The Bridal Quest
Matchmakers (2)
Candace Camp
Harlequin
Mass Market Paperback
Published March 1 2008
377 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-373-77257-5
Author's Website
Summary
Irene has never desired marriage in any form, despite the strong pressure from family, who doesn't understand her independent nature. Irene doesn't want to have to depend on a man for anything, or to become his property of sorts, where he can abuse her to his hearts content if its his wish. When Francesca Haughton, a well known matchmaker, comes to Irene asking for her help, Irene doesn't suspect that Francesca is trying to push Irene into the arms of Gideon. Irene instantly shields herself when she senses that he is one word "Trouble", the sexy and irresistible kind that could land her in a world of hurt in the end. Gideon, has recently come into his title, after being informed of his parentage and that he has been a aristocrat all of this time. He didn't expect to join a family, that aren't all that bad, but they don't encourage him to join happily into Society. With their insistent pushes to get married, Gideon knows he might as well do it sooner rather than later. So he is in pursuit of a wife. When he first meets Irene, he is instantly drawn to her and knows that it won't be easy, she is going to make his life very difficult, but he thrives on challenge. Gideon knows that Irene is exactly what he wants in a wife. Now comes the hard part, proving to her the kind of man he truly is, and that marriage to him wouldn't even come close to her greatest fears.
The Hero
Gideon, was kidnapped as a young boy and has no memory of his life before he was living on the streets of East End in London. Gideon, had believed that he was an orphan, and became a pickpocket in order to survive. Now he has made a life for himself, one that is profitable and clean from crime, and has worked very hard to get to where he is. He has recently discovered that he is the Earl of Radburne. Even though he has always craved a family, he only feels trapped at times. He has become a part of society that he has always scorned and hated most of his life. He knows he is in need of a wife, but Irene is proving to be stubborn and obstinate, and even though she is striving to push him away, Gideon knows he has to prove himself to her, to show her the kind of husband he would really be.
The Heroine
Irene grew up in a home where despite having a loving mother, her father could be a rake of the worst sort. He loved to gamble and drink and at times could be very abusive, especially to his family. Irene had learned a long time ago that once a woman married her life wasn't her own anymore. When her father dies though, her brother steps in and takes care of all unsettled debt and welcomes them fully. Irene doesn't want to become a burden to her brother, but the last thing she would ever do is marry, which is what she is being pushed into doing. After accepting a invite to a country party, she starts to become accustomed to Gideon, and finds her resolve starting to weaken the more she is around him. When he ignites a stormy passion, she knows that the last thing she wants is to leave him forever...
My Thoughts
Its been a while since I had read the first book in this series. I do know that I really enjoyed it, even though its been a couple of years. So did i enjoy "The Bridal Quest" just as much? I would say "YES". I found it to be a charming story of two strong willed characters, most stubborn in their purpose. We see that love can be just as stubborn, and has a way of getting through the toughest defenses. Gideon was very sure of himself and did what was expected, but he had backbone, and didn't let anyone run over him. It was a delight to see him pursue Irene, a woman who is full on 100% against marriage. Irene was not my favorite heroine, she wasn't horrible or anything of that nature, but there were times that I found her a bit annoying. As the story progressed however, she started to really grow on me. The story line had quite a bit of a mystery plot to it, that just added something more exciting to the book. I did enjoy the sensuality portion of this story, even though it wasn't too strong, I felt like there was a good balance overall. There was I felt something missing in the story, I couldn't pin point it, but I didn't get fully 100% into it like I wanted. However it was a very enjoyable story nevertheless. Overall it was a witty and endearing story that did keep me involved in the story in a delicious way. I found myself falling in love with Gideon and Irene. I did enjoy seeing how their story progressed and had some beautifully written descriptions that only charmed me even more. Even though there were a few set backs to the story, I did really enjoy reading this one, a love story you can relax into. If your looking for a fun and flirty romance, than this one is for you. You won't be disappointed.
First Line
The front door slammed. Startled, Lady Irene Wyngate, in the library upstairs, turned, and the book she was holding tumbled to the floor.
Favorite Quote
"Yes. Obviously. You may find me 'suitable' but I can assure you that there is nothing about you that suits me!"
His hand lashed out and wrapped her wrist, holding her where she stood. He looked into her face, his eyes as cold and hard as glass.
"Is there not?" he murmured in a tone more dangerous for its softness. "I think, my lady, you just might find out differently."
With that he bent his heard, his other hand coming up so to cup the back of her neck, and fasted his mouth to hers.
My Grade
3.5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Warm
Other Books In The Series
The Marriage Wager
The Wedding Challenge
The Courtship Dance
Matchmakers (2)
Candace CampHarlequin
Mass Market Paperback
Published March 1 2008
377 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-373-77257-5
Author's Website
Synopsis (Goodreads)
The matchmaker's ultimate chllenge.
Lady Irene Wyngate has sworn she'll never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her cautious tongue. But there is one man she can't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He was kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he's been restored to his family, he is still more at home in gambling dens that stately ballrooms.
Irene isn't attracted to Gideon, or so she says when matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for her help to civilise him for marriage. After all, he is a rogue with a dubious past - a handsome rogue, she has to admit. But as she reluctantly begins to yield to love, wicked family screts come to light... with devastating consequences for the reluctant lovers.
My ReviewThe matchmaker's ultimate chllenge.
Lady Irene Wyngate has sworn she'll never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her cautious tongue. But there is one man she can't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He was kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he's been restored to his family, he is still more at home in gambling dens that stately ballrooms.
Irene isn't attracted to Gideon, or so she says when matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for her help to civilise him for marriage. After all, he is a rogue with a dubious past - a handsome rogue, she has to admit. But as she reluctantly begins to yield to love, wicked family screts come to light... with devastating consequences for the reluctant lovers.
Summary
Irene has never desired marriage in any form, despite the strong pressure from family, who doesn't understand her independent nature. Irene doesn't want to have to depend on a man for anything, or to become his property of sorts, where he can abuse her to his hearts content if its his wish. When Francesca Haughton, a well known matchmaker, comes to Irene asking for her help, Irene doesn't suspect that Francesca is trying to push Irene into the arms of Gideon. Irene instantly shields herself when she senses that he is one word "Trouble", the sexy and irresistible kind that could land her in a world of hurt in the end. Gideon, has recently come into his title, after being informed of his parentage and that he has been a aristocrat all of this time. He didn't expect to join a family, that aren't all that bad, but they don't encourage him to join happily into Society. With their insistent pushes to get married, Gideon knows he might as well do it sooner rather than later. So he is in pursuit of a wife. When he first meets Irene, he is instantly drawn to her and knows that it won't be easy, she is going to make his life very difficult, but he thrives on challenge. Gideon knows that Irene is exactly what he wants in a wife. Now comes the hard part, proving to her the kind of man he truly is, and that marriage to him wouldn't even come close to her greatest fears.
The Hero
Gideon, was kidnapped as a young boy and has no memory of his life before he was living on the streets of East End in London. Gideon, had believed that he was an orphan, and became a pickpocket in order to survive. Now he has made a life for himself, one that is profitable and clean from crime, and has worked very hard to get to where he is. He has recently discovered that he is the Earl of Radburne. Even though he has always craved a family, he only feels trapped at times. He has become a part of society that he has always scorned and hated most of his life. He knows he is in need of a wife, but Irene is proving to be stubborn and obstinate, and even though she is striving to push him away, Gideon knows he has to prove himself to her, to show her the kind of husband he would really be.
The Heroine
Irene grew up in a home where despite having a loving mother, her father could be a rake of the worst sort. He loved to gamble and drink and at times could be very abusive, especially to his family. Irene had learned a long time ago that once a woman married her life wasn't her own anymore. When her father dies though, her brother steps in and takes care of all unsettled debt and welcomes them fully. Irene doesn't want to become a burden to her brother, but the last thing she would ever do is marry, which is what she is being pushed into doing. After accepting a invite to a country party, she starts to become accustomed to Gideon, and finds her resolve starting to weaken the more she is around him. When he ignites a stormy passion, she knows that the last thing she wants is to leave him forever...
My Thoughts
Its been a while since I had read the first book in this series. I do know that I really enjoyed it, even though its been a couple of years. So did i enjoy "The Bridal Quest" just as much? I would say "YES". I found it to be a charming story of two strong willed characters, most stubborn in their purpose. We see that love can be just as stubborn, and has a way of getting through the toughest defenses. Gideon was very sure of himself and did what was expected, but he had backbone, and didn't let anyone run over him. It was a delight to see him pursue Irene, a woman who is full on 100% against marriage. Irene was not my favorite heroine, she wasn't horrible or anything of that nature, but there were times that I found her a bit annoying. As the story progressed however, she started to really grow on me. The story line had quite a bit of a mystery plot to it, that just added something more exciting to the book. I did enjoy the sensuality portion of this story, even though it wasn't too strong, I felt like there was a good balance overall. There was I felt something missing in the story, I couldn't pin point it, but I didn't get fully 100% into it like I wanted. However it was a very enjoyable story nevertheless. Overall it was a witty and endearing story that did keep me involved in the story in a delicious way. I found myself falling in love with Gideon and Irene. I did enjoy seeing how their story progressed and had some beautifully written descriptions that only charmed me even more. Even though there were a few set backs to the story, I did really enjoy reading this one, a love story you can relax into. If your looking for a fun and flirty romance, than this one is for you. You won't be disappointed.
First Line
The front door slammed. Startled, Lady Irene Wyngate, in the library upstairs, turned, and the book she was holding tumbled to the floor.
Favorite Quote
"Yes. Obviously. You may find me 'suitable' but I can assure you that there is nothing about you that suits me!"
His hand lashed out and wrapped her wrist, holding her where she stood. He looked into her face, his eyes as cold and hard as glass.
"Is there not?" he murmured in a tone more dangerous for its softness. "I think, my lady, you just might find out differently."
With that he bent his heard, his other hand coming up so to cup the back of her neck, and fasted his mouth to hers.
My Grade
3.5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Warm
Other Books In The Series
The Marriage Wager
The Wedding Challenge
The Courtship Dance
I like that her reasons for not wanting to marry sound realistic. This sounds cute.
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