Regency romances usually take place in England but Anne Gracie’s new historical is a rare combination of both the traditional and the unexpected. Bride by Mistake is about a marriage of convenience that turns into an exciting journey in Spain and the awakening of two decidedly different individuals who eventually find a sense of completion when they find love.
Returning from a clandestine mission in war torn Spain, Lieutenant Luke Ripton stumbles upon a young thirteen year old girl being attacked by deserters. In order to protect her he marries her with the understanding that after she is safe the marriage will be annulled. After the war Luke returns to England only to learn that he is unable to procure an annulment and must travel back to Spain to get a wife he does not want. A wife he’s met only once eight years ago.
Isabella has spent the last eight years living safely in a convent and her only thought is of the day her handsome prince will come and take her away. Although Isabella has spent her formative years behind the walls of a convent she is as fiercely independent and intelligent as her bridegroom. It is her fiery passion and strong will that gave her the strength to endure the ravages of war. When she discovers that she is bound to a man who does not want her she takes pause, but she does not falter.
Author Anne Gracie has given us two unique personalities who have survived the devastating effects of war yet still maintain the courage of their convictions. As with any good romance hero Luke has secrets that have not only changed him but have also locked away his ability to forgive himself. Isabella is a heroine who is strong, capable and alluring in her straightforwardness. There are no ‘big misunderstandings’. Rather, in Bride by Mistake, we have a heroine who is clear in what she wants as well as accepting of the life she has been dealt. No histrionics, no I Love Lucy – let me figure out how to trick Ricky into giving me what I want antics. Isabella is as far from Lucy as you can get. Her ability to live life passionately and yet deal with situations in a way that is logical to her is what makes her the perfect heroine for Luke. However Luke doesn’t quite see it that way. He’s married to a woman who grew up in a convent; she should be docile and obedient; after all he is her husband and his word is law. Mixing her passion and unique logic with Luke’s dictatorial Regency mind set gives us that ‘sweet spot’ in this romance. That place where the romance begins to bubble just under the surface and the magic between the hero and heroine comes alive.
With strong characters, snappy dialogue and a story that unfolds with such tender, sweet and exciting moments, Bride by Mistake is a marriage of convenience that sometimes simmers and sometimes boils with passion, romance, humor and grace.
Keep up with all the best romance news by joining our Facebook page or visiting us at Romantic Reads.
