Thursday, January 19

Book Review: Barely a Bride by Rebecca Hagan Lee

Author: Rebecca Hagan Lee
Title: Barely a Bride (Free Fellows League #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 5th 2003
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon freebie)

As a founding member of the Free Fellows League—a group of four gentlemen who signed a pledge to never wed when they were lads—Griffin, Viscount Abernathy, swears that he will put off marrying as long as possible. But when he is suddenly called off to war, he has no choice but to obey his father’s wishes and find a wife… 

Just days later, he marries the lovely Lady Alyssa. For a man committed only to his freedom, she seems a perfect—and perfectly undemanding—bride. Intelligent and self-sufficient, Alyssa craves her independence just as much as Griffin loves his. But as the irresistible attraction between them flourishes with every look and touch, they discover there is something they desire even more than a loveless marriage of convenience—the passion they find in each other’s arms… 

This book pleasantly surpassed my expectations. I was a little unsure thinking this was going to be the same ol' run-of-the-mill HR. Guy doesn't want marriage. Guy wants army life and freedom. Guy meets gal. Gal is independent. They fall in love and marry. Yes, yes, this is an HR and of COURSE, they get their happily ever after. However, it was a lot of work and a lot of time. WHICH I liked. 

Griffin and Alyssa (stupids names - I'll rant about that later) are both super independent people. Griffin is part of a club who thinks marriage is pointless and love is a waste. The only things that matter is their friends and England. However, his father forces him to get married, so he can produce an heir. If doesn't do it he'll use his pull with the War Office to not let him go to war. Alyssa is the youngest daughter who is the last one not married. All she wants is a home of her own so she can pursue her love of gardening. They meet and decide to get married so they can get what they want and little strings attached. Like that pesky thing called love. 

I do get annoyed when people, especially men, hate love and marriage. I don't get it. I get not wanting to marry someone you don't love. SURE! But if you find the one you love marriage is good. So yeah, I thought Griffin and his friends were silly beyond belief with their club and pact. However, I wouldn't be surprised if there were clubs and pacts like this throughout history. Men are silly. But the whole concept was interesting. 

But yes, the romance was a hard earned one. They are married only a couple of days. He goes to war. They fall in love in the letters they exchange - which was super duper cute - and then he comes home physically and mentally hurt. Lots of internal and external battles they have to deal with before they finally get that HEA. Loved it.

Now..... with my one and only issue with the book.....the names in this book annoyed me. Alyssa? Griffin? C'mon. I feel like these names are totally not something in the 19th century. But who am I? Maybe they were being used, but not from my knowledge. Also, some of the language was out of place for the time period.

UGGGGH! MIRANDA AND THE DUKE NEED TO BE TOGETHER NOW! *shakes fist* Ugh I'm so tempted to skip ahead to their book. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing and complex. Their love was hard earned because of external factors and internal factors which were nice. My only issue were with the names and some of the language used but that is minor overall. In the end, I'll give this 5 stars. More like 4.5, but I rounded up since I don't give decimals. 


Blodeuedd said...

I do not get the hate of marriage either, and then they fall in love and yay marriage

Anachronist said...

You know, you almost persuaded me to try this one with your review. Almost. Maybe I'll read it if I can find it.

Melliane said...

Oh that's nice! I didn't know about this one but it's great to see you had such a good time!

Carole Rae said...

B, it is so weird. I don't get it. LOL

Ana, hehehe. Maybe they still have it for free on Amazon

Melliane, it was a good one. :D I'm glad because I was having some bad luck.