What do you think?
Rate this book
Bride's Trilogy #3
Rule's Bride
Unrepentant rake Rule Dewar is living the good life when a most surprising event occurs—he falls in love with his wife.
After their strategic "marriage of commerce" three years ago, Rule quite forgot about Violet Griffin, the teenage heiress to a Boston manufacturing fortune. He simply spoke his vows, took over her father's business and returned to England to resume his usual high-priced wine, high-stakes gambling and highborn women.
Yet when Violet, now a sophisticated woman, unexpectedly appears at Rule's London town house, husbandly duties no longer seem so odious—he can't wait to take his stunning bride to their marriage bed. Violet, however, is not so easily she has her own ideas and is seeking an annulment to marry another. But as Rule attempts to win her over, someone else is determined to frame him for murder and keep him out of the way for good….
After their strategic "marriage of commerce" three years ago, Rule quite forgot about Violet Griffin, the teenage heiress to a Boston manufacturing fortune. He simply spoke his vows, took over her father's business and returned to England to resume his usual high-priced wine, high-stakes gambling and highborn women.
Yet when Violet, now a sophisticated woman, unexpectedly appears at Rule's London town house, husbandly duties no longer seem so odious—he can't wait to take his stunning bride to their marriage bed. Violet, however, is not so easily she has her own ideas and is seeking an annulment to marry another. But as Rule attempts to win her over, someone else is determined to frame him for murder and keep him out of the way for good….
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 27, 2010
102 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
169 books3,176 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
December 14, 2023
Wonderful end to this trilogy of three brothers finding love in Regency England. It is a good solid Historical Romance and I love both the hero and heroine and the arranged marriage trope. I also love the lite mystery and how the heroine stepped up to protect her man.
At 16 years old Violet Griffin married Rule Dewar. The marriage was arranged by her father who was seriously ill and very concerned for his daughter's future and his Boston company. Fast forward three years and Violet is done with the limited communication from her "husband" Rule, who returned to England immediately after the marriage. She also has found a man who says he loves her and wants to marry her when she obtains an annulment.
Rule Dewar is the youngest of the Dewar brothers and a confirmed rake. He has worked for the Griffin Armaments Company for several years. He was in Boston to learn the business before taking over the London branch of the company. During that time Violet's father came to rely on him and broached the marriage and a partnership in the company when Violet reaches her majority, and that the marriage is not consummated until that time. At that time Rule would have a full 50% in the company. Then Rule returned to London after to wedding and returned to his old life and didn't tell a soul he got married. So, it was quite a surprise when Violet comes to London, all grown up and beautiful. Now, after seeing Violet again, marriage doesn't look so bad, except for the fact she doesn't want him.
Rule has his work cut out for him. He will have to seduce his own wife and she is not at all receptive, at first. But Rule is a man with a mission, and he will not fail. When a business associate is murdered and Rule is framed, Violet realizes how much Rule has come to mean to her and is not about to let him be hanged.
At 16 years old Violet Griffin married Rule Dewar. The marriage was arranged by her father who was seriously ill and very concerned for his daughter's future and his Boston company. Fast forward three years and Violet is done with the limited communication from her "husband" Rule, who returned to England immediately after the marriage. She also has found a man who says he loves her and wants to marry her when she obtains an annulment.
Rule Dewar is the youngest of the Dewar brothers and a confirmed rake. He has worked for the Griffin Armaments Company for several years. He was in Boston to learn the business before taking over the London branch of the company. During that time Violet's father came to rely on him and broached the marriage and a partnership in the company when Violet reaches her majority, and that the marriage is not consummated until that time. At that time Rule would have a full 50% in the company. Then Rule returned to London after to wedding and returned to his old life and didn't tell a soul he got married. So, it was quite a surprise when Violet comes to London, all grown up and beautiful. Now, after seeing Violet again, marriage doesn't look so bad, except for the fact she doesn't want him.
Rule has his work cut out for him. He will have to seduce his own wife and she is not at all receptive, at first. But Rule is a man with a mission, and he will not fail. When a business associate is murdered and Rule is framed, Violet realizes how much Rule has come to mean to her and is not about to let him be hanged.
September 6, 2024
2.5
Did the man have to stoop to murder in an attempt to get what he wanted? I expected a cartoon villain with a dramatic explanation for his motive at the end, so I was caught off guard when none came. One can say that's refreshing.
Rule worked for the heroine's father in Boston (even though he's a British aristocrat). When his boss learned that he would die soon, he arranged for a marriage of convenience between Rule and his 16-year-old daughter, Violet, so she and the business could be taken care of after he passed away. Rule and Violet do not consummate the marriage since she's still young. Rule returns to London to run the London office there. I believe they make guns.
A few years go by and during that time, Rule has affairs and mistresses. No one knows that he got married until his wife shows up in London with her cousin, asking for an annulment. She doesn't inform him that she plans to remarry. He's instantly attracted to her and asks for a one-month trial to see if they could make the marriage work. She agrees. Meanwhile, she wants to sell the business because tensions between the northern and southern states in America are rising. She has friends on both sides and does not want to provide artillery that will kill them should a war start.
I don't know why but there's a secondary romance in all three books in this series. Is that really necessary??? I was more interested in the secondary romance in this book. The heroine's cousin falls in love with the hero's rake of a friend (I don't think he was an aristocrat.) I can feel the longing and pining between these two.
Series complete. Thank you, Audible Plus.
Did the man have to stoop to murder in an attempt to get what he wanted? I expected a cartoon villain with a dramatic explanation for his motive at the end, so I was caught off guard when none came. One can say that's refreshing.
Rule worked for the heroine's father in Boston (even though he's a British aristocrat). When his boss learned that he would die soon, he arranged for a marriage of convenience between Rule and his 16-year-old daughter, Violet, so she and the business could be taken care of after he passed away. Rule and Violet do not consummate the marriage since she's still young. Rule returns to London to run the London office there. I believe they make guns.
A few years go by and during that time, Rule has affairs and mistresses. No one knows that he got married until his wife shows up in London with her cousin, asking for an annulment. She doesn't inform him that she plans to remarry. He's instantly attracted to her and asks for a one-month trial to see if they could make the marriage work. She agrees. Meanwhile, she wants to sell the business because tensions between the northern and southern states in America are rising. She has friends on both sides and does not want to provide artillery that will kill them should a war start.
I don't know why but there's a secondary romance in all three books in this series. Is that really necessary??? I was more interested in the secondary romance in this book. The heroine's cousin falls in love with the hero's rake of a friend (I don't think he was an aristocrat.) I can feel the longing and pining between these two.
Series complete. Thank you, Audible Plus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2010
The problem with smutty historical fiction these days is the whole "series" approach. I am tired of sisters, brothers, legacies and the like taking place of a really great stand alone novel. This is no exception. Boring third brother Rule, already successful business tycoon, marries for money and leaves teen bride Violet. Three years later bride arrives to annul marriage. Boring third brother realizes he wants her. She proves to be tender-hearted and yet strong and sensible. They face down business threats and declare love. Third brother's marriage finishes trilogy. *yawn* Bottom line: too many cliches, not enough smut.
Writers these days are losing the true flair of the bodice ripper. Gone are the days of the Kathleen Woodiwiss, the Rosemary Rogers, the Valerie Sherwood. Those women knew how to write some smut--epic journeys through exotic lands, tempestuous fights, perils galore, heroines with some serious sass, sweaty sex and dastardly villains. Nary a vampire in sight. No marriageable misses. Definitely not novels of manners. THAT'S how it should be done.
Writers these days are losing the true flair of the bodice ripper. Gone are the days of the Kathleen Woodiwiss, the Rosemary Rogers, the Valerie Sherwood. Those women knew how to write some smut--epic journeys through exotic lands, tempestuous fights, perils galore, heroines with some serious sass, sweaty sex and dastardly villains. Nary a vampire in sight. No marriageable misses. Definitely not novels of manners. THAT'S how it should be done.
January 8, 2021
My favorite of the series
December 11, 2012
Let me preface by saying I've haven't read the first two books of this series or anything else by Kat Martin. Perhaps if I had, I would have liked this book more, though I doubt it.
First and foremost, I did not like Rule. He started off as a self-centered jerk wad just out to get laid. As the story progressed, he turned into a moronic jerk wad just out to get laid that needed to grow up more than just a little. Every time he possibly redeemed himself, he then went and proved himself to be, yet again, self-centered, moronic, or both.
By comparison, Violet seems like a very likable and sensible character. But she up and decides she's in love with Rule because he looks good and has moment of quasi-heroism. My estimation of her continued to decline each time her common sense was warped by hormones.
So, basically, these two deserve each other given how idiotic they both are. Their relationship, which seems to consist of sex and jealousy, hits an impasse, then they go whining about to someone else, said confidant tells them what to do, they go back to their shallow relationship, rinse and repeat. This is really a cautionary tale about two strangers jumping into a relationship together -- very vapid and aggravating. Plus the whole resolution to Rule's supposedly inability to love, and all because he didn't have a mommy . . . give me break. I don't want to toss out a spoiler, in case someone actually wants to read the book, or else I'd really rant about the ending.
Most everything else about the book wasn't enough to get me past the above gripes. Lots of -- too many -- minor characters that I didn't care about, which turned into so much clutter. A suspenseful plot that I couldn't pay attention to, annoyed as I was by the characters. In short, nothing much to recommend this.
But! I did enjoy Caroline and Luke's side story quite a bit. Oh, how I wish the author had chucked Rule and Violet entirely and just written a book about Caroline and Luke. There was a true romance, there were well-rounded characters. I eventually gave up on Rule and mostly read their story. What a waste of potential.
First and foremost, I did not like Rule. He started off as a self-centered jerk wad just out to get laid. As the story progressed, he turned into a moronic jerk wad just out to get laid that needed to grow up more than just a little. Every time he possibly redeemed himself, he then went and proved himself to be, yet again, self-centered, moronic, or both.
By comparison, Violet seems like a very likable and sensible character. But she up and decides she's in love with Rule because he looks good and has moment of quasi-heroism. My estimation of her continued to decline each time her common sense was warped by hormones.
So, basically, these two deserve each other given how idiotic they both are. Their relationship, which seems to consist of sex and jealousy, hits an impasse, then they go whining about to someone else, said confidant tells them what to do, they go back to their shallow relationship, rinse and repeat. This is really a cautionary tale about two strangers jumping into a relationship together -- very vapid and aggravating. Plus the whole resolution to Rule's supposedly inability to love, and all because he didn't have a mommy . . . give me break. I don't want to toss out a spoiler, in case someone actually wants to read the book, or else I'd really rant about the ending.
Most everything else about the book wasn't enough to get me past the above gripes. Lots of -- too many -- minor characters that I didn't care about, which turned into so much clutter. A suspenseful plot that I couldn't pay attention to, annoyed as I was by the characters. In short, nothing much to recommend this.
But! I did enjoy Caroline and Luke's side story quite a bit. Oh, how I wish the author had chucked Rule and Violet entirely and just written a book about Caroline and Luke. There was a true romance, there were well-rounded characters. I eventually gave up on Rule and mostly read their story. What a waste of potential.
August 23, 2025
3,5 - Il terzo fratello Dewr aveva promesso al padre morente, ovvero al Duca di Bransford, di andare in America a far fortuna per la famiglia. Quindi Rule ci è andato, è diventato direttore di una grande azienda di fucili, e ha pure sposato (sulla carta) la figlia adolescente del proprietario (altra promessa strappata su un letto di morte).
Ora Violet ha diciannove anni ed è stanca di aspettarlo a casa, così parte per Londra decisa a riprendersi la sua libertà: naturalmente, la sfavillante società londinese ha la meglio su di lei, anche perchè, nel frattempo, bisogna salvare il marito da un'accusa di omicidio.
Come sempre, avventure simil poliziesche, con una coppia principale e una secondaria che trovano il lieto fine.
Come sempre, parecchio spicy per i miei gusti.
Ora Violet ha diciannove anni ed è stanca di aspettarlo a casa, così parte per Londra decisa a riprendersi la sua libertà: naturalmente, la sfavillante società londinese ha la meglio su di lei, anche perchè, nel frattempo, bisogna salvare il marito da un'accusa di omicidio.
Come sempre, avventure simil poliziesche, con una coppia principale e una secondaria che trovano il lieto fine.
Come sempre, parecchio spicy per i miei gusti.
March 3, 2010
Rule's Bride is the third book in Ms. Martin's Bride trilogy, I have not read the previous two books, Royal's Bride and Reese's Bride. When the book opens, Rule is employed in a weapons factory in Boston, and his boss calls him into his office and offers him a deal that could change his life. His boss, Howard Griffin, is dying, and he's concerned for the welfare of his 16-year-old daughter, Violet. Howard wants Rule to marry Violet, in name only until she turns 18, at which time he can exercise his husbandly rights. At that time he will also become half owner of Griffin Manufacturing, the company Violet will inherit at her father's death. Rule is hesitant at first but ends up accepting the arrangement.
Fast forward three years, and Rule is a year late coming to claim Violet. He's living back in England, got a well-earned reputation as something of a lady's man, and no one, not even his family, has any inkling that he's married. When Violet shows up on his doorstep he is shocked - not only did he not expect to see her, but he's noticing that she went from a gawky tomboy at age 16 to a knockout at age 19 and he likes what he sees. The problem is, Violet is in love with someone back in Boston, Jeffrey, and she's come to England to ask Rule for an annullment so she can marry Jeffrey. He doesn't want to disolve their marriage, he thinks she's beautiful and he wants her to stay. He convinces her to stay for one month, but she makes it clear she'll not be bedding him.
Things are moving along slowly, when Rule takes Violet to the theatre and a fire erupts. They barely escape with their lives and in the rush of adrenaline and thankfulness to be alive they consumate their marriage. Violet is devastated, she'll have to get a divorce now instead of an annullment, and she's not even sure Jeffrey will still want her after this. Little does she know Jeffrey has a secret: he's in cahoots with a gentleman who wants to buy Violet's company - and use it to arm the Southern States before war in the United States breaks out. Jeffrey knows Violet is anti-slavery but thinks he can change her mind after they're married. When Jeffrey arrives and Violet tells him she's consumated her marriage to Rule, he is disappointed but doesn't give up.
As Rule and Violet are trying to sell their company, there are a few buyers, but Violet makes it clear whomever buys the company may not use it to arm the Southern States. Then one of the buyers is killed and Rule is caught on the scene and thrown in jail. While trying to find the real killer, she discovers children working in horrible conditions and endeavors to save them while also trying to free her husband.
This book really didn't do it for me. The romance was flat and I found it difficult to work up any feelings for Violet or Rule. I was not impressed by the fact that Rule was supposed to go back for Violet after two years but by the time she came to him he was already year late. Then he decides he wants her? His reputation didn't bode well as far as a lasting relationship; he sounds like a serial seducer - he sticks with one lover for awhile and then moves on to the next when he's done. No wonder Violet was paranoid he'd eventually leave her.
I also thought the love triangle was weak - Jeffrey was such a wet noodle. He seemed to be such a pushover and he claimed he loved Violet while working with another man against her to get control of her company.
I did like the angle about the Southern states trying to buy the armament to outfit the Southern States with weapons on the eve of the Civil War, and the lengths some men would go to in order to preserve their way of life. As a whole, though, I found this book could not keep my interest and I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Fast forward three years, and Rule is a year late coming to claim Violet. He's living back in England, got a well-earned reputation as something of a lady's man, and no one, not even his family, has any inkling that he's married. When Violet shows up on his doorstep he is shocked - not only did he not expect to see her, but he's noticing that she went from a gawky tomboy at age 16 to a knockout at age 19 and he likes what he sees. The problem is, Violet is in love with someone back in Boston, Jeffrey, and she's come to England to ask Rule for an annullment so she can marry Jeffrey. He doesn't want to disolve their marriage, he thinks she's beautiful and he wants her to stay. He convinces her to stay for one month, but she makes it clear she'll not be bedding him.
Things are moving along slowly, when Rule takes Violet to the theatre and a fire erupts. They barely escape with their lives and in the rush of adrenaline and thankfulness to be alive they consumate their marriage. Violet is devastated, she'll have to get a divorce now instead of an annullment, and she's not even sure Jeffrey will still want her after this. Little does she know Jeffrey has a secret: he's in cahoots with a gentleman who wants to buy Violet's company - and use it to arm the Southern States before war in the United States breaks out. Jeffrey knows Violet is anti-slavery but thinks he can change her mind after they're married. When Jeffrey arrives and Violet tells him she's consumated her marriage to Rule, he is disappointed but doesn't give up.
As Rule and Violet are trying to sell their company, there are a few buyers, but Violet makes it clear whomever buys the company may not use it to arm the Southern States. Then one of the buyers is killed and Rule is caught on the scene and thrown in jail. While trying to find the real killer, she discovers children working in horrible conditions and endeavors to save them while also trying to free her husband.
This book really didn't do it for me. The romance was flat and I found it difficult to work up any feelings for Violet or Rule. I was not impressed by the fact that Rule was supposed to go back for Violet after two years but by the time she came to him he was already year late. Then he decides he wants her? His reputation didn't bode well as far as a lasting relationship; he sounds like a serial seducer - he sticks with one lover for awhile and then moves on to the next when he's done. No wonder Violet was paranoid he'd eventually leave her.
I also thought the love triangle was weak - Jeffrey was such a wet noodle. He seemed to be such a pushover and he claimed he loved Violet while working with another man against her to get control of her company.
I did like the angle about the Southern states trying to buy the armament to outfit the Southern States with weapons on the eve of the Civil War, and the lengths some men would go to in order to preserve their way of life. As a whole, though, I found this book could not keep my interest and I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
October 24, 2018
Rule Dewar sebagai si bungsu dari keluarga Dewar, demi kepemilikan dan rasa kasihan pada Griffin (majikan Rule) yg sekarat dan memohon Rule utk menikahi Violet Griffin, putrinya. Rule setuju menikahi Violet sewaktu gadis itu masih berusia 16 thn di Amrik.
3 tahun kemudian....
Violet mendatangi Rule utk meminta perceraian karena Violet ingin menikahi Jeffrey. Selama 3 tahun itu Violet diabaikan dan belum disentuh oleh Rule. Tetapi sejak melihat Violet, Rule punya rencana tersendiri. Rule melihat Violet seolah-olah seperti buah yang sudah matang, menggiurkan dan siap dimakan. Rule meminta batas waktu sebulan sblm memutuskan bercerai. Violet yang enggan tapi mau, menyetujui persyaratan tsb. Jadi Violet dibawa jalan-jalan keliling London, nonton opera hingga terjadinya kebakaran. Violet yg nyaris mati tergencet orang-orang yang panik, diselamatkan oleh Rule. Setibanya mereka di rumah, dalam keadaan Violet masih shock, secara gak sadar (tapi mau) Violet diperawani oleh Rule. Saya agak merasa "aneh" saat esok harinya Violet mencak-mencak karena seolah-olah dirinya "dipaksa" dan "tidak sadarkan diri" gitu saat melakukan hubungan intim???
Saya maklum kalau Violet minta cerai karena diabaikan dan pernikahan belum dikonsumasi, tetapi saya "gagal paham" saat Violet menutupi fakta dari Rule bhw dia mau bercerai utk menikah dgn Jeffrey. Violet kembali mengajukan "keberatan" ditiduri di kantor Rule pada siang hari sesudah meminta pekerjaan kantoran pada Rule. Ada apa dgn kepribadian Violet ini? Di satu sisi dia digambarkan sbg wanita mandiri dan modern pada zamannya, tetapi di sisi lain lebih mirip gadis "bermasalah" yg selalu menyimpan rahasianya dan berperilaku seperti gadis manja. Dan yg lebih mengganggu lagi adalah Violet yakin Jeffrey mencintainya 100% drpd Rule, tetapi dia khawatir Jeffrey tidak akan menerimanya setelah dia bukan perawan lagi. Ambiguitas Violet ini bikin pening nalar saya.
Plot cerita berkembang menjadi serius banget karena Rule dituduh membunuh salah satu calon investor pembeli potensial perusahaan milik mereka berdua. Saya sudah ilang feeling utk mengikuti jalan cerita novel ini. Alur cerita juga terasa banget di-extended. Klise semuanya. Termasuk pendambaan Violet utk dicintai Rule makin menegaskan sifatnya yang kurang dewasa. Sidekick story ttg Caroline (sepupu Violet) dgn Luke juga tidak membantu karena Caroline dan Violet itu 11-12 bagi saya, butuh pengakuan dan ucapan "I love you" dari pasangan mereka. Udah ky penting banget bagi mereka.
3 tahun kemudian....
Violet mendatangi Rule utk meminta perceraian karena Violet ingin menikahi Jeffrey. Selama 3 tahun itu Violet diabaikan dan belum disentuh oleh Rule. Tetapi sejak melihat Violet, Rule punya rencana tersendiri. Rule melihat Violet seolah-olah seperti buah yang sudah matang, menggiurkan dan siap dimakan. Rule meminta batas waktu sebulan sblm memutuskan bercerai. Violet yang enggan tapi mau, menyetujui persyaratan tsb. Jadi Violet dibawa jalan-jalan keliling London, nonton opera hingga terjadinya kebakaran. Violet yg nyaris mati tergencet orang-orang yang panik, diselamatkan oleh Rule. Setibanya mereka di rumah, dalam keadaan Violet masih shock, secara gak sadar (tapi mau) Violet diperawani oleh Rule. Saya agak merasa "aneh" saat esok harinya Violet mencak-mencak karena seolah-olah dirinya "dipaksa" dan "tidak sadarkan diri" gitu saat melakukan hubungan intim???
Saya maklum kalau Violet minta cerai karena diabaikan dan pernikahan belum dikonsumasi, tetapi saya "gagal paham" saat Violet menutupi fakta dari Rule bhw dia mau bercerai utk menikah dgn Jeffrey. Violet kembali mengajukan "keberatan" ditiduri di kantor Rule pada siang hari sesudah meminta pekerjaan kantoran pada Rule. Ada apa dgn kepribadian Violet ini? Di satu sisi dia digambarkan sbg wanita mandiri dan modern pada zamannya, tetapi di sisi lain lebih mirip gadis "bermasalah" yg selalu menyimpan rahasianya dan berperilaku seperti gadis manja. Dan yg lebih mengganggu lagi adalah Violet yakin Jeffrey mencintainya 100% drpd Rule, tetapi dia khawatir Jeffrey tidak akan menerimanya setelah dia bukan perawan lagi. Ambiguitas Violet ini bikin pening nalar saya.
Plot cerita berkembang menjadi serius banget karena Rule dituduh membunuh salah satu calon investor pembeli potensial perusahaan milik mereka berdua. Saya sudah ilang feeling utk mengikuti jalan cerita novel ini. Alur cerita juga terasa banget di-extended. Klise semuanya. Termasuk pendambaan Violet utk dicintai Rule makin menegaskan sifatnya yang kurang dewasa. Sidekick story ttg Caroline (sepupu Violet) dgn Luke juga tidak membantu karena Caroline dan Violet itu 11-12 bagi saya, butuh pengakuan dan ucapan "I love you" dari pasangan mereka. Udah ky penting banget bagi mereka.
November 3, 2024
this booook was good like it wasnt extraordinary but it was good and the 👀👀 scenes were also good and (i’m sorry i read a book right after this and it completely overshadowed this book and i frogt what happend in this book but i did enjoy it i promise ) i think i mostly liked it bc i didn’t read the rest of the series i feel if i read two books similar to this before this book i wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much it’s good as a stand-alone ok bye
January 5, 2024
It all went down hill quickly with alliteration - H and his brothers' names all start with R. Then both couples love their partner but decide to lie about it. So it's Ok to get naked and lie. Sadly this book was outside my usual budget, and that is the only reason I finished it.
May 25, 2024
2.5 stars. The story was flowing well but it turned into a convoluted mess. Sad.
October 11, 2024
Felt flat. All the characters annoyed me and was full of clichés. Only interesting side bit was working in the American civil war.
June 10, 2018
*3.5 Stars*
While I enjoyed this last installment in the trilogy, I felt like some of the tension was too contrived and the resolutions too easy. Anna Parker-Naples has issues with American accents but still did a nice job overall.
***
While there were a few things that didn't work for me quite as well in this final installment, I did enjoy Rule and Violet's story.
Highlights:
*Character Development - Rule & Violet
One common trait in all the Dewar brothers has been their loyalty to their family. Each brother made a promise to the father on his deathbed and each kept it. I thought it was interesting the way KMartin had Rule keep his promise and I appreciated that although he'd made some questionable choices, Rule did prove himself as loyal, honorable, and able to love. I've enjoyed the independent streak in all the heroines of this trilogy and Violet was nothing if not independent. Being American gave her a little leeway - very little - but she was smart and very determined. I admired her commitment to her values and her father's legacy.
*Plot & Sub-plots
Even though there were elements in the sub-plots that didn't work for me on the whole - specifically the reason behind Rule's determination not to fall in love and the angst between Caroline and Luke - the plots and sub-plots wove together well to create a compelling story. I think had Rule's reasoning for avoiding love been explored more thoroughly, it would have had more of an impact on his character. I feel that same of Caroline's and Luke's characters. If they'd been developed a bit more, they'd have had more depth. Because of this, I felt the tension felt more contrived. I did appreciate the inclusion of the impending Civil War in America and how KMartin wove that element in. I also liked how she created the tension and suspense even though I did figure out a portion of the mystery.
*Romance
Witnessing Rule work at winning over Violet was fun. Although she realized she'd given her heart to him early on, she still didn't make things easy for him. She wanted love and she taught Rule how to love - that he had the capacity for it despite his belief otherwise. I also delighted in watching Rule fall without ever realizing that was what was happening. KMartin once again gave us a secondary romance - this time between Violet's cousin, Caroline, and Rule's best friend, Luke. Neither felt they wanted marriage but after circumstances demand it, their fall was angsty yet heartwarming.
*Narration
As I've mentioned previously, Anna Parker-Naples' range for male voices is a little limited and I continued to notice this in Rule's Bride. She also struggled with her American accents. However, her ability to do a range of British accents is amazing and even though those few things niggled at me, I still found her narration - her pacing, and her ability to convey the emotion required - to be brilliant.
My introduction to KMartin and Anna Parker-Naples was a pleasure. I'll be on the hunt for more from them both.
**I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.**
While I enjoyed this last installment in the trilogy, I felt like some of the tension was too contrived and the resolutions too easy. Anna Parker-Naples has issues with American accents but still did a nice job overall.
***
While there were a few things that didn't work for me quite as well in this final installment, I did enjoy Rule and Violet's story.
Highlights:
*Character Development - Rule & Violet
One common trait in all the Dewar brothers has been their loyalty to their family. Each brother made a promise to the father on his deathbed and each kept it. I thought it was interesting the way KMartin had Rule keep his promise and I appreciated that although he'd made some questionable choices, Rule did prove himself as loyal, honorable, and able to love. I've enjoyed the independent streak in all the heroines of this trilogy and Violet was nothing if not independent. Being American gave her a little leeway - very little - but she was smart and very determined. I admired her commitment to her values and her father's legacy.
*Plot & Sub-plots
Even though there were elements in the sub-plots that didn't work for me on the whole - specifically the reason behind Rule's determination not to fall in love and the angst between Caroline and Luke - the plots and sub-plots wove together well to create a compelling story. I think had Rule's reasoning for avoiding love been explored more thoroughly, it would have had more of an impact on his character. I feel that same of Caroline's and Luke's characters. If they'd been developed a bit more, they'd have had more depth. Because of this, I felt the tension felt more contrived. I did appreciate the inclusion of the impending Civil War in America and how KMartin wove that element in. I also liked how she created the tension and suspense even though I did figure out a portion of the mystery.
*Romance
Witnessing Rule work at winning over Violet was fun. Although she realized she'd given her heart to him early on, she still didn't make things easy for him. She wanted love and she taught Rule how to love - that he had the capacity for it despite his belief otherwise. I also delighted in watching Rule fall without ever realizing that was what was happening. KMartin once again gave us a secondary romance - this time between Violet's cousin, Caroline, and Rule's best friend, Luke. Neither felt they wanted marriage but after circumstances demand it, their fall was angsty yet heartwarming.
*Narration
As I've mentioned previously, Anna Parker-Naples' range for male voices is a little limited and I continued to notice this in Rule's Bride. She also struggled with her American accents. However, her ability to do a range of British accents is amazing and even though those few things niggled at me, I still found her narration - her pacing, and her ability to convey the emotion required - to be brilliant.
My introduction to KMartin and Anna Parker-Naples was a pleasure. I'll be on the hunt for more from them both.
**I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.**
May 5, 2010
3 1/2 stars
This the 3rd book in a trilogy about the Dewar brothers. I have not read the first two of the series and did not feel as though I missed out on any of the story in this book because of it. I also do not feel the need to go back and read the first two, although I would like to get to know more about Royal and Reece.
Rule is the youngest of the Dewar brothers. His mother died when he was born, so he has never known a mother and does not understand the love of a woman. He enjoys women, but he never plans to love one. He made a business arrangement to marry Violet Griffen to care for her after the death of her father. He left her in Boston while he returned to London. He had promised to returned for her when she was 18, but he did not want to be tied down with a wife, so he let it go longer than he planned. When she arrives in London a year after he had promised to go to her, he is surprised, but finds her quite attractive and plans to take advantage of his husbandly rights. Violet, on the other hand, has no plans to be his wife, but plans to make a business deal of her own.
I enjoyed the story of Rule and Violet and their search for what love really means. The juxtaposing of Lucas and Caroline with them was interesting, but I would have liked a bit more from them. I found myself wanting to read more about both Lucas and Caroline while not being as interested in Rule & Violet. She was a willful character, but I also found her a bit weak at times. He relationship with Jeffrey was odd and I was a bit frustrated with the development of his story. Violet should have been a bit more suspicious of him in my opinion.
The plot was well developed, but the character relationships needed a bit more development. Overall, I liked this book and plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series to learn more about Rule's brothers.
*I received this book from netgalley.com*
This the 3rd book in a trilogy about the Dewar brothers. I have not read the first two of the series and did not feel as though I missed out on any of the story in this book because of it. I also do not feel the need to go back and read the first two, although I would like to get to know more about Royal and Reece.
Rule is the youngest of the Dewar brothers. His mother died when he was born, so he has never known a mother and does not understand the love of a woman. He enjoys women, but he never plans to love one. He made a business arrangement to marry Violet Griffen to care for her after the death of her father. He left her in Boston while he returned to London. He had promised to returned for her when she was 18, but he did not want to be tied down with a wife, so he let it go longer than he planned. When she arrives in London a year after he had promised to go to her, he is surprised, but finds her quite attractive and plans to take advantage of his husbandly rights. Violet, on the other hand, has no plans to be his wife, but plans to make a business deal of her own.
I enjoyed the story of Rule and Violet and their search for what love really means. The juxtaposing of Lucas and Caroline with them was interesting, but I would have liked a bit more from them. I found myself wanting to read more about both Lucas and Caroline while not being as interested in Rule & Violet. She was a willful character, but I also found her a bit weak at times. He relationship with Jeffrey was odd and I was a bit frustrated with the development of his story. Violet should have been a bit more suspicious of him in my opinion.
The plot was well developed, but the character relationships needed a bit more development. Overall, I liked this book and plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series to learn more about Rule's brothers.
*I received this book from netgalley.com*
June 6, 2010
Rule’s Bride by Kat Martin
Historical Romance -May 1, 2010
3 1/2 Stars
This is my first Kat Martin book, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was easily able to get into the story. It started off capturing my attention because Violet Griffin, seemed to be a strong woman and I like my heroines to be strong! Violet easily runs her father’s business despite being abandoned by her husband. Fortunately, Rule Dewar is Violet’s husband in name only. The only reason they married in the first place was to placate Violet’s dying husband.
Since theirs isn’t a ‘true’ marriage, Violet believes that Rule would not object to an annulment. Because she really wants to marry Jeremy, a man who truly cares about her. Violet is determined to find Rule and dissolve their marriage. But to her dismay Rule suggests giving their marriage a try. Violet is shocked because for the 3 years of their marriage Rule has not taken the time or effort to truly get to know her. But what Violet doesn’t realize is that Rule suddenly discovers how irresistible she is and he wants a chance to show her how determined he can be, too!
I thought the premise of the story was very believable, but I think that the relationship between Violet and Rule could have covered more ground. Because Rule had been so indifferent to Violet I wanted him to really ‘work’ for her. And I would have enjoyed more scenes where Violet could have put through Rule a lot more effort to earn her love. That being said, I do feel that the chemistry between them is very steamy and I liked both of them. I just needed to read about an event, or situation that would convince me that Rule deserves Violet, and that he loves her above all else. That maybe just the romantic in me, but the ending seemed a little anticlimactic.
This was a solid Regency with characters that were easy to read but I wanted more romance!
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance -May 1, 2010
3 1/2 Stars
This is my first Kat Martin book, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was easily able to get into the story. It started off capturing my attention because Violet Griffin, seemed to be a strong woman and I like my heroines to be strong! Violet easily runs her father’s business despite being abandoned by her husband. Fortunately, Rule Dewar is Violet’s husband in name only. The only reason they married in the first place was to placate Violet’s dying husband.
Since theirs isn’t a ‘true’ marriage, Violet believes that Rule would not object to an annulment. Because she really wants to marry Jeremy, a man who truly cares about her. Violet is determined to find Rule and dissolve their marriage. But to her dismay Rule suggests giving their marriage a try. Violet is shocked because for the 3 years of their marriage Rule has not taken the time or effort to truly get to know her. But what Violet doesn’t realize is that Rule suddenly discovers how irresistible she is and he wants a chance to show her how determined he can be, too!
I thought the premise of the story was very believable, but I think that the relationship between Violet and Rule could have covered more ground. Because Rule had been so indifferent to Violet I wanted him to really ‘work’ for her. And I would have enjoyed more scenes where Violet could have put through Rule a lot more effort to earn her love. That being said, I do feel that the chemistry between them is very steamy and I liked both of them. I just needed to read about an event, or situation that would convince me that Rule deserves Violet, and that he loves her above all else. That maybe just the romantic in me, but the ending seemed a little anticlimactic.
This was a solid Regency with characters that were easy to read but I wanted more romance!
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
September 17, 2015
Cheesy, sappy, and pretty predictable (although the author did manage to surprise me with a fun twist near the end) - this was exactly the type of fluffy brain candy that I needed right now.
Sometimes I just need to read some fun trash!
Sometimes I just need to read some fun trash!
February 26, 2015
Ευτυχως βρε Ρουλ που καταλαβες οτι εισαι ερωτευμένος στη Βαιολετ στις 200 σελίδ��ς γιατι αλλιως θα χαμε προβλημα. Κατα τ αλλα και εγώ σ αγαπώ
May 18, 2018
RULE’S BRIDE: Antihero, Hero, or Just a Jerk?
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Who’s the hero in this twisty Victorian Romance?
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I was very conflicted on this book and did not want to write about it. I respect Kat Martin’s research, the cross-cultural aspect and the issues raised by abolitionism, and the way her heroine in this novel was intelligent and not a shrinking violet, but I despised her love interest who was just a noble with good business sense and drive.
Wealthy, good looking and the possessor of a courtesy title, Rule was respected by Violet’s father, an American armaments manufacturer, enough to contrive their marriage when Violet was just a teen with the proviso that they do not consummate until Violet is of age. Rule leaves Violet hours after their marriage and returns to London. She hears from him rarely over the next three years. And, when she shows up unexpectedly, to get an annulment, she discovers he has not told anyone about their marriage.
So, SUDDENLY, faced with the loss of her as a wife or the business he loses he suddenly wants her. And she wants an annulment to pursue a real marriage with another.
But, of course, she is fair and gives him a chance. And, the “other” she is interested in marrying is not exactly what he seems.
The story offers good research; I liked how the different property laws in the US and England are explained; If the marriage is not consummated he loses the business. In England it would already have been hos. In America, at the time, I guess, women were allowed to own property.
But what I did not like was coercive behavior from Rule, who I disliked from about three minutes into the book. He was a pig: mistresses who don’t hold his interest, and a typical Victorian male (not so different from a Regency male except the women was probably under more restrictions while the guy was free to do whatever he wanted). Divorce was still very hard to obtain and annulment was impossible once the marriage was consummate. Her goal is to get free and his is to consummate. She says no and he pushes over time. She’s nineteen and he is an older, more worldly man. With his good looks, charm and experience this young woman hasn’t a chance. Violet is strong, amazing really, but Rule turns her into a victim – Rule’s victim of seduction, her father’s or just the period of time. – but a victim. The anti-hero versus Violet’s hero is an interesting, if unbelievable, twist.
I don’t understand why we, that is women, keep writing this and making the coercive man attractive. Yes, it is just a novel, but it still sends a message that this is okay, that it’s romantic.
There are many business and moral variables, as well as plots, sub-plots and red herrings in the story. And that’s where it gets interesting.
Caroline, Violet’s cousin must be featured in the next book or was an end to tie up; otherwise her romance arc is extraneous.
Maybe the guy she wants isn’t what he’s cracked up to be, but the man she married isn’t either. The stretch is whether he’ll grow as a person. And, when he’s framed for murder even being the son and brother of a Duke won’t save him. It must be a humbling experience for the character.
As far as the narration: Parker-Naples does a great job with the accents but the emotional aspect felt off. She does an especially great job with Violet’s cousin, Caroline. With Violet, though, the narraction is stilted and a bit too breathy.
The upshot: Interesting historical period and issues, okay narration, but the coercive nature of Rule’s seduction is really annoying.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Who’s the hero in this twisty Victorian Romance?
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I was very conflicted on this book and did not want to write about it. I respect Kat Martin’s research, the cross-cultural aspect and the issues raised by abolitionism, and the way her heroine in this novel was intelligent and not a shrinking violet, but I despised her love interest who was just a noble with good business sense and drive.
Wealthy, good looking and the possessor of a courtesy title, Rule was respected by Violet’s father, an American armaments manufacturer, enough to contrive their marriage when Violet was just a teen with the proviso that they do not consummate until Violet is of age. Rule leaves Violet hours after their marriage and returns to London. She hears from him rarely over the next three years. And, when she shows up unexpectedly, to get an annulment, she discovers he has not told anyone about their marriage.
So, SUDDENLY, faced with the loss of her as a wife or the business he loses he suddenly wants her. And she wants an annulment to pursue a real marriage with another.
But, of course, she is fair and gives him a chance. And, the “other” she is interested in marrying is not exactly what he seems.
The story offers good research; I liked how the different property laws in the US and England are explained; If the marriage is not consummated he loses the business. In England it would already have been hos. In America, at the time, I guess, women were allowed to own property.
But what I did not like was coercive behavior from Rule, who I disliked from about three minutes into the book. He was a pig: mistresses who don’t hold his interest, and a typical Victorian male (not so different from a Regency male except the women was probably under more restrictions while the guy was free to do whatever he wanted). Divorce was still very hard to obtain and annulment was impossible once the marriage was consummate. Her goal is to get free and his is to consummate. She says no and he pushes over time. She’s nineteen and he is an older, more worldly man. With his good looks, charm and experience this young woman hasn’t a chance. Violet is strong, amazing really, but Rule turns her into a victim – Rule’s victim of seduction, her father’s or just the period of time. – but a victim. The anti-hero versus Violet’s hero is an interesting, if unbelievable, twist.
I don’t understand why we, that is women, keep writing this and making the coercive man attractive. Yes, it is just a novel, but it still sends a message that this is okay, that it’s romantic.
There are many business and moral variables, as well as plots, sub-plots and red herrings in the story. And that’s where it gets interesting.
Caroline, Violet’s cousin must be featured in the next book or was an end to tie up; otherwise her romance arc is extraneous.
Maybe the guy she wants isn’t what he’s cracked up to be, but the man she married isn’t either. The stretch is whether he’ll grow as a person. And, when he’s framed for murder even being the son and brother of a Duke won’t save him. It must be a humbling experience for the character.
As far as the narration: Parker-Naples does a great job with the accents but the emotional aspect felt off. She does an especially great job with Violet’s cousin, Caroline. With Violet, though, the narraction is stilted and a bit too breathy.
The upshot: Interesting historical period and issues, okay narration, but the coercive nature of Rule’s seduction is really annoying.
May 28, 2019
Violet Griffin (Amerika) dijodohkan dengan Rule Dewar oleh ayahnya ketika berusia 16 tahun.
Di balik perjanjian tersebut ayah Violet memberikan 50% saham perusahaan persenjataan Griffin untuk Rule.
Setelah pernikahan kilat tersebut, Rule meninggalkan Amerika untuk kembali ke London, Inggris.
Perpisahan selama 3 tahun tersebut membuat pernikahan kilat Violet Griffin dengan Rule Dewar seperti ada dan tiada.
Karena ingin meminta pembatalan pernikahan tersebut, Violet akhirnya menyusul Rule ke London, Inggris dengan mengarungi samudra Pacific selama lebih dari satu bulan.
Setibanya di Inggris, banyak acara pesta dan masalah yang harus ditangani oleh mereka berdua.
Sehingga pembatalan pernikahan tersebut tidak terlaksana.
Mulai dengan penjualan pabrik persenjataan Griffin, lelang perusahaan, pesta dansa yang harus dihadiri, survei perusahaan baru hingga timbulnya tuduhan pembunuhan atas diri Rule Dewar.
Dari awal sampai pertengahan cerita buku ini masih enak untuk dinikmati karena ada tokoh kejutan didalamnya.
Kehadiran Caroline, saudara sepupu Violet dan Luke (teman Rule) meramaikan suasana cerita dan menciptakan alur cerita didalamnya yang melibatkan kehadiran Violet dan Rule.
Dari pertengahan sampai akhir, cerita buku ini sudah bisa di tebak.
Bagian-bagian yang aku suka dari buku ini terutama kutipan di:
Violet Griffin, halaman 391
Kadang kenyataan memang menyakitkan. Tapi pada akhirnya, itu selalu lebih baik ketimbang kebohongan
Royal Dewar, halaman 443
Kau ingin tahu apa itu cinta? Biar kucoba menjelaskannya.
Cinta adalah ketika kau memikirkan seseorang, tak peduli sejauh apa mereka berada. Ketika kau lebih senang bersama dengan orang itu ketimbang dengan orang lain. Ketika suara tawa mereka membuatmu tersenyum. Ketika kau mengagumi mereka, alih-alih marah, karena membantahmu. Saat kau melihat wanita lain dan berpikir betapa cantiknya wanita itu tapi tak ada keinginan sedikit pun kau akan lebih suka bercinta dengannya ketimbang dengan wanita di ranjangmu.
Cinta adalah saat kau tidak bisa tidur di malam hari kecuali orang yang kau cintai ada di sampingmu. Saat kau tidak bisa membayangkan suatu masa depan tanpa dirinya dalam hidupmu. Itu adalah saat kau menatap isterimu dan merasakan dadamu mengetat. Saat diam-diam kau bersyukur kepada Tuhan karena telah memberikan wanita itu kepadamu. Cinta adalah saat merasa mual karena sudah menyakitinya.
Juara bangetkan kutipan dari Royal Dewar! :)
Dan aku suka banget dengan covernya.
Dari sisi terjemahan: Buku ini enak di baca, minim typho.
Membaca buku ini tuh di cicil di ebook #GramediaDigital #Ipusnas.
Nilai: 3,5/5
Walaupun cerita ini biasa saja. Karena karakter Royal Dewar sebagai seorang kakak dan juga Duke.
Membuat buku ini memiliki karakter yang lebih kuat.
Di balik perjanjian tersebut ayah Violet memberikan 50% saham perusahaan persenjataan Griffin untuk Rule.
Setelah pernikahan kilat tersebut, Rule meninggalkan Amerika untuk kembali ke London, Inggris.
Perpisahan selama 3 tahun tersebut membuat pernikahan kilat Violet Griffin dengan Rule Dewar seperti ada dan tiada.
Karena ingin meminta pembatalan pernikahan tersebut, Violet akhirnya menyusul Rule ke London, Inggris dengan mengarungi samudra Pacific selama lebih dari satu bulan.
Setibanya di Inggris, banyak acara pesta dan masalah yang harus ditangani oleh mereka berdua.
Sehingga pembatalan pernikahan tersebut tidak terlaksana.
Mulai dengan penjualan pabrik persenjataan Griffin, lelang perusahaan, pesta dansa yang harus dihadiri, survei perusahaan baru hingga timbulnya tuduhan pembunuhan atas diri Rule Dewar.
Dari awal sampai pertengahan cerita buku ini masih enak untuk dinikmati karena ada tokoh kejutan didalamnya.
Kehadiran Caroline, saudara sepupu Violet dan Luke (teman Rule) meramaikan suasana cerita dan menciptakan alur cerita didalamnya yang melibatkan kehadiran Violet dan Rule.
Dari pertengahan sampai akhir, cerita buku ini sudah bisa di tebak.
Bagian-bagian yang aku suka dari buku ini terutama kutipan di:
Violet Griffin, halaman 391
Kadang kenyataan memang menyakitkan. Tapi pada akhirnya, itu selalu lebih baik ketimbang kebohongan
Royal Dewar, halaman 443
Kau ingin tahu apa itu cinta? Biar kucoba menjelaskannya.
Cinta adalah ketika kau memikirkan seseorang, tak peduli sejauh apa mereka berada. Ketika kau lebih senang bersama dengan orang itu ketimbang dengan orang lain. Ketika suara tawa mereka membuatmu tersenyum. Ketika kau mengagumi mereka, alih-alih marah, karena membantahmu. Saat kau melihat wanita lain dan berpikir betapa cantiknya wanita itu tapi tak ada keinginan sedikit pun kau akan lebih suka bercinta dengannya ketimbang dengan wanita di ranjangmu.
Cinta adalah saat kau tidak bisa tidur di malam hari kecuali orang yang kau cintai ada di sampingmu. Saat kau tidak bisa membayangkan suatu masa depan tanpa dirinya dalam hidupmu. Itu adalah saat kau menatap isterimu dan merasakan dadamu mengetat. Saat diam-diam kau bersyukur kepada Tuhan karena telah memberikan wanita itu kepadamu. Cinta adalah saat merasa mual karena sudah menyakitinya.
Juara bangetkan kutipan dari Royal Dewar! :)
Dan aku suka banget dengan covernya.
Dari sisi terjemahan: Buku ini enak di baca, minim typho.
Membaca buku ini tuh di cicil di ebook #GramediaDigital #Ipusnas.
Nilai: 3,5/5
Walaupun cerita ini biasa saja. Karena karakter Royal Dewar sebagai seorang kakak dan juga Duke.
Membuat buku ini memiliki karakter yang lebih kuat.
July 1, 2021
Tulisan Kat Martin pertama yang saya baca. Sebelumnya, saya enggak terlalu suka dengan cerita berbau bangsawan dan tetek bengeknya. Banyak aturan purba yang ogah saya pahami, termasuk aturan perceraian yang disinggung-singgung dalam cerita ini. So, forgive me karena saya hanya bisa ngasih bintang 1.
Cerita dimulai dengan pernikahan Rule dan Violet. Ayahnya Violet divonis umurnya enggak lama lagi, khawatir soal masa depan putrinya, minta Rule buat nikahin dia, lalu voila! Akhirnya Violet nikah di umur enam belas tahun. Dari opening saja alis saya langsung mencuram. Serius nih enam belas tahun dijodohkan? Kayak enggak ada opsi lain aja. Khawatir sih khawatir, tapi jangan bertaruh sama nasib orang lain juga. Sayang model apa yang nikahin anaknya tanpa tanya perasaan si anak gimana?
Minus kedua saya temukan enggak jauh dari perjodohan absurd itu. Rule ninggalin Violet ke London buat ngurus bisnis ayahnya Violet! BARU NIKAH UDAH DITINGGAL? Bisa-bisanya ayahnya Violet nilai Rule itu baik buat putrinya padahal tahu ini. Mau heran, tapi sayangnya ini fiksi. Sebuah cacat logika yang membagongkan.
Selama tiga tahun, Rule di London dan berlaku seakan-akan bujangan yang enggak punya ikatan di Boston. Nelantarin Violet, enggak nengok sama sekali waktu ayahnya Violet meninggal, enggak memenuhi kewajiban sebagai suami, dan tebak apa responsnya waktu Violet datang ke London buat pembatalan pernikahan? ENGGAK TERIMA.
Ini laki kayaknya enggak punya rasa malu kali ya. Hanya gara-gara Violet berubah jadi "perempuan" seutuhnya, dia enggak mau cerai dari istrinya. Alih-alih setuju justru minta waktu sebulan buat ubah pikiran Violet. Gila! Enggak waras! Bodohnya lagi, Violet mau! Lebih bikin tercengang lagi waktu sebulan berubah jadi dua bulan. Fckn' two months!
Violet, Violet... mbok yo kalau jadi perempuan jangan terlalu bucin. Sudah ditelantarkan, bisa-bisanya luluh sama Rule dalam hitungan jam. Harga dirimu di mana? Kamu lebih kaya dari Rule, kok bisa-bisanya mau dipermainkan dia?
Nyaris enggak sanggup menamatkan cerita ini dan menyimak alur yang melebar ke konflik pembunuhan, saya akhirnya lega bisa tamat membaca walaupun aslinya sakit kepala karena terlalu sering menahan sumpah serapah terhadap tokohnya. Apakah buku ini bagus? Ya, feminis tanggung pasti akan menyukai bacaan tentang bagaimana perempuan didikte tentang do and don't di era tahun 1800-an.
Cerita dimulai dengan pernikahan Rule dan Violet. Ayahnya Violet divonis umurnya enggak lama lagi, khawatir soal masa depan putrinya, minta Rule buat nikahin dia, lalu voila! Akhirnya Violet nikah di umur enam belas tahun. Dari opening saja alis saya langsung mencuram. Serius nih enam belas tahun dijodohkan? Kayak enggak ada opsi lain aja. Khawatir sih khawatir, tapi jangan bertaruh sama nasib orang lain juga. Sayang model apa yang nikahin anaknya tanpa tanya perasaan si anak gimana?
Minus kedua saya temukan enggak jauh dari perjodohan absurd itu. Rule ninggalin Violet ke London buat ngurus bisnis ayahnya Violet! BARU NIKAH UDAH DITINGGAL? Bisa-bisanya ayahnya Violet nilai Rule itu baik buat putrinya padahal tahu ini. Mau heran, tapi sayangnya ini fiksi. Sebuah cacat logika yang membagongkan.
Selama tiga tahun, Rule di London dan berlaku seakan-akan bujangan yang enggak punya ikatan di Boston. Nelantarin Violet, enggak nengok sama sekali waktu ayahnya Violet meninggal, enggak memenuhi kewajiban sebagai suami, dan tebak apa responsnya waktu Violet datang ke London buat pembatalan pernikahan? ENGGAK TERIMA.
Ini laki kayaknya enggak punya rasa malu kali ya. Hanya gara-gara Violet berubah jadi "perempuan" seutuhnya, dia enggak mau cerai dari istrinya. Alih-alih setuju justru minta waktu sebulan buat ubah pikiran Violet. Gila! Enggak waras! Bodohnya lagi, Violet mau! Lebih bikin tercengang lagi waktu sebulan berubah jadi dua bulan. Fckn' two months!
Violet, Violet... mbok yo kalau jadi perempuan jangan terlalu bucin. Sudah ditelantarkan, bisa-bisanya luluh sama Rule dalam hitungan jam. Harga dirimu di mana? Kamu lebih kaya dari Rule, kok bisa-bisanya mau dipermainkan dia?
Nyaris enggak sanggup menamatkan cerita ini dan menyimak alur yang melebar ke konflik pembunuhan, saya akhirnya lega bisa tamat membaca walaupun aslinya sakit kepala karena terlalu sering menahan sumpah serapah terhadap tokohnya. Apakah buku ini bagus? Ya, feminis tanggung pasti akan menyukai bacaan tentang bagaimana perempuan didikte tentang do and don't di era tahun 1800-an.
September 22, 2017
Boston, 1857.Rule,the youngest son of a duke ,is 24 and works for Howard Griffin,owner of Griffin munitions factories.Griffin, still a young man (in his 40s) is dying from a liver malfunction.He wants to see his 16-year old daughter Violet married at once.Rule agrees to marry the girl and wait for 2 years to make the marriage true.Then he leaves for England.
London, 1860.Rule is pursued by matchmaking mamas. Nobody- not even his brothers- knows he is married.Rule now owns half of Griffins, as his father-in-law died soon after the wedding.Now Rule books a passage to Boston, to fetch Violet.
Violet (19) decides to come to London herself, with her cousin Caroline Lockhart.Nobody expects her...she is a Lady now.Volet has been running the Boston plant for the last two years, under another name.She wants an annulment, expecting to marry another man-Jeffrey.She also wants to sell the plants, as she doesn't want to be involved in upcoming conflict between North and South.
Rule is in shock upon finding Violet at his place.Now he has to come clear with his brothers- Royal ,the Duke of Bransford, and Reese, ex-military, and their wives.
So Violet is presented to the society.She wants to see the London office of Griffins, asks Rule for a job there. There are several buyers, one of them being Jeffrey,who is associated with J.P.Montgomery, a man from American South.Jeffrey refuses to accept that Violet is lost to him.
Another romance is in progress- between Caroline and Rule's friend Luke.The pair is found kissing in public, so they marry ,but won't admit their love.
Two murders occur and Rule is arrested as a prime suspect and thrown into Newgate prison.Family and friends decide to investigate the matter by themselves.
Just who is behind the murders and why? Why is Jeffrey after Violet ?
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but this one got me interested in reading them.
London, 1860.Rule is pursued by matchmaking mamas. Nobody- not even his brothers- knows he is married.Rule now owns half of Griffins, as his father-in-law died soon after the wedding.Now Rule books a passage to Boston, to fetch Violet.
Violet (19) decides to come to London herself, with her cousin Caroline Lockhart.Nobody expects her...she is a Lady now.Volet has been running the Boston plant for the last two years, under another name.She wants an annulment, expecting to marry another man-Jeffrey.She also wants to sell the plants, as she doesn't want to be involved in upcoming conflict between North and South.
Rule is in shock upon finding Violet at his place.Now he has to come clear with his brothers- Royal ,the Duke of Bransford, and Reese, ex-military, and their wives.
So Violet is presented to the society.She wants to see the London office of Griffins, asks Rule for a job there. There are several buyers, one of them being Jeffrey,who is associated with J.P.Montgomery, a man from American South.Jeffrey refuses to accept that Violet is lost to him.
Another romance is in progress- between Caroline and Rule's friend Luke.The pair is found kissing in public, so they marry ,but won't admit their love.
Two murders occur and Rule is arrested as a prime suspect and thrown into Newgate prison.Family and friends decide to investigate the matter by themselves.
Just who is behind the murders and why? Why is Jeffrey after Violet ?
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but this one got me interested in reading them.
May 31, 2022
Libby
Okay, this one was ok. Just remember that I rate books ONLY for myself and for re-readability. Idk that I'll ever read it again but it was definitely low-key enough. There was supposed to be angst I think though and yet it never really felt angsty to me. Which is ALL to the good for me!
I really like marriage of convenience and arranged marriage reconciliation stories but this one kinda glosses over it IMHO. Idk it was just kinda all over the place. She's married at 16 to a guy from England in the US for business with her great dad. Good start I thought.
First though, a few issues. Why is the profession of LOVE the biggest thing ever in Romancelandia? I get it that it's important but more important than everything else? Food, water, shelter, life, limb, freedom, safety, honesty, dignity, posterity, country, friends, etc?? And at what point does it walks like a duck, etc. fall into place for these women?? For myself, I'd much rather you treat me like you love me and I can figure it out myself.
Also this has the last minute adventure danger plot point which I absolutely hate in most cases. In fact, out of the thousands of books I've read I can think of 2 authors that use it and I don't always want to kill them for it. This is definitely not 1 of them.
It has a secondary love story which I like but it's sometimes more interesting than the first one.
The narrator did an ok job. Southern accent was kinda all over the place. It must be a really difficult accent for British people. Her male voices were sometimes ok and sometimes not. But overall good reading voice.
Okay, this one was ok. Just remember that I rate books ONLY for myself and for re-readability. Idk that I'll ever read it again but it was definitely low-key enough. There was supposed to be angst I think though and yet it never really felt angsty to me. Which is ALL to the good for me!
I really like marriage of convenience and arranged marriage reconciliation stories but this one kinda glosses over it IMHO. Idk it was just kinda all over the place. She's married at 16 to a guy from England in the US for business with her great dad. Good start I thought.
First though, a few issues. Why is the profession of LOVE the biggest thing ever in Romancelandia? I get it that it's important but more important than everything else? Food, water, shelter, life, limb, freedom, safety, honesty, dignity, posterity, country, friends, etc?? And at what point does it walks like a duck, etc. fall into place for these women?? For myself, I'd much rather you treat me like you love me and I can figure it out myself.
Also this has the last minute adventure danger plot point which I absolutely hate in most cases. In fact, out of the thousands of books I've read I can think of 2 authors that use it and I don't always want to kill them for it. This is definitely not 1 of them.
It has a secondary love story which I like but it's sometimes more interesting than the first one.
The narrator did an ok job. Southern accent was kinda all over the place. It must be a really difficult accent for British people. Her male voices were sometimes ok and sometimes not. But overall good reading voice.
June 20, 2018
Rule's Bride ~ Kat Martin ⭐⭐⭐🌠
Penerbit : @elexmedia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#1. Gw suka covernya 💕💕💕
#2. Side story Luke and Caroline di sini juga favorit. Paling bikin ngakak waktu Rule's nasihatin Luke ttg Cinta. Luke plis deh, Rule aja ga pernah jatuh cinta keles. 😆😆😆
#3. Gw suka karakter Violet di sini. Mandiri dan bisa menandingi Rule. Badass.. 😎 Belum lagi Violet ini pinter berbisnis dan ahli waris perusahaan keluarganya.
#4. Konflik di buku ini lumayan seru lah. Kebanyakan sih pergulatan Rule yang tidak pernah mencintai wanita. Ibunya meninggal ketika melahirkan Rule. Jadi Rule ini kurang kasih sayang lah menurut gw sih.. Sehingga ia agak sulit membuka pintu hati. Plussss, dulu ia menikahi Violet ketika Vi baru berusia 16 tahun.. 😆😆😆
#5. Intinya Novel ini 4 bintang deh.. 😍😍😍
Penerbit : @elexmedia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#1. Gw suka covernya 💕💕💕
#2. Side story Luke and Caroline di sini juga favorit. Paling bikin ngakak waktu Rule's nasihatin Luke ttg Cinta. Luke plis deh, Rule aja ga pernah jatuh cinta keles. 😆😆😆
#3. Gw suka karakter Violet di sini. Mandiri dan bisa menandingi Rule. Badass.. 😎 Belum lagi Violet ini pinter berbisnis dan ahli waris perusahaan keluarganya.
#4. Konflik di buku ini lumayan seru lah. Kebanyakan sih pergulatan Rule yang tidak pernah mencintai wanita. Ibunya meninggal ketika melahirkan Rule. Jadi Rule ini kurang kasih sayang lah menurut gw sih.. Sehingga ia agak sulit membuka pintu hati. Plussss, dulu ia menikahi Violet ketika Vi baru berusia 16 tahun.. 😆😆😆
#5. Intinya Novel ini 4 bintang deh.. 😍😍😍
December 19, 2023
3 1/2 stars it takes more than some potentially interesting story ideas to write a good book. A dying father who wants to see his 16 year old daughter married ✔️ ensuring that the marriage is not consummated until she is older ✔️ Husband returning to England leaving his new bride behind in Boston. It's reasonable that she would want to spend his remaining time with her father but why wasn't there a discussion about what she would do after his death? Why did it take a decision to seek an annulment in order to enter into another relationship to impel her to go to England 3 years after her marriage? One of my pet peeves is when an author repeats each character's dilemma - he lusts for her, she wants time to pass so that she can return to Boston. Repetition like this doesn't build tension, it's boring.
April 15, 2020
Lucu sih, lust at first sight ini mah. Yah tapi rata2 hisrom emang lust at first sight smua, klo udah bobo baru deh love you. 😌
Padahal kukira konfliknya bakal seru gitu, si Jeffrey ternyata ga selicik yg kuduga wkwk. Tapi udah tau sih penjahatnya siapa, cuma ga cukup bukti, enak banget ya emang klo jadi orang berkuasa, bisa lepas dari tuduhan dan nangkep penjahatnya cuma pake bukti cerit (yah walopun ini emang dy ga bersalah).
Sebenernya bingung jg sih bisa ya nangkep penjahatnya dgn pake cerita dari si ini si itu? Seingetku pelakunya sendiri udah mati, gimana bisa buktiin ya. Yg dibayar juga ga mau bantu ngaku kan.
Btw, saya malah suka side chara si Luke dan Carrie, mereka bego banget sumpah 😂😂😂
Padahal kukira konfliknya bakal seru gitu, si Jeffrey ternyata ga selicik yg kuduga wkwk. Tapi udah tau sih penjahatnya siapa, cuma ga cukup bukti, enak banget ya emang klo jadi orang berkuasa, bisa lepas dari tuduhan dan nangkep penjahatnya cuma pake bukti cerit (yah walopun ini emang dy ga bersalah).
Sebenernya bingung jg sih bisa ya nangkep penjahatnya dgn pake cerita dari si ini si itu? Seingetku pelakunya sendiri udah mati, gimana bisa buktiin ya. Yg dibayar juga ga mau bantu ngaku kan.
Btw, saya malah suka side chara si Luke dan Carrie, mereka bego banget sumpah 😂😂😂
Read
August 29, 2023This third book in the series is so sweet!
Rule married Violet Griffin when she was 16, as a favor to her dad. After the wedding, Rule went home to England, and Violet stay in Boston with her dying dad. Three years later, Violet comes to England looking for an annulment, but when Rule sees her, he realizes he wants a real marriage with her. He convinces her to stay a month to see how it works, as he's determined to win her.
I loved it. I hope we get to see more of this family in future books, although I love everything Kat Martin writes.
Rule married Violet Griffin when she was 16, as a favor to her dad. After the wedding, Rule went home to England, and Violet stay in Boston with her dying dad. Three years later, Violet comes to England looking for an annulment, but when Rule sees her, he realizes he wants a real marriage with her. He convinces her to stay a month to see how it works, as he's determined to win her.
I loved it. I hope we get to see more of this family in future books, although I love everything Kat Martin writes.
April 28, 2020
Book three of the Bride's Trilogy. The stories were typical love, hate, mystery, fluff for the most part. Just what I needed for a break of everyday life as it is right now. Kat Martin's books have always been entertaining and that is exactly what I got. I will say that I like her later books much better since these were written 2009-2010.
October 15, 2023
Love this series.
I’ve loved each book in this series. I was hooked from page one. I felt for Violet as Rule really doesn’t believe he can love her, I even cried for them. Loved how they worked together and how fierce she is in believing in him. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
I’ve loved each book in this series. I was hooked from page one. I felt for Violet as Rule really doesn’t believe he can love her, I even cried for them. Loved how they worked together and how fierce she is in believing in him. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2017
It's about an American girl who is betrothed by her father to an English aristocrat (Rule).
He will not come for her and, therefore, she goes to England to get an annulment, but he will convince her to try to stay married to him.
He will not come for her and, therefore, she goes to England to get an annulment, but he will convince her to try to stay married to him.
August 19, 2018
X. Uggh. I thought Rule was just a pig. I choked through most of this book because I wanted to finish up the trilogy...The first 2 books in the series weren’t bad but Violet & Rules story bored me. I couldn’t finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews