer from his late wife's family. They want his land back. They offer a huge dowry for him to marry their ward. If he produces no heir, the land will revert back to them. Sir Edward has no choice. His late wife and in-laws drained the estate while he was at war.
Gwyneth met her cousins for the first time when their daughter stayed in London and needed a companion (slave). The Langston family has never cared if her sick father, mother, and sisters starved, but when they offer marriage, she has to accept. She prays that he is a good man.
Sir Edward's plan is to marry the girl, use her dowry, and later get an annulment due to lack of consummation. He'll send her home with a dowry so she can remarry. He doesn't want anyone associated with the Langstons, especially another rich, spoiled heiressess ( he doesn't know she's poor). Staying away from his bride is becoming more difficult every day. Not only is she beautiful but she has a good heart.
Gwyneth is determined to make her husband happy! She soon beguils everyone she meets. The tennets are happy, and the servants are returning to the castle. This couple slowly falls in love. Poor Edward fought it for so long ;) Their HEA is soon tested.
The Langston's despise their ex son in-law. A bastard knight was not good enough for their daughter. Now, they have discovered the land has tons of undiscovered ore. They want that money! When Edward won't sell the land, they attack another way. First, they marry him to their poor/common cousin. Gwyneth is from a long family line of producing only girls. Second, they spread a lie that Edward murdered their daughter (not true). All Edward's people believe it and are scared of him. Third, they sent an agent to sabotage and destroy any profits. Their biggest problem is that they didn't count on Gwyneth. Her kind, outgoing personality helps the villagers to see how much Edward cares about his people. She makes his castle a home.
Conclusion: The story is well paced and very well written. Whether GC's stories are good or not, they are always well constructed. I would definitely recommend it!
Sidenote: I was very surprised who the sabatoge agent turned out to be. Bravo to GC!
3.5 stars
This was a pretty good read! The story starts off with the H having to accept another marriage offer from his late wife's family. They want his land back. They offer a huge dowry for him to marry their ward. If he produces no heir, the land will revert back to them. Sir Edward has no choice. His late wife and in-laws drained the estate while he was at war.
Gwyneth met her cousins for the first time when their daughter stayed in London and needed a companion (slave). The Langston family has never cared if her sick father, mother, and sisters starved, but when they offer marriage, she has to accept. She prays that he is a good man.
Sir Edward's plan is to marry the girl, use her dowry, and later get an annulment due to lack of consummation. He'll send her home with a dowry so she can remarry. He doesn't want anyone associated with the Langstons, especially another rich, spoiled heiressess ( he doesn't know she's poor). Staying away from his bride is becoming more difficult every day. Not only is she beautiful but she has a good heart.
Gwyneth is determined to make her husband happy! She soon beguils everyone she meets. The tennets are happy, and the servants are returning to the castle. This couple slowly falls in love. Poor Edward fought it for so long ;) Their HEA is soon tested.
The Langston's despise their ex son in-law. A bastard knight was not good enough for their daughter. Now, they have discovered the land has tons of undiscovered ore. They want that money! When Edward won't sell the land, they attack another way. First, they marry him to their poor/common cousin. Gwyneth is from a long family line of producing only girls. Second, they spread a lie that Edward murdered their daughter (not true). All Edward's people believe it and are scared of him. Third, they sent an agent to sabotage and destroy any profits. Their biggest problem is that they didn't count on Gwyneth. Her kind, outgoing personality helps the villagers to see how much Edward cares about his people. She makes his castle a home.
Conclusion: The story is well paced and very well written. Whether GC's stories are good or not, they are always well constructed. I would definitely recommend it!
Sidenote: I was very surprised who the sabatoge agent turned out to be. Bravo to GC!
February 11, 2017
Terrific medieval romance - stern, hurt, and lonely ex-mercenary is enchanted by a sweet, loving, and intelligent heroine
SUMMARY (*includes spoilers*):
[1591, England:] Sir Edmund Blackwell entered into a wager with his friend, Sir Alex Thornton (occurs at the beginning of His Scandal) and though all he had to get was a kiss, he ended up sleeping with the young woman and as a result offered to marry her. This book takes place a couple of years later, after Elizabeth (the woman) has died; their marriage was an unhappy one and although Edmund tried his best to make her happy and make the best out of unfortunate circumstances, his wife was a spoiled and selfish being (who didn't deserve him!). Her death is shrouded in suspicion and rumors abound that Edmund is the one responsible for killing her.
His in-laws, whom he dislikes and who return the feeling, offer him the opportunity to keep the property he received as part of Elizabeth's dowry if he marries Gwyneth Hall, a poor cousin of Elizabeth's. They admit they have ulterior motives but won't admit what they are. Although Edmund doesn't want to accept, the dowry they are offering along with Gwyneth tempts him, for Elizabeth drained the estate and though he went back to mercenary work to support them, since his injury this is no longer a possibility. What Elizabeth's parents don't know, however, is that Edmund doesn't plan on making the marriage a real one - he won't consummate it and once he has recouped the amount of the dowry through his land, he will pay it back, annul the marriage (for all he knows, this new wife of his is helping his in-laws), and finally be done with Elizabeth's family forever.
Gwyneth Hall is nervous about marrying a man she has never met, but has hopes that the marriage will help her poor (though happy and tight-knit) family. She meets her husband moments before marrying him and is then taken to a beautiful but crumbling castle in need of repair. Who is this stern man, whom many people seem to fear because of his large size and the rumors of murder, but whom she can't help but be drawn to? He causes a fluttering in the bottom of her stomach and she wants to make him smile or even laugh. Gwyneth is determined to make a real marriage of what circumstances have forced, for she sees in Edmund a good man whom she is growing to love - and whom she thinks badly needs that love.
This book combines a marriage of convenience; a hurt and suspicious hero who has decided not to have sex with his wife (but is drawn to her, both emotionally and physically); a sweet and loving heroine who is confused by her husband's attempts to separate himself from her and determined to not let him succeed (and seduce him as best she can); and a nefarious plot being directed by evil ex-in-laws and carried out by we-don't-know-who. The combination is definitely a hit so hat's off to Gayle Callen for another great read!
OPINION:
This is a wonderful book and a great follow-up to His Scandal (the second book in the "His" series - I have yet to read the first). I barely recognized Edmund, since in the preceding book he was a much more lighthearted man and openly charming/teasing character. When we meet him now, he has suffered through a horrible marriage, been widowed and smeared with rumors that he caused his wife's death, and he's been injured in such a way as to end his career as a mercenary/soldier - the only thing he's ever known and has always excelled at.
There are *many laugh-out-loud moments* and the hero and heroine are truly delightful - a great match for each other and Callen portrays them vividly and engagingly. It's a pleasure to watch their relationship develop: Edmund trying to stay away from and not get attached to Gwyneth and Gwyneth trying to seduce her husband and make him care for her as she has begun to for him (though of course he already does). Gwyneth is so sweet and loyal that Edmund can't help but fall in love with her and although he's at first frightened by his feelings and fights them, he eventually realizes that he could never give Gwyn up and can no longer carry out his initial plan for their marriage. The only thing I didn't like was Gwyneth's thought-process during the small secret/misunderstanding that Callen includes towards the end; thankfully it doesn't drag on and once Gwyn and Edmund deal with it, I think it makes their relationship stronger.
The secondary characters are entertaining, especially Geoffrey (Edmund's friend and lieutenant), and on the whole the mystery subplot is interesting and adds intrigue and suspense - though it is resolved somewhat anti-climactically. The last scene is too maudlin for me, but on the whole this is an excellent book and I *highly* recommend it!
"HIS" SERIES:
This book is part of Gayle Callen's Tudor romance "His" series, which goes in the following order: Book 1, His Betrothed (Spencer Thornton's story); Book 2, His Scandal (Alexander Thornton's story); and Book 3, His Bride (Edmund Blackwell's story). The books don't have to be read in order (Alex and Emmeline appear briefly in this one), though I think it helps to read Book 1 before Book 2.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE TAGS:
marriage of convenience - hero isn't of the nobility/aristocracy - military/ex-military hero - widower - scarred or handicapped hero (battle injury, has a limp) - heroine is from a poor family - heroine is the oldest of four siblings
SUMMARY (*includes spoilers*):
[1591, England:] Sir Edmund Blackwell entered into a wager with his friend, Sir Alex Thornton (occurs at the beginning of His Scandal) and though all he had to get was a kiss, he ended up sleeping with the young woman and as a result offered to marry her. This book takes place a couple of years later, after Elizabeth (the woman) has died; their marriage was an unhappy one and although Edmund tried his best to make her happy and make the best out of unfortunate circumstances, his wife was a spoiled and selfish being (who didn't deserve him!). Her death is shrouded in suspicion and rumors abound that Edmund is the one responsible for killing her.
His in-laws, whom he dislikes and who return the feeling, offer him the opportunity to keep the property he received as part of Elizabeth's dowry if he marries Gwyneth Hall, a poor cousin of Elizabeth's. They admit they have ulterior motives but won't admit what they are. Although Edmund doesn't want to accept, the dowry they are offering along with Gwyneth tempts him, for Elizabeth drained the estate and though he went back to mercenary work to support them, since his injury this is no longer a possibility. What Elizabeth's parents don't know, however, is that Edmund doesn't plan on making the marriage a real one - he won't consummate it and once he has recouped the amount of the dowry through his land, he will pay it back, annul the marriage (for all he knows, this new wife of his is helping his in-laws), and finally be done with Elizabeth's family forever.
Gwyneth Hall is nervous about marrying a man she has never met, but has hopes that the marriage will help her poor (though happy and tight-knit) family. She meets her husband moments before marrying him and is then taken to a beautiful but crumbling castle in need of repair. Who is this stern man, whom many people seem to fear because of his large size and the rumors of murder, but whom she can't help but be drawn to? He causes a fluttering in the bottom of her stomach and she wants to make him smile or even laugh. Gwyneth is determined to make a real marriage of what circumstances have forced, for she sees in Edmund a good man whom she is growing to love - and whom she thinks badly needs that love.
This book combines a marriage of convenience; a hurt and suspicious hero who has decided not to have sex with his wife (but is drawn to her, both emotionally and physically); a sweet and loving heroine who is confused by her husband's attempts to separate himself from her and determined to not let him succeed (and seduce him as best she can); and a nefarious plot being directed by evil ex-in-laws and carried out by we-don't-know-who. The combination is definitely a hit so hat's off to Gayle Callen for another great read!
OPINION:
This is a wonderful book and a great follow-up to His Scandal (the second book in the "His" series - I have yet to read the first). I barely recognized Edmund, since in the preceding book he was a much more lighthearted man and openly charming/teasing character. When we meet him now, he has suffered through a horrible marriage, been widowed and smeared with rumors that he caused his wife's death, and he's been injured in such a way as to end his career as a mercenary/soldier - the only thing he's ever known and has always excelled at.
There are *many laugh-out-loud moments* and the hero and heroine are truly delightful - a great match for each other and Callen portrays them vividly and engagingly. It's a pleasure to watch their relationship develop: Edmund trying to stay away from and not get attached to Gwyneth and Gwyneth trying to seduce her husband and make him care for her as she has begun to for him (though of course he already does). Gwyneth is so sweet and loyal that Edmund can't help but fall in love with her and although he's at first frightened by his feelings and fights them, he eventually realizes that he could never give Gwyn up and can no longer carry out his initial plan for their marriage. The only thing I didn't like was Gwyneth's thought-process during the small secret/misunderstanding that Callen includes towards the end; thankfully it doesn't drag on and once Gwyn and Edmund deal with it, I think it makes their relationship stronger.
The secondary characters are entertaining, especially Geoffrey (Edmund's friend and lieutenant), and on the whole the mystery subplot is interesting and adds intrigue and suspense - though it is resolved somewhat anti-climactically. The last scene is too maudlin for me, but on the whole this is an excellent book and I *highly* recommend it!
"HIS" SERIES:
This book is part of Gayle Callen's Tudor romance "His" series, which goes in the following order: Book 1, His Betrothed (Spencer Thornton's story); Book 2, His Scandal (Alexander Thornton's story); and Book 3, His Bride (Edmund Blackwell's story). The books don't have to be read in order (Alex and Emmeline appear briefly in this one), though I think it helps to read Book 1 before Book 2.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE TAGS:
marriage of convenience - hero isn't of the nobility/aristocracy - military/ex-military hero - widower - scarred or handicapped hero (battle injury, has a limp) - heroine is from a poor family - heroine is the oldest of four siblings
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
#arrangedmarriages #endearingheroine
THE PERFECT SET-UP TO LURE ME IN, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN SPECTACULAR IF THERE WAS MORE ANGST AND DRAMA THROWN INTO IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SAYING IT BUT YES, THOUGH I LIKED THE HEROINE WHO WAS OH-SO-SWEET, THE HERO WAS A LITTLE TOO STIFF THAT IT FELT LIKE THE HEROINE WAS DOING ALL THE WORK.
EDMUND isn't a nobleman. Once upon a time, he compromised a noble young lady and dutifully wedded her. Driven by his attraction to her, he never realized what a shrew and vain woman his dead wife was. And yes, she's very much dead. Rumours abound that Edmund killed his wife, even though the poor man was in France fighting for his country. His dead wife's family also despises him and they want their land back through marriage from their dead daughter and proposes him a new bride, one they hoped will lead to Edmund's downfall. Naturally, Edmund's wary of his new bride but he needs her dowry to keep his beloved home afloat. I like what Edmund's character represented. He's gruff, rough around the edges with a stiff limp but he's only a man seeking to be loved and to love. Although he certainly makes the heroine work to gain his trust. There are times you'll be frustrated with him, and no, it won't make him endearing at all, but I suppose I'm willing to accept that he isn't perfect. Once burned, twice shy right?
GWYNETH entered this marriage without knowing her uncle was scheming her husband-to-be's downfall. Starry-eyed and naive, she goes into this marriage with the intention of making it real, and she's so sweet and trusting, I felt bad for her BUT it didn't mean she hadn't courage. Little did she know, Edmund has no intention to consummate the marriage. He intends to win over her uncle and annul their marriage. Unfortunately for him, Gwyneth's launched a campaign of seduction to win her husband's heart when he refuses to bed her, and it's the little things she does that thaws the ice around his heart.
OVERALL this was cute and sweet. It has no drama, no angst (sadly) and it features a heroine who is so brave to the point of silly, it's romantic in a cliche sense. If you like the whole arranged marriage troupe WITHOUT any heavy content, then this one is perfect for you.
THE PERFECT SET-UP TO LURE ME IN, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN SPECTACULAR IF THERE WAS MORE ANGST AND DRAMA THROWN INTO IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SAYING IT BUT YES, THOUGH I LIKED THE HEROINE WHO WAS OH-SO-SWEET, THE HERO WAS A LITTLE TOO STIFF THAT IT FELT LIKE THE HEROINE WAS DOING ALL THE WORK.
EDMUND isn't a nobleman. Once upon a time, he compromised a noble young lady and dutifully wedded her. Driven by his attraction to her, he never realized what a shrew and vain woman his dead wife was. And yes, she's very much dead. Rumours abound that Edmund killed his wife, even though the poor man was in France fighting for his country. His dead wife's family also despises him and they want their land back through marriage from their dead daughter and proposes him a new bride, one they hoped will lead to Edmund's downfall. Naturally, Edmund's wary of his new bride but he needs her dowry to keep his beloved home afloat. I like what Edmund's character represented. He's gruff, rough around the edges with a stiff limp but he's only a man seeking to be loved and to love. Although he certainly makes the heroine work to gain his trust. There are times you'll be frustrated with him, and no, it won't make him endearing at all, but I suppose I'm willing to accept that he isn't perfect. Once burned, twice shy right?
GWYNETH entered this marriage without knowing her uncle was scheming her husband-to-be's downfall. Starry-eyed and naive, she goes into this marriage with the intention of making it real, and she's so sweet and trusting, I felt bad for her BUT it didn't mean she hadn't courage. Little did she know, Edmund has no intention to consummate the marriage. He intends to win over her uncle and annul their marriage. Unfortunately for him, Gwyneth's launched a campaign of seduction to win her husband's heart when he refuses to bed her, and it's the little things she does that thaws the ice around his heart.
OVERALL this was cute and sweet. It has no drama, no angst (sadly) and it features a heroine who is so brave to the point of silly, it's romantic in a cliche sense. If you like the whole arranged marriage troupe WITHOUT any heavy content, then this one is perfect for you.
did-not-finish
January 25, 2024DNF @ 40%. I liked the set up (MMC is coerced by his villainous ex-in laws into marrying their FMC, she’s a poor relation and not the schemer he thinks her to be), but I couldn’t get into the story. I also didn’t love the narrator’s performance. Might try another one of Gayle Callen’s books later.
August 31, 2011
Oh right, if I could remember correctly, they were wed for convenience. Yes, just like your any other marriage stories like in Daughters of Fortune Series by Lorraine Heath To Marry an Heiress... but this last book for Gayle Callen's His series is simply superb!
Story goes...Edmund Blackwell is good friends with Spencer who is brother of Alex in the first His series books. In this story, retired from spying for the crown, Sir Edmund goes back to his land to find that his parents in law are going to take back their land since he's wife has died. Edmund then gets a deal...AGAIN...to take another Langston bride, Elizabeth's cousin, Gwyneth. The deal is he will have the wretched land for good soon as he sires a son. Wicked parents in law knew that Gwyneth's family only sired daughters and Edmund will be defeated...a wonderful story that really had me on my toes until I screamed and shouted at the wonderful ending!
My thoughts...a book, series, that I didn't regret reading! Yes! His series is really awesome. Halfway through the story I read the struggles between Gwyneth and Edmund and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't a love at first sight read. They fell in love like any real couple would: by getting to know each other!
The ending really left me rolling on my bed laughing my head off like a hyena! It was so wicked and so clever I just have to reread the WHOLE series AGAIN!!
Story goes...Edmund Blackwell is good friends with Spencer who is brother of Alex in the first His series books. In this story, retired from spying for the crown, Sir Edmund goes back to his land to find that his parents in law are going to take back their land since he's wife has died. Edmund then gets a deal...AGAIN...to take another Langston bride, Elizabeth's cousin, Gwyneth. The deal is he will have the wretched land for good soon as he sires a son. Wicked parents in law knew that Gwyneth's family only sired daughters and Edmund will be defeated...a wonderful story that really had me on my toes until I screamed and shouted at the wonderful ending!
My thoughts...a book, series, that I didn't regret reading! Yes! His series is really awesome. Halfway through the story I read the struggles between Gwyneth and Edmund and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't a love at first sight read. They fell in love like any real couple would: by getting to know each other!
The ending really left me rolling on my bed laughing my head off like a hyena! It was so wicked and so clever I just have to reread the WHOLE series AGAIN!!
November 23, 2014
One of the better romances I've read in a while.
I was engaged right away by the characters and circumstance, which was a bit off the hackneyed trail - down in his pockets Sir Edmund accepted the bride (and her much-needed dowry) offered to him by the father of his first wife as part of a challenge AND so Edmund would have the chance to hold on to the property he'd worked so hard to establish as his.
Problem is he's stuck with Gwyneth.
Okay, so that sounds like it could have been hackneyed. But it wasn't.
The author does an excellent job of averting many chapters of needless deception and other stuff both characters should be smart enough to avoid but rarely seem to be in historical romances. Edmund realizes on his own that Gwyneth is a good person, and she realizes the same about him. Yet, all conflict was not lost - all tension was not gone. There was a good climax.
More on the climax: some may find it a bit weak. I found it a huge relief. It was not over-the-top. Yes, there're a couple evilish characters but most of the characters here are well developed. I enjoyed how the evilish were out-smarted.
And I liked both Edmund and Gwyneth very much. Both learned and changed their minds. Both were interesting and I enjoyed the story and didn't want to put it down.
Looking for more from this author.
I was engaged right away by the characters and circumstance, which was a bit off the hackneyed trail - down in his pockets Sir Edmund accepted the bride (and her much-needed dowry) offered to him by the father of his first wife as part of a challenge AND so Edmund would have the chance to hold on to the property he'd worked so hard to establish as his.
Problem is he's stuck with Gwyneth.
Okay, so that sounds like it could have been hackneyed. But it wasn't.
The author does an excellent job of averting many chapters of needless deception and other stuff both characters should be smart enough to avoid but rarely seem to be in historical romances. Edmund realizes on his own that Gwyneth is a good person, and she realizes the same about him. Yet, all conflict was not lost - all tension was not gone. There was a good climax.
More on the climax: some may find it a bit weak. I found it a huge relief. It was not over-the-top. Yes, there're a couple evilish characters but most of the characters here are well developed. I enjoyed how the evilish were out-smarted.
And I liked both Edmund and Gwyneth very much. Both learned and changed their minds. Both were interesting and I enjoyed the story and didn't want to put it down.
Looking for more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2016
Pollyanana meets grumpy Gus. Poor Gwyneth. A gal should not have to work that hard to get laid. At least not by her husband. Poor Edmund. He's just a train wreck. I might have felt sorry for him if he hadn't kissed his first wife on a wager and then comprised her. boo hoo. He has to marry her and it turns out she is a total witch. Well she has the decency to die within two years. Then in a plot to convoluted to get into her father makes him marry her poor cousin Gwyneth. 372 pages of Gwyneth trying to win dour Edmund's trust. An okay read but for me not great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2010
Four stars is possibly too high but I enjoy this book. I may have to start a "Martha Stewart" shelf because Gwyneth certainly sweeps the castle clean of rotting rushes and untrained canines. She is a persistent chatelaine.
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars Gwyneth and Edmund. I liked how Gwyneth brought sunshine and laughter into the village and estate. The villain(s) part was my least favorite part of this story. I did enjoy the chemistry between Gwyneth and Edmund as they fell in love with each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2024
Once bitten, twice shy
Sir Edmund's first wife was a real piece of work. After her death, in order to keep his castle & lands, he's offered her cousin as a bride. Lots of evil machinations from his rotten in-laws, but not from his new bride. Some push 'n pull between our MCs since he plans to not consummate the marriage so it can be annulled when he's financially stable. However, Gwyneth those his frozen heart and they get their HEA. This was a reread for me and I still enjoyed it.
Sir Edmund's first wife was a real piece of work. After her death, in order to keep his castle & lands, he's offered her cousin as a bride. Lots of evil machinations from his rotten in-laws, but not from his new bride. Some push 'n pull between our MCs since he plans to not consummate the marriage so it can be annulled when he's financially stable. However, Gwyneth those his frozen heart and they get their HEA. This was a reread for me and I still enjoyed it.
May 9, 2025
Story is good. But in the middle, I felt like h start pressuring H with intimacy. Even after that she wants everything. Story felt like she wants to getting married to guy with less age difference. She wants kiss from her husband. She wants her husband to bed her. She wants his soul. She wants ........ . what she wants kept going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
Suddenly a Bride
I enjoyed this book. It is of sweet love story with turmoil and danger. Ideally liked Gwyneth. She wanted to make her arranged marriage into a true loving marriage. Edmund didn't know what love was until Gwyneth showed him.
I enjoyed this book. It is of sweet love story with turmoil and danger. Ideally liked Gwyneth. She wanted to make her arranged marriage into a true loving marriage. Edmund didn't know what love was until Gwyneth showed him.
July 23, 2025
I like books where they spend a lot of time farming and just taking care of things but I was a bit annoyed at this. She was just endlessly forgiving and nice and it almost got boring. Also it didn’t really resolve the conflict at the end
July 24, 2022
Great read
Surviving all odds this is a beautiful romance. You will not guess the villain until the end. What a lovely family raised the heroine.
Surviving all odds this is a beautiful romance. You will not guess the villain until the end. What a lovely family raised the heroine.
September 9, 2022
His Bride by Gayle Callen was a Quick Lovely Read!
Gwyneth Hall, the "h", and Sir Edmund Blackwell, the "H", were such a pleasing couple to watch. I am so glad that I read this book!
Gwyneth Hall, the "h", and Sir Edmund Blackwell, the "H", were such a pleasing couple to watch. I am so glad that I read this book!
September 11, 2022
A wonderful read.
The only thing I did not like was that I could not put it down! I'm now working on the rest of the series!
The only thing I did not like was that I could not put it down! I'm now working on the rest of the series!
October 31, 2024
Not my cup of tea. I only read this to make my grandma happy.
June 13, 2022
Good series
Well worth reading. An enjoyable ending to an excellent trilogy. Each book was an unique story with interesting plots and people.
Well worth reading. An enjoyable ending to an excellent trilogy. Each book was an unique story with interesting plots and people.
June 9, 2022
A specially good story
Loved this one wherethe underdogs trump the bullies.
Our heroine is lovely and she calms and heals the entire castle and her knight.
Loved this one wherethe underdogs trump the bullies.
Our heroine is lovely and she calms and heals the entire castle and her knight.
March 4, 2017
Edmund, mentioned in the previous book in the series, is Alex Thornton's friend who joined him in a wager to kiss a maiden. Well things went past a kiss and he ended up in an awful marriage. When his dead wife's evil in-laws offer him a new bride with a dowry, he's justifiably suspicious. Even more so when he finds out that Gwyneth is perfect. She's beautiful, warm-hearted, cheerful, down-to-earth, not spoiled, etc. Everything his dead wife wasn't... These two deal with suspicions, lack of trust and deceptions as well as a saboteur.
The story itself was great the first time I read it and only good the second time I read it. Edmund is a well-written hero with major trust issues...not surprising given what he's been through. He's pretty rotten to his heroine, in a neglectful sort of way, but feels guilty about constantly. Gwyneth is so mellow about her treatment that she's borderline doormat. She maybe feels anger for a second, and then smiles and reminds herself how grateful she is to be married to him. She's still a strong heroine, but so lacking in emotional reactions that she's kind of boring. And that's how I felt about the story this time...kind of boring. Very little action, the romance was slow to develop since he's practically sprinting away from her every time he sees her and there isn't even that much banter between the H/h. It held my interest, but I could have easily put it down for the night. And just a note: this takes place in Elizabethan times and Gwyneth wears a ruff. I don't know about you, but I don't find them particularly sexy to think about when H/h are removing their clothing.
The story itself was great the first time I read it and only good the second time I read it. Edmund is a well-written hero with major trust issues...not surprising given what he's been through. He's pretty rotten to his heroine, in a neglectful sort of way, but feels guilty about constantly. Gwyneth is so mellow about her treatment that she's borderline doormat. She maybe feels anger for a second, and then smiles and reminds herself how grateful she is to be married to him. She's still a strong heroine, but so lacking in emotional reactions that she's kind of boring. And that's how I felt about the story this time...kind of boring. Very little action, the romance was slow to develop since he's practically sprinting away from her every time he sees her and there isn't even that much banter between the H/h. It held my interest, but I could have easily put it down for the night. And just a note: this takes place in Elizabethan times and Gwyneth wears a ruff. I don't know about you, but I don't find them particularly sexy to think about when H/h are removing their clothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2014
Gwyneth and Edmund are forced together in a marriage that neither truly wants. Edmund having already been married, to Gwyneth's cousin, has endured enough marriage to last a life time. For her part Gwyneth may not be thrilled with the marriage but she is determined to make the best of it. Convinced that Gwyneth is cut from the same cloth as his first wife Edmund tries to keep her at arms length, but Gwyneth is nothing if not persistent. While working towards a somewhat functional marriage with Edmund Gwyneth also has to battle the rumors surrounding his previous wife's death. Though she was there when her cousin accidentally overdosed the circumstances of her death were covered up to prevent a scandal. Roamers are being spread however that point a finger at Gwyneth's new husband as a killer, combined with the number of mysterious accidents that are occurring on the estate Edmund has no choice but to trust his new wife as she may be his only alley.
4 stars!
4 stars!
January 27, 2022
Marriage contract
Edmund is getting married again into a loathsome family to save his land and people on it! Gwyneth is a cousin to his wife the village people believed he killed! Gwyneth is nothing like her cousin! Lies and treachery almost killed this marriage before it began! I was starting to be suspicious of everyone! When secrets are revealed it is painfully clear there is an enemy in their midst and they have a foundation for a healthy marriage if there can be trust!
Gwyneth goes over and above to prove herself to Edmund endearing servants and family alike!
There is definitely a cloud over Gwyneth family can she ever break free of it!??
There is a HEA but not without suspense and laughter!
Edmund is getting married again into a loathsome family to save his land and people on it! Gwyneth is a cousin to his wife the village people believed he killed! Gwyneth is nothing like her cousin! Lies and treachery almost killed this marriage before it began! I was starting to be suspicious of everyone! When secrets are revealed it is painfully clear there is an enemy in their midst and they have a foundation for a healthy marriage if there can be trust!
Gwyneth goes over and above to prove herself to Edmund endearing servants and family alike!
There is definitely a cloud over Gwyneth family can she ever break free of it!??
There is a HEA but not without suspense and laughter!
June 20, 2013
Yeah it was somewhat of an easy read but I liked how gayle got right to the point. It's good sometimes when you have lots of description but I don't want to be drowned with details for the first 10 chapters and have it bore me to death. This was different for me because I like romance but I haven't really given pure romance novels a try yet. Honestly It appealed to me very much. I loved the storyline because it was set in late 1500s and that each character was different. Whoo hoo:)
April 1, 2024
Edmund is one of the colder, callous male leads I have read in fiction (so far), which was a delight to be honest. I enjoyed the way he painstakingly tried to dodge Gwyneth’s advances and efforts to reach out to him. Gwyneth was also wonderful with the way she exerted a lot of effort for Edmund. I just wish there were more witty lines Gayle could surely drop some of the wittiest lines in the novel.
July 25, 2011
This author doesn't waste words on long descriptions. She's right to the point with each sentence. Almost reads as simple as an elementary book. Plot was entertaining enough. Because of the lack of description, the "steaminess" factor never really came to fruition. Felt the hero suffered major paranoia in the plot theme. Fast read, but don't get too excited.
June 2, 2012
I'm not a great fan of Elizabethan period stories and the plot did not assure me of a good read. Nevertheless I was pleasantly surprised and I enjoyed reading the boom. I liked the heroine she never gave up.
November 17, 2013
I Loved it . It's a great book. :)
March 28, 2022
Very captivating!
I was intrigued by the book I read it on 3 days tops I loved it I look forward to more of Gayle Called books.
I was intrigued by the book I read it on 3 days tops I loved it I look forward to more of Gayle Called books.
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