DNF

I normally don't rate a book that I don't finish because I don't think it's fair on the author as I didn't get the entire picture you know. So the 1 star rating I give here isn't a true reflection on my opinion of the book.

I just couldn't get into it, it felt too chaotic for me as in 'elements just didn't come together' and so I decided to stop reading. This is of course so personal to any reader, so I always recommend to give a book a try if you think it's interesting, regarding wether someone else DNF'ed it or not. I always encourage people to see for themselves what they think of a book so if you're interested in this one, just go for it!

THE BRIDE WHO GOT LUCKY - Janna MacGregor

#2 in the Cavensham Brides series

MEATIER PLOT - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Lady Emma is not looking for a husband, but at her advanced age, she is being strongly encouraged to do so. Somerton, a family friend, is not in the running, but there's a strong attraction there. When their situation gets out of control, strong measures must be taken, and they must somehow make the best of it.

Writing - 4 stars - I was caught up in this story fairly quickly after a bit of a slow start. Once we got involved in Emma's and Somerton's relationship, the plot moved forward quickly.

Characters - 4.5 stars - The characters really added a lot of spice to this book. Emma is unusual in that she is basically a suffragette in her own way. After her friend's death at Lena's husband's hand, she wants to create a bank to help women become financially independent (an unheard-of thing in those days). She fears marriage because she doesn't want to have to be dependent on a man, despite the good example of her friends Claire and Alex (from the previous book) and of her parents. Nick is a family friend who has been around Emma for years, although he is adamantly against marriage for himself. But, despite himself, he is becoming more and more attracted to Emma. What I loved was that they both tried to see the other's point of view. Neither is good at compromise, but both are intelligent and really cares for the other, so they do their best to work together while also overcoming their own hang-ups.

Title - 3.5 stars - The title is suggestive, but when you know the story, you also understand the meaning behind it.

Cover - 3.5 stars - The cover is fine, but typical for this genre. I do like the bright green background to the stark white dress. They catch the eye.

Overall - 4 stars - Despite my misgivings about Emma's headstrong and sometimes reckless actions, I ended up liking her. When the chips were down, she saw reason and tried to work within the system and within her marriage. It helped that Somerton (Nick) was willing to work with her and use his knowledge to help her achieve her goals. This book provided an inside look at what life was like as a female in the totally male-run society of the time. And the reader had to laugh, of course, knowing as we do that things will certainly change for the better eventually (although there's still a ways to go, of course). I particularly enjoyed watching them both be willing to work on their own issues while also trying to understand the other's point of view. It was a very healthy relationship, despite its initial problems, that I think would last a long time.

I had the pleasure of meeting Janna MacGregor at a book conference several years ago and I obtained a copy of the first book in the Cavensham Heiresses series, The Bad Luck Bride. I read the book during breaks at the conference and just loved it. So when I saw the next book in the series, The Bride Who Got Lucky, was available on NetGalley, I snagged up a copy… and then never read it. Until now.

I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. I was sucked into the story from page one and I was enthralled until I read The End. Right off the bat, Ms. MacGregor introduced Nick and my heart just ached for him and I couldn’t wait to see how his story turned out. Nick’s childhood was quite lonely and it carried over into adulthood. He has a very limited group of friends and refuses to acknowledge his father. But Emma is on the edge of that circle of friends and after coming to her rescue, it seems they’re forever bound.

I really enjoyed both Nick and Emma. Nick’s a self-made man, not depending on his father the duke for anything. He has very strong personal views that Emma tests… in a good way. Nick’s drawn to Emma, but he doesn’t want any sort of attachment since it always leads to heartache. Emma on the other hand had very strong feminist beliefs. She doesn’t want to get married because she’d lose what little rights she has. And she believes her best friend lost her life to her husband and she doesn’t want to even consider that it could happen to her as well. Emma’s a bluestocking, preferring books and dreaming of a bank for women rather than attending ton events (which she goes to for her friends and family). Emma and Nick together are so good. They test each other and there are definite sparks flying off the page.

I love that Ms. MacGregor tackled a couple of difficult issues such as marital abuse and women’s rights in Regency England. And Ms. MacGregor was playing with my emotions in that first chapter and it continued until the last page was turned. I haven’t read such a good tear-jerker in a while and I had to keep the tissues handy. I’m so glad I picked up this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Luck of the Bride.

I already recommended it for a romance class to my students and they enjoyed reading it. Its modern, its lovely and has a nice storyline.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed Nick and Emma's story. Neither thought they wanted to be in a relationship, much less a marriage, but found that they were good together and that the other was just what was missing in their life.

I love this genre so much! I find it magical! This book was amazing! A truly romantic story with heat heroes that speak to your heart! I loved it!!

A fascinating and very fun book, that will have you going through many emotions as you read. It's got a great pace to it, I love the journey the reader goes on as we get to know the characters and watch them find their happily ever after. It has a really sparkly, enchanting almost fairy-tale feel to it, that I really enjoyed. The characters are brilliantly written and the chemistry is perfect, overall a fun and utterly romantic book that any historical romance reader will love to get their teeth into.

Nicholas St. Mayer, the Earl of Somerton was alone. His mother died giving him birth. His father very publicly deserted him at Eton. He enclosed his heart in stone, vowing to never be hurt again. Lucky for him, Alex Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrook became his friend. As it turned out, Alex's family, especially his sister, Emma would be his saving grace. Just how did she manage to chip away at the ice covering Nick`s heart? What would win? Nick`s desire to one up his father's fortune or would love conquer all? I have read several of Janna MacGregor`s books and enjoy her storytelling. In addition to telling the characters stories, she also makes a comment on the social issues of the time. In this book she addresses the status of women in Regency England and spousal abuse. Seems like we are still combating these issues. I recommend this read and any others of MS. MacGregor.

The son of a cold-hearted duke, Nicholas St. Mauer isn’t one to involve himself in society…or open his own heart to anyone. But driven by honor, the reclusive Earl of Somerton feels obliged to keep a watchful eye on Lady Emma Cavensham. She possesses a penchant for passions unbecoming a woman that finds Nick in constant peril of losing his well-structured solitude. She even dared kiss Nick once—an utterly unladylike, and delightful, lapse. Emma can’t deny the appeal of the earl’s attention, and occasional affection, but she has no need for a man. There are worse fates than spinsterhood, as Emma knows too well. She still mourns the loss of her dear friend Lena, and is determined to prove Lena’s husband responsible for her death before he lures another innocent woman into a brutal marriage. But as Emma pursues her prey, a compromising moment upends all her plans. Now, with gossip swirling and her reputation in tatters, Nick may be the only man brave enough to join in Emma’s cause. . .and fight for her heart.
This was a book that I really enjoyed. I’m a fan of this author and she didn’t disappoint. The story was well written and I really liked the characters. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was a great historical romance up 7ntil 70-80% when I realized Emma was a spoiled rich girl. I loved the story from the beginning,p. Emma was a strong heroine, a true feminist for her time. I really enjoyed her character until she became obsessed with solving her friend’s murder. It was as though she’d listen to no reason, especially when she almost threw a tantrum because she couldn’t have her way with Nick. It just didn’t seem to fit with her character from the earlier part of the book. Ick was a strong character, more a beta hero than an alpha. To me, Nick saved the story.

Too much women's politics in this book. I thought it was basically good, but with an overindulgence in the political aspects, I found myself having to read and reread parts to stay with it. I enjoy history and I enjoy politics; however, I read these books for enjoyment and enjoy more action. Otherwise, good characterization, and good basic plot. Enjoyed.

What a beautiful story. It was so hard to stop reading this book. I loved the chemistry between characters. ☆☆☆☆☆.

I so loved this book! It has everything you can ask for in a romance! It is funny, sad, and romantic. Janna has hit the mark with the Bride series!

The Bride Who Got Lucky can be categorized as friends to lovers romance novel. Nicholas St. Mauer and Lady Emma Cavensham have known each other for a long time. Nicholas saved Emma from her own adventure once and then he gave her a present; in return he got a kiss from her. But years passed before the two of them are thrown together again. Although neither of them wanted to get married, destiny has other plans for them.

The Bride Who Got Lucky is a magnificent story. It is rich and beautifully written. It goes beyond romantic pursuit between the hero and heroine. Once I started to read it I just could not put it down. There are many things that make this novel great. The plot makes this more than just another historical romance novel. It combines romance, adventure and social issues. In the novel the author deals with the status of women in society and she raises the issue of domestic violence. These topics are well incorporated into the story and added value to it. Furthermore, the novel is part of a series, yet it can be read as a standalone. The minor references to the previous titles in the series can be disregarded and the reader can fully enjoy this story.

As for the characters, the hero is amazing and the heroine is larger than life, feisty and a blue stocking all at the same time. The hero, Nicholas St. Mauer, has a bit of a father issue. He lives in the past due to some unresolved issues between him and his father but it is also what makes him the way he is. The heroine, Lady Emma Cavensham, is a lady ahead of her time. She bends rules and she uses her social status for a good cause. She is driven by guilt and there were moments in the story when she did something very impulsive and got herself into trouble. But she genuinely wants to help women, so for me Emma was a great character and is so different from many other historical romance novel heroines.

All in all this is amazing and complex story that I highly recommend.

Lady Emma Cavensham is grieving the death of her friend, Lena, in childbirth and blames the death on her abusive husband. Emma decides to visit her friend's former maid in Portsmouth and Nicholas St. Mauer, the Earl of Somerton follows her to protect her and to bring her home. They have been friends, but not especially close ones, until they go on this journey and learn to trust each other.

I enjoyed reading this story and learning how Emma and Nick could greatly influence each other's lives and others close to them. Watch out for the ending!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

This is the second story in The Cavensham Heiresses series and I have to say I liked this one a tad better than the first story. The reason for it is the hero. He is such a well rounded and wonderful character. My heart just went out to him.

The heroine was well written and I liked her spunk and independence, as well as the chemistry she created with the hero.

This story was a bit darker than the first and I thought that the author handled the domestic violence plot very realistically.

This is the second book for this author and I can still see and feel that she's finding her feet as a romance writer. However, I do feel that she's getting better with each book and one of these days her name and stories will become a must buy not just for me but for many of romance readers.

Melanie for b2b

I know I am in the minority here, but I did not care for this book.

Basically the heroine Emma (cousin to Claire from the previous book) is on a mission. Her dearest friend Lena has died and Emma believes Lena’s husband is responsible. Emma is determined to bring the man to justice, single handedly if necessary. Once she has accomplished this, she wants to open a bank that serves only women, thus giving them a way to be independent.

Unable to ignore a death she feels partially responsible for, Emma asks her parents and brothers for help. But when they tell her to let it go, she ends up makes one bad decision after another.

Nick, Earl of Somerton and heir to the Duke of Renton also is on a mission, his one and only desire in life is to make a fortune greater than his estranged father’s and then flaunt it in his father’s face. He doesn’t have time for nonsense or for a wife - but thanks to Emma’s inability to stay out of trouble, he is going to end up with both.

When Nick saves Emma (yet again) from herself, they are caught in an inn together and to save their reputations, marry.

As wedding present Nick gave her the funds needed to start her bank and it seems like Emma has matured and has come to peace with Lena’s death. That is, until she doesn’t get her way then her true colors come out.

I personally found Emma to be one of the most annoying and manipulative heroines I have ever read. And while the story had potential, the execution fell flat. The plot was flimsy and at times down right unbelievable. Nick was the one high point in this book, if not for him, I may have broken my own steadfast ARC rule and not finished the book.

In the previous book, I felt like the author added too many elements and the story ended up being too busy. In this book she managed to stay on point, but the plot line she choose just didn’t work for me - it was not true to the era and was riddled with contradictions. I am not sure if I would be willing to read the next book in the series, but I do know that I would not be conformable recommending this book to my friends.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an UNCORRECTED ARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

There is nothing better than reading about a smart, independent and determined heroine who is willing to snub her nose at the conventions of society and fight for what she believes in. And even better? A hero who is willing to support and stand by such a fierce woman, letting her bring life to her dreams and ideas without being threatened. This, in summary, is what we get with “The Bride Who Got Lucky” by Janna MacGregor.

At a time where a young woman’s only duty is to find a husband, Lady Emma Cavensham is an original. A woman beyond her time, a woman who refuses to be the property of a man and live a meek existence knowing that she will never be as smart or held in as high an esteem as her significant other. And even though she has examples of good and happy marriages right in front of her, the death of her dearest friend Lena and the torture she endured from her husband has clouded her opinion on matrimony. All she wants to do now is to bring Lena’s aristocratic husband to justice and make sure he is never able to harm an innocent woman ever again. But will her determination get her the result that she has been fighting for ever since she found out what her friend had endured? or will she find herself in more trouble than she expected?

Nicholas St. Mauer may be the only child of a Duke, but he has lived a lonely childhood. Ignored , abandoned and discarded my his father, Nick has vowed to never step foot in his father’s estate or see him ever again. The only thing that drives him is his need to amass a fortune that will surplus his father’s. The only family he has is his best friend Alex and his family. And if there is one person who needs to be watched and protected, it is Lady Emma Cavensham, Alex’s wife’s cousin. Even though he has protected her from certain danger a couple of times, he finds himself unable to keep his distance from the strong willed blonde.

A delightful regency with two equally lovable lead characters. Two souls who each have a cross to bear and find themselves unable to live their lives to the fullest without first finding closure. Can’t wait for the next book of the series!!!

I loved this! One of my favourite parts of the Bad Luck Bride was the introduction of Emma and Nicholas so I was ridiculously excited to see they would be getting their own story and i’m delighted to say The Bride Who Got Lucky didn’t disappoint. I admired Emma for her grit and determination in attempting to obtain justice for her dead friend, however I was totally and completely in love with Nicholas!!! He was wonderful with a tragic past and an unswerving loyalty to Emma. Highly recommended.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

This was a very emotional book, with a strong and relatable female character. I loved everyrhing about Emma, and Nick's character was the perfect balance.

I didn't like how some of the scenes were overly dramatic, nor did I like how much time was invested in the love scenes, but a decent 4 star read just for Emma