AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL - Olivia Parker
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-135544-8
June 2008
Historical Romance

London and Yorkshire, Regency England

Miss Madelyn Haywood is determined not to marry. She wants nothing more than to retire to the cottage where she grew up. So, when Madelyn is picked to attend The Bride Hunt Ball, hosted by the Duke of Wolverest, she’s determined not to go, no matter the cost. However, her dear friend, Miss Charlotte Greene, has also been selected to attend, and Madelyn decides that she’ll go after all. Someone must protect Charlotte; why, the poor girl already considers herself half in love with the duke’s younger brother, Lord Tristan.

Gabriel Thurston Devine, seventh Duke of Wolverest, believes he’ll never marry, as he would expect perfection in his bride, and what chit could possibly live up to that? No, far better that Tristan be his heir, and as such, he can marry and produce the necessary next generation of Devines. Yes, Gabriel’s plan to see his younger brother married is proceeding swimmingly, right up until he runs into the very determined Miss Haywood. Why the lady is so determined to remain unwed is a mystery, and not one he’s interested in solving, at least until she starts interfering with Tristan’s relationship with Miss Greene. Then Gabriel decides that he must spend some time with Madelyn, not that he’s interested in her himself, but, well, the girl does seem to get into all sorts of trouble. It’s really just the gentlemanly thing to do.

Written from both Madelyn's and Gabriel’s perspectives, readers of AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL get to know, and will certainly fall in love with, both characters. From their very first meeting when Madelyn hits Gabriel with a lemon smack in the head, the sparks fly between these two. Why did Madelyn hit him with a lemon? It was the only thing available at the time, and desperate times do call for desperate measures. ;-) Upon her beloved mother’s death, everything changed in Madelyn’s life. Her father, never a loving man, soon foisted a new step-mama on her. Then he died and left her in Priscilla’s care. Is it any wonder Madelyn wants nothing more than to retire to the countryside? However, Madelyn soon finds herself enjoying Gabriel’s company, in fact, rather too much. It’s certain he’ll never marry, and despite the blossoming love she feels for him, marriage is the only acceptable arrangement they could enter into. If she wanted to, of course, which she doesn’t, much. Gabriel finds himself delighted by Madelyn and her stubborn, sometimes infuriating ways. Her sensual mouth and lively ways soon make him think that perhaps he should marry her, just to protect the other bachelors in England, of course. What seems like a promising romance is put at risk though, when some very determined ladies and a few hidden secrets are revealed for what they are. Will Madelyn and Gabriel fall in love and marry, or will AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL end in disappointment for them both?

Priscilla, Madelyn’s step-mama, is a shark in ladies clothing. Determined to see her station in society raised, she would like to see Madelyn end up with Gabriel, but really, who wants the support of a woman like her? Charlotte is a sweet girl, gentle, loyal and quiet, she’s been one of Madelyn’s dearest friends for some time. But don’t be fooled; those traits don’t necessarily mean she’s weak, and I feel confident that Charlotte will find love, whether with Tristan or someone else. Adam Faramond, the Earl of Rothby, wants Madelyn for himself, and he’s certainly not intimidated by a bit of competition from Gabriel. Tristan, Gabriel’s heir, is a bit vain and shallow; one can only hope the young man gains some maturity in the very near future. Gabriel’s sister, Lady Rosalind, is a charming lady and sincerely deserves a romance of her own. Madelyn’s aunt, Lady Beauchamp, and her daughter, Harriet, are also in attendance at the duke’s estate (where the ball is held). Charming wouldn’t be the first word I’d think of in relation to either of them. There are so many interesting and delightful secondary characters in this story that I most sincerely hope that some of them will have their own stories told in the future.

I’m always thrilled to discover a new author who writes with humor, sincerity, and undeniable skill. Olivia Parker is one such, and I cannot do other than recommend that you buy this debut author’s first work at your earliest opportunity. AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL is sure to become a favorite for readers everywhere.

Lori Ann