Bachelor's Bought Bride

Kings of the Boardroom #5

by Jennifer Lewis

Quietly attractive, sweet natured...and filthy rich, Bree Kincannon was just the bride ad exec Gavin Spencer had been looking for. And Bree's father had secretly offered him a cool million to take her off his hands. With the chance to start his own agency, it took the bachelor no time to turn the heiress into his loving wife.Yet it didn't take Bree long to discover the real reason behind Gavin's whirlwind courtship. And the bedroom door was slammed in his face.... Too late, he realized his feelings were very real. But could he convince his bought bride that his motives for marriage had changed?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary, Harlequin Desire, Harlequin Romance, Fiction

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Jennifer Lewis is the USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages.

"I’ve been making up stories since the day I was born. I always loved to draw as well as write and as a child I drew graphic novellas featuring penniless but plucky Cinderella heroines. My love of daydreaming earned me the nickname “Dozy Duck” in Kindergarten, and I still consider staring into space to be a constructive activity.

I was born in Manhattan but my family moved to London when I was six months old, toting me along in a cat basket. I grew up as a Brit and traveled extensively in Europe during my only-slightly-misspent formative years.

I came back to the States to earn a bachelor’s degree in Semiotics from Brown University and begin a journey into the world of trans-Atlantic accents that I have still not fully emerged from. On graduation I returned to New York, where I learned to explain Semiotics on job interviews (“It’s the study of signs and systems of meaning!”) and to apply my knowledge in a very enjoyable career at a television museum.

While organizing exhibits on subjects ranging from Elvis Presley to Monty Python, I began to experiment with writing my own stories. It was quite a revelation to discover that the tales I’d been dreaming up forever could actually be turned into books. After a couple of detours--my son and my daughter--I focused all my creative energy on writing and my first book came out from Silhouette Desire in 2007.

I live in South Florida with my family, which includes an adorable greyhound and four horses.

Check out the Pinterest boards I've made for some of my books here: http://www.pinterest.com/jenlewisauthor/

Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennif...

Reviews

[Megan]

Jennifer Lewis is clearly a good writer: her prose was smooth, and her characters weren't flat. I was, however, left unconvinced of the romance between Bree and Gavin. The initial courtship was rushed. I was told the two were falling in love but was never really shown so. (I did quite enjoy their talks and walks about San Francisco, though.) I couldn't trust the self-evaluations of a character like Gavin, stupid enough to consider taking money from a woman's father in exchange for marrying her. Though his narration told the reader that he was falling in love with Bree for her own self, regardless of the money, I never saw it. If he was self-deluded and out of touch enough to think that sort of deal would work and was acceptable, then he was certainly self-deluded and out of touch enough for me to not trust his perceptions of how he truly felt about Bree. If there had been actions he undertook that really convinced me of his sincerity, I'd have bought his declarations of sincerity and love, but instead, we just had another character assuring Bree that she had never seen Gavin in love like this before. Sorry, but that's hearsay, not admissible as evidence according to the Court of Me.

Bree was a typical makeover-ed shy wallflower character, though I did like that she really was serious about her cats and her photography. I also liked that she was savvy enough to be wary of men hounding her for her money. However, she apparently had lots of friends (who cared about her enough to threaten Gavin once the truth about their marriage came out), but nothing else in the narrative really provided evidence that she had that wider community in her life. On stage, she had a whirlwind friendship with Elle (the heroine of the next book in the continuity) but the other friends just popped up in the end randomly to be referenced by Gavin. This further "telling without showing" just increased how I really didn't trust the narration in this book

What made this book tolerable was Gavin's groveling, his recognition of his stupidity (Finally! Believable self-awareness!), and his own assurances that he would continue proving himself to Bree. They did have a rapport, and mutual lust, but I was left unconvinced that there was love. The total 180 turn of Bree's father was rushed and just weird, too. This story just didn't work for me.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Bree Kincannon is a shy quiet wallflower who believes no man could be interested in her for anything besides her bank account. When at a gala affair, Gavin Spencer suddenly takes an interest in her, she can’t believe that she has found someone who likes her for herself, not her money… or has she?

Gavin has a dream of opening his own advertising agency but lacks the funds to do so. When Bree’s father offers him a million dollars to marry her, Gavin is happy to oblige since it means he can realize his dream. He is pleasantly surprised to find that Bree is more than just a bank account. She’s a beautiful, passionate woman with amazing talent as well.

After a whirlwind affair, Bree finds herself married to Gavin and happier than she can possibly imagine. Until she overhears a phone call that shatters all her dreams. Now Gavin finds his greatest challenge yet is to win back the heart of the Bachelor’s Bought Bride.

As always, Jennifer Lewis has penned a romantic love story full of emotion and believable conflict. I’ll admit, I normally skip “marriage of convenience” stories just because I find it hard to believe that this happens so frequently in today’s society. However, as with previous books, in Bachelor’s Bought Bride, Jennifer has taken a well used premise and added her own brand of magic to give us a refreshingly new story. With a strong plot showcasing two wonderful flawed but loveable people who will have readers cheering for them immediately upon meeting them.

Bree has little self-confidence due to believing herself so unattractive and uninteresting that no man could possibly want her for anything more than her money. When she starts her relationship with Gavin, we see her blossom into the lovely flower that she is. She is highly intelligent, greatly talented in her chosen profession, and underneath her fade-into-the-background clothing is a beautiful and sensual woman. It is delightful to watch her personality and confidence grow with her love. Gavin is a man with only one desire… to build his own advertising agency set to rival the most successful firms out there. When he meets Bree, we see his priorities change to focus on his developing relationship with Bree. His new priorities are reinforced when he loses the one who has come to mean more to him than anything else. Gavin and Bree are meant to be together though their road to love is anything but smooth.

Bachelor’s Bought Bride is the fifth book in the Kings of the Boardroom six-book continuity series. While there are a few references to preceding books in the series, I had absolutely no difficulty following this story or the overarching plot carrying through the entire series. Enough back story is given where needed to bring new readers of the series up to speed on events.

Jennifer Lewis has become a much-loved author by me, as I have followed her career from her very first book. Every new novel she releases showcases her continuously growing talent and her ability to paint beautiful landscapes populated with beloved characters. With Bachelor’s Bought Bride she further cements herself on my “favorite authors” book shelf.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2010. All rights reserved.

[Mudpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gavin was a jerk...but if he had not genuinely liked Bree I don't think he would have agreed to marry her in exchange for the capital from her father.

Bree's transformation was so amazing and it was wonderful to see her gain so much confidence. I felt so sad for her when she found out the deal between the two men, but am glad they resolved their differences by the end.

Gavin grovelled great! Over the top but his crime called for very serious restitution and grovelling.

[Alondra Gómez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lo leí desde muy chica, por lo que siento que la lectura no era apta para mí ni para mis gustos. No obstante, debo decir que la narrativa engancha desde el primer momento y es muy buena.
Leído en abril del 2013.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok quick read.

[More Books Than Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it wasn't all that convincing. He said he loved her and he courted her, but it wasn't a love we could see and feel.

[MaryD · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the potential for being a good angsty book with Bree Kincannon, a dowdy heiress, marrying handsome ad exec Gavin Spenser after a whirlwind courtship, only to find that her father had paid him to marry her. However, it just fell flat. I thought the ending media barrage was silly rather than sweet, and he really didn't grovel nearly enough for my taste. Even after she called him on it, Gavin still didn't think as much of her as of what would happen to his business if "Daddy" called the money back. It started off as a 4-star for me, but just didn't end well.

[Tracy Riva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bachelor's Bought Bride by Jennifer Lewis was an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable read. This time it is the bride who's wealthy in her own right, a father who's wealthier and a husband who makes a decent living, but has big dreams. They all come together to form the backbone of the story, but they do it well and with finesse from the beginning.

The characters are well drawn. There are no gaps in their personalities, though there is one character in particular who isn't flat and about whom you still have questions at the end of the story. I would have liked to see that particular element resolved too, but who knows, maybe the author is saving it for a future book. The love-making scenes are tastefully executed and don't overwhelm the book, though the male lead seem to suffer from sex on the brain syndrome. I suppose on a way it's necessary though to establish how much he desires his wife. This scene occurs before their marriage, but it gives an idea of the tone of the book:

"Arousal surged through him, and he tugged his gaze from Bree's breathtaking cleavage back to the artwork at hand. 'Very nice,' he murmured.

She tossed her cascade of curls behind her shoulder. He could almost swear her hair looked totally different last time he'd seen her. It had been tied back-maybe that was it.

It wasn't just the hair. Something was very different about Bree. She'd been pretty in a quiet and unassuming way when they met. Now she was undeniably a knockout. Even the way she carried herself seemed altered. Before, her shoulders were rounded, apologetic. Now she threw them back proudly.

Her stiff evening gown had concealed her body at the gala. This drapey number revealed it in tantalizing detail-her backside was a work of art all by itself. His fingers itched to pull at the bow tied at her waist and unwrap the delicious present in front of him."

As i said it is tastefully done, with rounded characters and a distinct plot that never falters. It is a quick and easy read. It took me about five and a half hours to read it. Overall, I found it very enjoyable.

I purchased Bachelor's Bought Bride through Harlequin Book Club, but it is also available through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, as well as other online sources and your local booksellers. It is additionally available as an eBook through the Harlequin website at http://www.eHarlequin.com ISBN 978-0-373-73025-4. Bachelor's Bought Bride published by Silhouette Books and copyrighted 2010.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Bree Kincannon is a plain Jane, unconfident, but an heiress and she has nightmares about guys wanting to marry her for her money. When she's introduced to Gavin Spencer, he seems too good to be true - except he has no interest in her money. They date and get to know each other and before she knows it they're married and she's never been so happy. Until she hears her father's message informing Gavin that the money he promised Gavin to marry Bree has been transferred. Which of course breaks Bree's heart. But Gavin has already fallen in love with Bree. All this time anyway, he'd simply seen the money as an added bonus to being with such an incredible woman. But now he has to convince Bree that he really loves her.

This wasn't a bad book. It didn't make me angry - it didn't make me much of anything really. I was underwhelmed by much of the story and descriptions. It just didn't excite me or pack an emotional punch. Maybe that was just me. The first 50% or so dragged quite a bit, until Bree learns of Gavin's deceit. Then the story picks up. The characters were likeable enough except for two teensy things. First was Bree, who is a bit of a doormat, but I respect that she realizes her doormat status and does what she can to resist it. She was also TSTL. I'm sorry, but when a woman has been hounded by men after her money and the newest guy is hinting and making comments about marriage on the first date, there is reason to be suspicious. When he pops the question and pressures for a positive answer immediately after sex, more suspicion. When he insists they marry two days later without notifying people (and you've only known him a total of 3 weeks) - major red flags. She only briefly wondered what the rush was and then went in blindly. That's not using the noggin.

Then there was Gavin, who was actually a bit of an idiot for thinking he could take the money and not get caught or that it wouldn't matter. He had a bit of a guilty conscience - that should have told him right away. His grovel didn't feel like enough for me. The media stuff felt corny and across the board Gavin felt disingenuine. I wanted to get inside his head and have him KNOW how much he'd hurt Bree, but it kind of felt like he knew it only superficially. Maybe having come from recently reading a pretty emotional grovel, this felt like not enough. In contrast to many stories out there that don't have any, this was much more preferable.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine Bree is shocked when she is asked out by handsome Ad Exec Gavin, the hero. As an heiress, Bree is used to men wanting her only for her money, as a result she is reserved and initially suspicious of Gavin's motives. Gavin has worked hard to get to where he is and now he is ready to set up his own advertising company, something that has been his dream for most of his adult life. He approached Bree's father, a very successful venture capitalist, for start up funds and he was offered $1 million for his business if he marries Bree. Gavin is initially hesitant but after he meets Bree he thinks it could work, as not only is he attracted to her but he also likes her as a person. Gavin makes the effort court her and they form a close relationship and Bree lets go of her suspicions. However she is devastated when she learns about the money from her father, after they are married, and knows that she has to end their relationship.

I thought the plotline of this book was interesting and a bit different. I liked that Bree was confident but felt a little trapped by her wealth and expected lifestyle. But, I thought writing her as frumpy and having a lack of style was unnecessary and then the whole new-female-friend-gives-amazing-makeover part was very frustrating, I felt it undermined her character and left a bad taste in the mouth. Gavin's character was OK, but I didn't really believe in him.
The dialogue and setting were really well written, I particularly liked reading about San Francisco landmarks, they were so beautifully described that I'm now desperate to visit!

This book has some good points and some bad points but overall it's an enjoyable read.

This is part of the Desire mini-series 'Kings of the Boardroom', but it is perfectly fine as a stand alone book.

Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story was entertaining but I just never really connected with any of the characters. I realize that this is fiction but......a shy wall flower like Bree rarely turns into a raving beauty overnight, Gavin tells Bree he loves her but rushes through the courtship so that he can start his own business with the secret money he's to receive from Elliott, and Elliott's personality change at the end of the book is just too unrealistic. And, although Gavin supposedly admired Bree's photographic talents, his fixation with her breasts made me think his feelings had more to do with lust than respect or regard or admiration or love. So, I never really bought into their relationship or the implied HEA ending.

Rating: 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

[Melissa Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bree and Gavin's story though I was at first disgusted with Bree's father and Gavin for agreeing to marry Bree for money. I love the fact that Gavin was intrigued by Bree immediately. I love Bree's transformation in to an enhanced version of herself. I love how she found out. The story was great and I can't wait for Elle and Brock's.

[Manuela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Orrendo. Un libro senza spessore, con una protagonista che è l'insieme di tutti i peggiori cliché che si trovano nella narrativa di questo genere. O, più precisamente, in quei romanzi che dipingono la "lei" dj turno come il brutto anatroccolo che, con un colpo di spugna, ottiene tutto.
Sinceramente uno dei libri peggiori, che abbia mai letto.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally read April 2011 Rated 4 stars.

Re-read December 2014 Rated 3 Stars. This time around I wasn't bowled over by the ending!.....Forgiveness was offered far too quickly and she should have given her father more of a roasting too!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bree Kincannon was just the bride (with a hefty bonus) for Maddox Communication's ad exec Gavin Spencer to open his own agency. But once Bree gets a whiff of the reason behind is sudden attraction to her, she makes the best decision to guard herself.

Not the best story but a good quickie.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó el giro que dio la historia cuando la protagonista se entera de todo y lo deja.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute story...not too bad

[Books & Vodka Sodas]

DNF Page 88

[Amafle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Los hombres siempre dándose cuenta de todo tarde

[May ّمي · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice

[Constanza Hernández · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Elle's part in telling her not to give up!!!

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

leído el 12/06/2011