Blackthorne's Bride (Misadventures in Matrimony)

Maybe it was all the dreary other historicals I have read of late, but I found this book and author to be an utter delight. There were many twists and turns and at times maybe too many, but I read romance to escape and be entertained for a the few hours it takes to go on the author's journey and I had a great time with this book. This was a welcome diversion with funny situations and pratfalls by an endearing hero and a kooky heroine. It is my hope that the secondary characters will show up again in their own story as they were very strong here but didn't over power the main protagonists. This isn't a deep drama but a fun romp and should be enjoyed just for that alone. Though this is my first by this author I will sure to be searching out her back list as I like her voice and style which is so reader friendly without being condescending to her readers. Deserves all five stars for the humor alone!!

Fiancés, villains and bears, Oh-My! Throw in...2 battling brothers, 2 clashing cousins and 1 sensible suitor on a mad-dash carriage ride to the Scottish border; all the while being pursued by a furious father with a shoot first, ask questions later attitude, and a dastardly Duke out for blood...And you'll have a good idea of the seemingly insurmountable difficulties facing the hero and heroine of Shana Galen's newest book, BLACKTHORNE'S BRIDE. This charmingly written and pleasingly madcap road-romance is the third book in Ms. Galen's highly entertaining Adventures in Matrimony series which includes--book #1, No Man's Bride and book #2, Good Groom Hunting (Misadventures in Matrimony)--but works very well as a stand alone novel. The story takes the unadventurous heroine, the lovely Lady Madeleine Fullbright, the handsome and brash hero Jack Martingale (Marquess of Blackthorne), a diverse cast of supporting characters--and the reader--on one of the most fast paced, comical and delightfully unconventional elopements to Gretna Green that I have ever read. Ms. Galen created an action packed ROMANTIC COMEDY that completely met--and exceeded--all of my expectations. Her story captured my attention from the beginning and happily kept me the turning pages, eager to find out just what she had in store for her characters around every bend. Also, their zany escapades and witty dialogue amused me to no end, but I never felt the author went overboard on the comedy. In fact, I felt Ms. Galen deftly blended the darker elements of the plot in with the humor, romance, and a fine amount of sexual tension. And I really liked both of the main characters--yeah, THEY had a few flaws, but don't we all. However, I thought their characterizations were compelling and very well developed. I thought Maddie was a very sympathetic character and never felt she came across as a spoiled little rich girl. She was good and kindhearted with strong protective instincts. And was always willing to reach out to help those hurt or in need--be it human or animal--which sometimes leads her to rush headlong into trouble and dangerous situations. Still, there was a charming innocence about her character that I found endearing. Maddie's fairly young now--only 18--and maybe a little naïve, and somewhat impulsive, but I think she has all the makings of a compassionate, generous, strong and confident woman. And I believe she's just the mate Jacks needs. Jack Martingale is intelligent, virile, proud and arrogant, with a tendency to be a bit callous and somewhat domineering, but he is after all, a Marquess. And he's definitely an Alpha Hero, though absolutely not the abusive type. Jack shows the world a hard, tough exterior, but that just hides his insecurities. He's burdened with self-doubt and guilt-ridden by an incident that happened in his childhood. And though he feels the need to protect his loved ones, he's actually afraid he'll fail them. Jack falls into my reluctant

I am surprised at some of the low reviews of this book. I have yet to read a book by Shana Galen I didn't just love and adore. I only have her first book yet to read. Each book gets better and better for me and this one was no exception. I just loved it! It was a wonderful escape and I never got bored...not once. It's also a fairly quick read to boot and quite humourous! I loved the characters and the plot. For me it was 5 stars all the way! I cannot wait till the next book Shana. Well done!

Regency romance at its best, this current installment of Shana Galen's Misadventures in Matrimony series races over the pages filled with fun and plenty of action. Lady Madeleine Castleigh is tired of fending off proposal after proposal from gentlemen of the ton only enamored with her dowry - when not a one of them even knows the color of her eyes. Frustrated beyond endurance, she decides to elope to Gretna Green with a safe, respectable widower who will support her continued benevolent work with charities. Lady Madeleine believes in many, many charities: from urchin children - to a wounded black bear. The dark and brooding John Phillip Charles Martingale, Marquess of Blackthorne, simply wants to enjoy a cup of coffee and the latest issue of The Times, but his younger brother Nick has other ideas. Nick has drawn the wrath of their archenemy Blevens. By insulting the man in front of the ton, Nick ensures the evil and powerful duke will not rest until he exacts his revenge upon both brothers. When their escape involves stealing the carriage of the eloping Lady Madeleine, her fiancé, and her beautiful cousin chaperone, the journey becomes a galloping romp of throat-grabbing excitement. Will Blevens catch up with them first? Or perhaps Lady Madeleine's irate pursuing father will be the one to chase them down. The danger and intrigue only heightens the unruly passion these two feel for one another. Of course, there is one small problem; they are both engaged to others. There is never a dull moment in this charming love story from beginning to end. Add it to your must have list and enjoy!

In 1801 London, the four preadolescent female cousins vowed to never marry. They form the Spinster's Club. Ten years later, two of the members have had "Misadventures in Matrimony (see NO MAN'S BRIDE and GOOD GROOM'S HUNTING). A third one Madeleine, tired of insincere proposals, plans to run away with scholarly Conlon Dover, a father of two. However, the fourth member, still unmarried Ashley jumps into the coach with them. Dover tells Madeleine they need a chaperone anyway; she asks why since they are eloping. At a café, Marques John Martingale quietly drinks coffee when his brother Nicholas arrives. Nick explains that he humiliated Duke Bleven by calling him a rapist at a party. Bleven sent thugs after Nick, who explains that he also quoted Jack as calling Bleven an asshole. A moment later Bleven and his armed thugs arrive. Jack and Nick flee. As Ashley, Madeleine and Dover are leaving, Jack with his nose bloodied and clothing stained by coffee dives into their coach. Nick replaces the coachman and drives. Jack is instantly attracted to Madeleine who demands he take them to Gretna Green; Jack says no. Madeleine is attracted to the roguish Jack, who steps out of the coach only to find Ashley's dad has caught them. Nick jumps her dad. Jack insists he must marry Ashley as they jump back into the coach and flee for Gretna Green with two dads, Bleven accompanied by his thugs, and who knows who else in pursuit. This amusing Regency romance will have fans in stitches as the runaways land in one predicament after another. The lead couple is a nice pairing while her cousin and his brother provide strong support once the audience understands their bickering started from meeting one another prior to this romp. Although the villain is dispatched too easily; making the climax too fast and weak, readers will appreciate this hilarious historical. Harriet Klausner