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Liked It “Very good book. Luke married Isabella when she was thirteen to protect her from her cousin who wanted to marry her for her fortune. It was the middle of a war, so he took her to her aunt, who was a nun, intending to get the marriage annulled when the war was over. When he finally got around to...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Very good book. Luke married Isabella when she was thirteen to protect her from her cousin who wanted to marry her for her fortune. It was the middle of a war, so he took her to her aunt, who was a nun, intending to get the marriage annulled when the war was over. When he finally got around to it, he found out that it could not be annulled, so he returned to Spain to claim her. He didn't want to be married, but figured he'd deal with it. Having been raised in the convent, he expected a quiet, obedient girl who would be no bother. Isabella had been left at the convent for eight years, part of that time during the war. She had been raised almost like a boy by her father, so she was intelligent and independent. She had also been waiting for Luke to come for her, dreaming of the time she would be his wife for real. She was devastated by his attitude when he did arrive. She stood up to him, insisting she wanted to return to her old home to check on her half sister. When Luke refused, she sneaked away intending to go on her own. When he followed her, they ended up doing as she wanted. As they made their trek, Luke was drawn to Isabella in a way he didn't expect. He found himself wanting to be nice to her and to take care of her. But he is tortured by memories of his wartime experiences in Spain, memories that make him feel unsuitable to be anyone's husband. I loved Isabella's independence. Her escape from Luke to go find her sisters was hysterical. I loved the way she turned the tables on him. I also liked her realistic attitudes. She had accepted Luke's statement about not loving anyone, and decided she would make the best of her new life - after she was done in Spain. I liked the way that she could see Luke's pain and wanted to help him deal with it. She wasn't whiny or obnoxious, she was simply determined. Her method of dealing with his shirt was clever and it worked. I enjoyed the way they worked together to deal with her sister's situation, and again when they met up with Luke's nemesis. The conclusion was great, and I loved the events leading up to his sister's ball.”
ScoutmomSKF wrote this review Monday, September 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Okay.”
Amy S. Hill wrote this review Tuesday, July 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie
Bookaholics R wrote this review Sunday, January 8, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Historical Romance Jan. 3rd, 2012
4 ½ stars
Bride by Mistake is the fifth in the Devil Riders series about young men who go to war and return changed by the horrors of war. The hero, Luke Ripton is tortured by the death of his dear friend Michael and feels responsible for his death.
Luke is handsome as a dark angel and pursued by woman from all high society, but his heart is closed from all feelings. He has a death wish but a heroic act in his youth leaves him some unfinished business. When he was a young, naïve officer, he saved a young thirteen year old Spanish heiress by marrying her with the understanding that the marriage would be later annulled. However, it is years later and his pleas for an annulment have been denied. Although he loathes Spain and the terrible memories there, he is determined to pick up his bride at a simple convent and take her back to England as is his duty. He expects to find a docile young bride eager for his guidance. But instead he finds a head strong woman determined to finish a promise she made to her dying father. Luke finds himself irresistibly drawn to this new Isabella and finding his heart isn’t dead after all…
Isabella’s childhood dreams are suddenly realized when the young and gallant soldier who saved her finally returns. But Luke has changed into a hardened man who merely sees her as a responsibility he does not want. Isabella decides that she must live her own life and that means finding her long lost sister. But the arrogant man she had pinned her affection on is proving to be very difficult and seductive.
This is a heartwarming story about two strong characters who slowly transform as a result of meeting each other. Luke realizes that there is more to life than duty and responsibility. And Luke’s early autocratic behavior sparks a hidden rebellion and creates a very fiery and self-sufficient Isabella. I liked how her sudden independence and determination gave Isabella a sense of freedom to finally live her own life. Both are very sympathetic characters who have suffered and are finding their way back to themselves. Isabella could be any woman who has done what was expected of her for years and denied her true self. When she realizes that her life has been a lie, she truly lets go and it is exhilarating to see her exuberance. It is this love of life and spirit that attracts Luke.
Two lost souls find love and redemption in the heartwarming historical.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Book Club
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“I liked this book a lot, but Luke was a hero that didn't shine for me. It was a disappointment that Bella's issues were firmly and fairly resolved. The resolution was just a little too perfect. The half sister was more sympathetic, the evil cousin was not so evil, and all her convent friends' futures were wrapped up with a bow. Luke's deep dark secret was easy to guess. Still the writing was good, but the book was not my favorite.”
Kathy B wrote this review Thursday, January 5, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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