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Maker #3
The Bridemaker
She's called "the Bridemaker", but Hester Poitevant prefers to think of herself as the gentle facilitator of marital union. Hester's popular Mayfair Academy has helped teach many the awkward society miss how to find her way to the altar with the eligible bachelor of her choice. But while her students flirt and mingle, Hester possesses as a prim widow--rather than reveal herself as the never-been married beauty she truly is...He made his fortune in America. Now the dashing, scandalously sired Adrian Hawke is in London, determined to fight off the season's most wily debutants. Adrian isn't fooled by Hester's thin disguise--for she possess the soft, womanly curves no somber gown can hide. The question is, why does she dress like a schoolmarm when she could easily make a better match than any of her student? Adrian vows to reveal Hester's most precious secrets. But what he discovers is a woman with a past more complicated than he could ever imagine--and whose beauty is not just skin-deep...
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2002
15 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Rexanne Becnel
64 books119 followersRexanne Becnel is the author of more than twenty historical romance and contemporary mainstream novels, many of which appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. With the publication of her first novel, My Gallant Enemy, Becnel won the Waldenbooks Award for Best First-Time Romance Author and the Romantic Times Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. While growing up, Becnel lived for a time in Germany and England, where she became fascinated by medieval history. After studying architecture at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, she worked as a building inspector for the Vieux Carré Commission, the agency of the City of New Orleans charged with protecting and preserving the distinct architectural and historic character of the French Quarter. Becnel lives in New Orleans with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 17, 2024
Either the writing or the narration didn't keep me engaged. I considered DNFing halfway through but I wanted to see the confrontation between the heroine and her father. The hero is a Scot and he left for America to make it big, so I don't know why the narrator chose such a weird accent for him and his cousins. Her voices weren't consistent either. I don't think I'll be eager to read this author's work for a while. She has a few audiobooks available in Kobo Plus.
September 27, 2014
Hester Pointevante is the prim and proper 'widowed' head of a prestigious academy for young ladies who had been less successful in their previous attempts at catching eligible grooms. She has managed to transform her girls into desirable brides while still maintaining her own comfortable position in the background, where she is more than happy to remain under the radar of most men. Adrian Hawke is an American businessman with Scottish roots, who arrived for the society wedding of his cousin. He is the natural son of a baron, who is done with trying to gain acceptance into the ton. However with his money and business connections, he found himself sought out by those who previously shunned him. Despite this, he is still not considered marriage material for gently reared ladies of the peer. He crossed path with Hester, who tried to protect one of her young charges from his less than honourable attention. Adrian came to realise that behind the dark plain gowns, severe hairstyle and spectacles, Hester is desperate to hide her true self.
This is where the book failed for me. Hester has an interesting background and secret, yet Adrian had no inclination to try to explore her history and solve her mystery. He is certainly aware that she is suppressing more than her attractiveness, and although this lured him in, he made no attempts to try to find out her motives and her story. He found her crying and instead of finding out why, the opportunistic sod that he was turned it into a fondling fest. There were plenty of other occasions where he had a glimmer of insight that there was more to it than what she publically chooses to reveal, yet it was too hard for him to see beyond his own hardness to investigate further(could be that it was enormous and blocking the view!). And because of their lack of emotional closeness, it was a bit difficult to accept why Hester would risk her livelihood and comfort getting involved with him.
Not quite matching the brilliance of her other book in the seriesThe Matchmaker.
This is where the book failed for me. Hester has an interesting background and secret, yet Adrian had no inclination to try to explore her history and solve her mystery. He is certainly aware that she is suppressing more than her attractiveness, and although this lured him in, he made no attempts to try to find out her motives and her story. He found her crying and instead of finding out why, the opportunistic sod that he was turned it into a fondling fest. There were plenty of other occasions where he had a glimmer of insight that there was more to it than what she publically chooses to reveal, yet it was too hard for him to see beyond his own hardness to investigate further(could be that it was enormous and blocking the view!). And because of their lack of emotional closeness, it was a bit difficult to accept why Hester would risk her livelihood and comfort getting involved with him.
Not quite matching the brilliance of her other book in the seriesThe Matchmaker.
February 4, 2022
Adrian's obsession with Hester is not romantic or endearing, even for the time depicted.
We need to stop making romantic figures out of controlling men. Adrian had no right to question how Hester dressed, where she spent her time, and whether or not she had a lover. They were casual acquaintances. The first time they kissed, she told him to wait and stop. He ignored her. He tried to get her to leave with him, and was rude when she said no. These were major red flags that should have had her putting as much distance as possible between them.
Hester's hatred for her father was also suspect. She was old enough to realize her mother's narrative was unreliable.
The best part of the story was Hester and her brother Horace forming a relationship, but it was completely unbelievable.
We need to stop making romantic figures out of controlling men. Adrian had no right to question how Hester dressed, where she spent her time, and whether or not she had a lover. They were casual acquaintances. The first time they kissed, she told him to wait and stop. He ignored her. He tried to get her to leave with him, and was rude when she said no. These were major red flags that should have had her putting as much distance as possible between them.
Hester's hatred for her father was also suspect. She was old enough to realize her mother's narrative was unreliable.
The best part of the story was Hester and her brother Horace forming a relationship, but it was completely unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
I'm glad I bought this book. It was a pleasant/fun read. It was amusing to watch the dashing Adrian intensely pursue the prickly Hester. I like the theme where the heroine hides her beauty under a disguise. This was the 5th book I've read by this author and it's my favorite so far. I like her writing style, her stories are interesting but in one of her books I didn't like the heroine, another had angst between the H & h, a theme I don't care for. I like romances where the H & h like one another and I get to read how they work their way to a HEA. The first book I read by this author was The Rose of Blacksword, I liked it and gave it a 4.5 stars. I will look for more of her books
January 7, 2020
1800s Posing as a widow to stay in the business a single woman in London helps awkward young girls learn to get through the"season" and find husbands. She attracts the attention of an American Entrepreneur who hires her to help her estranged brother marry for a large sum. She gains his admiration when the real story with its challenges comes out. +descriptions of period dress, architecture and customs
August 18, 2024
Familymaker
It did have too much love making description at times, but a read I could not put down and we'll worth it to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning of family that ran through it and how each character learned and grew as they allowed the matches in the end to flow together graciously. Finally there was the whole of love bringing a family together.
It did have too much love making description at times, but a read I could not put down and we'll worth it to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning of family that ran through it and how each character learned and grew as they allowed the matches in the end to flow together graciously. Finally there was the whole of love bringing a family together.
December 27, 2025
This was my first Rexanne Becnel novel and it was so enjoyable. Hester was so starchy but secretly needy. She has to hide her true appearance and personality to be able to move around in society, without a chaperone - it's a stretch but I didn't care.
Adrian sees through her disguise and, well you can guess the rest.
Adrian sees through her disguise and, well you can guess the rest.
January 17, 2019
A nice light read. Finished it very quickly. Just your average run if the mill historical romance.
March 7, 2022
In the ranking of the 3 books in the series, I found the subplot of Hester's family more engaging than the subplot of books 1 and 2, but the main romantic plot the least exciting of the 3.
July 15, 2022
i bought it as an online book for 1.99. and it was enjoyable. I bought the one it teased at the end for $7 and it had some plot issues (and a few typographical errors) but i still read it.
September 5, 2023
lovely
This story sucked me in from page 1 & I could not put it down. Really enjoyed this book…will purchase more from this author.
This story sucked me in from page 1 & I could not put it down. Really enjoyed this book…will purchase more from this author.
July 15, 2021
Best way to explain the series overall is like a hallmark movie because you know what is going to happen, yet each book is unique. I like that the minor characters in past books then become the main characters in the next book. I thought this one was cute, and it had some of that female power which was rare (especially in that time period). My favorite character was the main females “best friend”.
October 8, 2016
#4 Stars ~ Miscommunications, matchmaking and mischief!
I absolutely love historical romances..... its takes you to a time that to me feels whimsical!
Hester Poitevant 'The Bridemaker' has survived on her own for too many years to want or need a husband, she's disguised herself as a widow to protect herself from love while helping hopeful debutantes make their match.
Adrian Hawke ~ Rich, ridiculously rich. Everyone wants to either marry him or be part of his business. Adrian has no time for the English Aristocrats, the same people who made his childhood hell.
Miscommunication ~ Neither Adrian or Hester want to fall in love and yet they do,
Matchmaking ~ Hester's young charge Dulcie is
I love this book because of the characters, because I can't stop turning the page to find out what's going to happen next. Rexanne Becnel just has a way of drawing you into story and not let you go until you reach the last page.....
FOLLOW ME:... @closetgeekbookgroup (click link below)
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I absolutely love historical romances..... its takes you to a time that to me feels whimsical!
Hester Poitevant 'The Bridemaker' has survived on her own for too many years to want or need a husband, she's disguised herself as a widow to protect herself from love while helping hopeful debutantes make their match.
Adrian Hawke ~ Rich, ridiculously rich. Everyone wants to either marry him or be part of his business. Adrian has no time for the English Aristocrats, the same people who made his childhood hell.
Miscommunication ~ Neither Adrian or Hester want to fall in love and yet they do,
Matchmaking ~ Hester's young charge Dulcie is
I love this book because of the characters, because I can't stop turning the page to find out what's going to happen next. Rexanne Becnel just has a way of drawing you into story and not let you go until you reach the last page.....
FOLLOW ME:... @closetgeekbookgroup (click link below)
Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Blog | Wattpad
November 17, 2011
This book is a pretty standard romance novel with nothing particularly special to recommend it. In fact some of the language of domination used in the book seems to run counter to the attempt that is made to make the main character out to be an independent woman.
Hester Poitevant is a woman who portrays herself as a widow in order to avoid unwanted advances from men. She teaches deportment to young women in London. She meets Adrian Hawke, a young American, who is in London for the season. Adrian determines that he will expose her as a snob, but then sees her elsewhere in less severe clothes and begins to wonder about the contradiction. The two then set off on a series of encounters as each attempts not to fall in love with the other as they are thrown into danger together. In the end, they of course end up married.
Hester Poitevant is a woman who portrays herself as a widow in order to avoid unwanted advances from men. She teaches deportment to young women in London. She meets Adrian Hawke, a young American, who is in London for the season. Adrian determines that he will expose her as a snob, but then sees her elsewhere in less severe clothes and begins to wonder about the contradiction. The two then set off on a series of encounters as each attempts not to fall in love with the other as they are thrown into danger together. In the end, they of course end up married.
July 12, 2011
This is the first book that I have read by Rexanne Becnel...so far so good. I found her name in a cozy mystery by Barbara Colley. Both authors live in New Orleans, Louisiana. I found myself skipping over a lot of text because I am not really a patient person. I wanted to see what happened next...NOW! Evidently, the skipped text didn't add a lot because I never went back to reread it. I think I inherited the "impatient" gene from my Mom. She always read the end of the book first so she could enjoy the first of the book. Otherwise, it is like she was rushing through the good parts to get to the candy! Ms. Becnel has written over 20 books. I can't believe I had never heard of her. I recommend you give her a try. I have requested "The Bride of Rosecliffe" from www.paperbackswap.com.
April 8, 2017
S hlavným hrdinom knihy Adrianom sme sa mali možnosť stretnúť, keď bol malým chlapcom v knihe Dohadzovačka a keď bol pubertiakom, ktorý nakoniec odišiel do Ameriky s hlavnými hrdinami knihy Nezkrotná dáma. Dnes ho stretávame ako dospelého muža, ktorý sa z Ameriky vrátil do Anglicka uzatvoriť zopár obchodov v jeho samostatnom príbehu.
Z Adriana vyrástol krásny muž, za ktorým sa nejedna deva otočí. Medzi debutantkami a vydajachtivými slečinkami rozčerí hladinu. Záujem oňho prejaví aj Dulcie Bennetová, ktorú si pod svoje krídla vzala Hester. Hester totiž dokáže vyčarovať aj zo škaredého káčatka prekrásnu labuť a z obyčajného hanblivého dievčaťa sebavedomú ženu. Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
Z Adriana vyrástol krásny muž, za ktorým sa nejedna deva otočí. Medzi debutantkami a vydajachtivými slečinkami rozčerí hladinu. Záujem oňho prejaví aj Dulcie Bennetová, ktorú si pod svoje krídla vzala Hester. Hester totiž dokáže vyčarovať aj zo škaredého káčatka prekrásnu labuť a z obyčajného hanblivého dievčaťa sebavedomú ženu. Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
July 19, 2016
It took me a while to read this book for the simple fact that I liked Hester. Like so much and I didn't want her to get hurt which I knew she would eventually. So I was sitting there reading a couple of pages and going something like "No! no don't talk to him don't even look at him don't fall for him" and then I would like take a sneak peak to the middle and be all like "your obviously going to do whatever you want aren't you" I 'd walk away then come back and read some more. And when I finally did get to the 'everything is revealed' part I was crying and sobbing and going something like "you don't need him you don't need any of them"
This was a really good book probably one of my favorites
This was a really good book probably one of my favorites
January 17, 2012
I was a memember of a book club for awhile and I ordered one of those book lots, you know....buy 4 for the price of 1. Well I received my four books and read them all. I had never heard of any of the authors ( I usually read Deveraux, Garwood, Small, Krahn, and Lindsey) but to say the least I enjoyed all of the books. I liked this one the best, but haven't been able to find alot of other books by her. I enjoyed the plot, it wasn't too cliche or sappy. It was the perfect historical romance....a fast easy read that allows you to escape the everyday!
March 8, 2010
If you enjoyed Rexanne's other Regency-set book, Dangerous to Love, you'll love this series, too. They're not your average family series. The heroines of the first and second books are half-sisters. The hero of the third book is the illegitimate nephew of the hero of the first book. And the upcoming fourth book features the two half-sisters' half-brother. It's less complicated than it sounds, and oh, are these books delicious!
February 2, 2009
favorite phrase: "flaming sword of erotic possession." chew on that!
after reading "dangerous to love", i just knew i had to find more books by this author. i liked this book a lot. it was sweet. the plot wasn't as juicy as i would have liked. i didn't like that the heroine was pretending to be prim, proper and matronly. luckily, the hero saw right through that.
after reading "dangerous to love", i just knew i had to find more books by this author. i liked this book a lot. it was sweet. the plot wasn't as juicy as i would have liked. i didn't like that the heroine was pretending to be prim, proper and matronly. luckily, the hero saw right through that.
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November 25, 2012i found it boring and skimmed it. it was a typical romance. had good love scenes though! i did like the characters and her descriptions of clothing etc was very good. probably won’t read anymore of her books.
November 26, 2023
The awkwardness that generally comes with period romances written more recently than the period written about.
July 30, 2017
Third in a series, liked this better than number 2 but not quite as well as number one. At least there wasn't constant bickering between the couple, just lots of pent up passion. A sizzling romance.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews