The Brides of London: an Advertisements for Love collection
by Vanessa Riley

Fans of Bridgerton will love these two Regency romances for the price of one, featuring two best friends, each determined to advertise for love.

The Bittersweet Bride: Widow Theodosia Cecil needs a husband and needs one fast to protect her land, so she places an anonymous ad in the paper. She’s delighted she spends her remaining weeks exchanging flirtatious letters with the perfect man... Until she meets him and realizes he’s the son of the man trying to steal her land.

The Bashful Bride: When sparks fly between timid heiress Ester Croome and a handsome actor, they’re quick to elope. But when she discovers there is so much more to him than meets the eye, in order to save the marriage the shiest woman alive must publicly woo the most desirable man in England…her husband.



#TheBridesofLondonanAdvertisementsforLovecollection

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The Brides Of London is a collection of the first two books of the Advertisements For Love series. The two books in this collection are The Bittersweet Bride and The Bashful Bride. I reviewed each book separately below. Overall I gave the collection ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Both stories were lovingly and carefully written. The novels about friends were vastly different, each engaging in their way.

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The Bittersweet Bride

The Bittersweet Bride is a journey through heartbreak and hope that leaves the reader breathless. The couple in this book face seemingly insurmountable odds to find their way back to each other. It is a beautiful Romeo And Juliet story with a gloriously happy ending

Theodosia is a widow trying to protect what is most precious. To do this, she advertises for a husband. Her long-lost love, Ewan, who deserted her to go to war and was presumed dead, re-enters Theodosia’s life. Both Theodosia and Ewan must reconcile their feelings of betrayal and mistrust if they are ever going to find redemption and love. Theodosia is a formidable, captivating character. She faces ridicule and rejection due to her upbringing and being a woman of color. I admire her unbending determination to protect what she loves most, her child. I was enthralled by the many facets and depth of her character. Theodosia was written with loving care.

Ewan had made choices that impacted Theodosia in ways he never bothered to consider. It took some time for me to warm to Ewan. Ewan radiated harshness and self-importance. Later, as the story unfolds, I found Ewan was a victim of circumstances as well. Once I realized Ewan’s motivations and earnest desire to make things right, I enjoyed his character. Ewan was flawed. However, he eventually owned it and became a caring, relatable character.

I have avoided going into the heart of the plot on purpose. There is much intrigue and many secrets revealed that are integral to the action, and I will not ruin the story for the reader. The plot has many moving parts. However, it is handled cleverly as not to confuse. The action moves quickly and catches the reader’s attention. Many unique nuances and plot devices work well within the story. This novel had me in tears at times; this made the happy ending even more rewarding.

Tropes: back from the dead, big secret, class difference, closed-door, compromised, disapproving parents, forbidden love, love at first sight, physical challenges, returning soldier, second chance love, star crossed lovers, widow, working women, wounded soldier, young love

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The Bashful Bride

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and characters in The Bashful Bride. The plot engaged me instantly, and the character’s personalities jumped from the page. This is an epic tale of unrequited romance, desperation, self-discovery, and love. This novel is sweeping in romance and passion.

Ester Croome has secretly loved Author Bex for two years. Through a set of exceptional circumstances, Authur and Ester find themselves eloping. Ester is running from an unwanted marriage, and Authur is looking for a respectable, loving wife. Authur has dark secrets in his past, and he works tirelessly as an abolitionist. Much of the book takes place on the elopement journey. We learn more about Authur and Ester’s personalities as they understand the challenges of a marriage between an actor and a woman of color. Ultimately, they find themselves dependent on each other. They face a multitude of challenges, yet their rocky path leads to a beautiful love story.

I loved Authur’s passion and grit. He is loyal and fights for what is right and for those he loves. Ester has been sheltered and has her eyes opened to so many hard truths. She starts as this scared, timid girl but transforms into an indomitable spirit. She changes from always being fearful to embracing life and love, both when they are easy and messy. Although Ester holds an unrequited love for Author, the couple’s attraction is immediate. The connection is tentative and fragile throughout the entirety of the novel. However, it nurtures and grows into robust and unbreakable love.

The plot captured my heart. I ached for these two tortured souls. The author made two imperfect halves of a united whole; it took Authur and Ester time to figure this out. The story had depth and had multifaceted layers. The concepts were complex and fully developed. This love story captured my heart, and I didn’t let go until the final page.

Tropes: elopement, closed-door, dark past, disapproving parents, disowned, forced marriage, actor, unrequited love, activist


Although both stories were outstanding and stood on their own, The Bashful Bride is my favorite of the two novels. These plots were not afraid to face complicated, complex issues. Both stories confronted prejudice and inequality fearlessly. These injustices were seamlessly weaved into two eye-catching, heartwarming romances. These were two excellent, beautifully written books. I loved every word I read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a Black female, in an interracial marriage, this read was a special treat for me. You don’t often read about interracial couples, especially not historical, and this one was done well. I recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really wanted to love this book but it was almost a DNF for me. I ended up skimming through the pages just to get to the end which was such a surprise because Vanessa Riley is a favourite of mine but the stories just did not connect

2.5-3 Stars! This book is actually the first 2 books from the ‘Advertisements for Love’ series. The first book, ‘The Bittersweet Bride’ was good but I did feel lost at times, like I had missed a page. I wasn’t a fan of either of the main characters. Theo and Ewan both annoyed me in different ways. Too much back and forth between ‘I love you, I hate you, I missed you, but I still hate you, I can’t trust you, I still love you, etc’. Make up your minds already! I’m just not of fan of books with an easily solved problem with communication from the 2 main characters. It usually just gets me frustrated and asking the book ‘why won’t they just communicate?!’. Communication in any kind of relationship is key! I didn’t read the 2nd book since I wasn’t a huge fan of the first.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

This is a collection of two connected stories where the heroines are Blackamoor or mulatto women of means living in early 1800s London. The heroine of the first novel, Theodosia, is a survivor, but her history is so grief-stricken, so bleak, so forlorn that the book dragged under the weight of her baggage. When she finally achieved her happily ever after, I was left with relief. On the flip side, the second novel I devoured and enjoyed. This heroine, Ester, has not suffered nearly like her friend Theo, but her family members have and she also feels the struggle of the class/race divide harshly. But her story and her love interest left me with a more pleasant after taste. Their story had hope, which greatly outweighed the previous doom and gloom.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was actually two stories in one, involving three Blackamore friends and their adventures in trying to find husbands. The first one involves Theodosia Cecil, who fell in love with the second son of a prejudiced earl. He forces his son to go to war to prove he is an adult and then the earl turns Theo away when she tells him she is pregnant. In order to survive, she marries Mathew Cecil, who accepts her son as his own. Both families are involved in commercially growing flowers and she inherits her husband's business when he dies. Unfortunately, the evil property manager wants to marry her to control the land and money so she puts an anonymous ad in the newspaper to find a husband to help her fight to keep her son. Enter her long lost love whom she thought was dead. He wants to continue their relationship but she doesn't trust him. The story is a study in learning to trust even when it doesn't appear warranted and how love can show that it is.

The second story involves Ester Croome, the daughter of a wealthy Blackamore family who doesn't want to be forced to marry someone she finds unacceptable. She elopes with actor Arthur Bex, who is also looking for a wife. They suffer many trials and tribulations on their road to trust and understanding, but finally realize love is worth forgiving hurtful mistakes.

Both were well-written and gave some historical background I was unaware of. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I look forward to the story for the third friend and hope she is matched with the earl's older son.
#netgalley

A ghost or is he...

A bashful bride..

These two stories are too good. Vanessa Riley has written a couple of books combined into one that entrance you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This book is made up of two stories where the heroines are women of colour - very unusual for the times - who are looking for love .
Theodosia is a widow with a young son in need of protection - can she place her trust in the man who had abandoned her previously .
Ester Crome is an heiress determined to avoid an arranged marriage - eloping to Gretna Green with Arthur Bex nothing goes quite to plan . Can Ester take a risk on a man who loves to take risks.
These stories make for an entertaining read but oh how I wish that our heroines had a little more backbone at times - the wanting/loving/hating sometimes overtook the story .

It was nice to read a book with diversity at its core- especially in a historical setting.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is for all the girls of color who swoon over the historical love stories set in Regency England. I grew up reading the books of Georgette Heyer but of course the heroines didn’t look like me. Vanessa Riley’s The Brides of London gives us two standalone novels containing courageous women of color making their way in worlds where they are not readily accepted. Theodosia Cecil is a widow in need of a mate in order to protect her son. But can she trust Ewan Fitzwilliam, the man who abandoned her once before? In the second story, The Bashful Bride, heiress, Ester Crome, trying to avoid an undesirable, arranged marriage, elopes with actor, Arthur Bex. The pair take off to Gretna Green to tie the knot but their journey is anything but smooth. I enjoyed both of these stories and look forward to reading other offerings by this author. The books end on a much needed HEA but not before giving the reader some thrills, chills and satisfaction.

Two stories about young women of color who advertise for husbands. Both these women are interesting, but also a bit wishy washy. Theo was my favorite character...but the nonsense of loving/wanting/hating the man who hurt her drove me nuts. I couldn't care much about Ester. I tried, but...

The Bittersweet Bride 4.5* - Angst riddled story (made me cry!). Young love goes awry, both have a hard path to tread and when they meet again there is bitterness and blame on both sides. Regaining her trust is a hard slog for Ewan as Theo would rather rely on almost anyone else. A good read.

The Bashful Bride 5* - A marriage of convenience arranged on the spur of the moment, is followed by a difficult journey, fears, regrets and dark secrets. Bex is a highly principled man who must follow his conscience but Ester has lived with the fear of losing a loved one all her life and does not want to take on that burden with a husband who takes risks. Can they have a happy marriage? Another good read.

Hopefully the typos found in both stories will have been addressed by the time this is published.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well, these 2 stories are refreshing and a delightful break from the norm. Our heroines are both people of color.... in England.... in a very difficult time on the cusp of fundamental change. As an American POC living in Europe, I was very curious to see how this would play our. While we see the struggle as very good people try to right the wrongs to obtain freedom for all, it's such a positive and uplifting atmosphere in which to set these 2 love stories. I loved the characters in both stories, even those we "love to hate" since we are able to see why they behave the way they do. There is not sugar-coating but a very realistic snapshot into the real feelings of people raised in those times. Amazing background. Now for the foreground, we meet a group of friends, who have, for very practical reasons, decided to take out want ads in the paper to find love.

First up, The Bittersweet Bride: Mrs. Theodosia Cecil is our heroine. She is a widow and single mom, who needs a husband. She has to fend a hateful neighbor who wants to buy her land and the aggresive and disgusting guardian of her son, who himself is threatening her through her son to marry her and control her money. She puts an advert in the paper to try and discreetly find a husband who will partner her and stand beside her in this fight. Be careful what you ask for.... she gets a response alright. What results is a love story about finding forgiveness through communication and understanding, opening up your injured heart, and fighting for what is important. Loved this pair!

Second story...The Bashful Bride: Our heroine is Ester. We meet her in the first story and learn about her celebrity crush. Fate arranges things so that she happens to be at an abolition rally when her dream guys happens to giving a soul-stirring speech. Oh my. It turns out, he was set to meet up with her friend in response to her advert. Her loving friend exits the scene, handing off the baton once she realizes this is Ester's chance of a lifetime to get to know her crush. I was wondering if this infatuation would last as Ester gets to know him, or it would be an illusion as she got to know the real man. There was so much substance in this story, with some unexpected obstacles to the relationship. Wow--amazing plot and I loved this one too!
I recommend this to lovers of romance set in a unique, moving background. I adored them! Now, I want to see the results for the other girlfriends' newspaper ads.... more mail order grooms like these 2 should be delightful to meet!

I really enjoyed The Brides of London books by Vanessa Riley. These books were by first two books by this author but they will not be the last. This book is made up of two stories about "blackamoor" women and the white men they love. I admit that I had a little trouble getting into the book because of the language at the beginning of the book. Once I got into the story I really could not put it down. The first story is about Theodosia Cecil, a widow with a son who is going deaf. She puts an advertisement in the paper for a husband and her letter finds its way to an old love she thought was dead. In the second book, Ester Croome has been enfatuated with the actor Arthur Bex for more than two years. When he answers a matrimonial advertisement for Ester's friend, Frederica, Ester steps in and suggests they elope. This was a very good story because it had a good back story. I really can't wait to read Frederica's story after reading these two stories.

I really really wanted to love the two novels in this Regency romance twofer because their premises were so interesting. It's rare to read a historical romance with diverse main characters (BWWM), and being someone who's a member of an underrepresented population in the romance genre, I was practically giddy. Unfortunately, neither story worked for me.

The Bittersweet Bride is a Long Lost Lovers/Parental Machinations-Now I Hate You mashup. Theodosia is a "Blackamoor" who was left in a terrible situation after her secret fiance, an earl's second son, was killed a month after joining the military. She found safety, companionship, and eventually a gentler love with an older gentleman, but after his death, she again finds herself in dire straights. In need of a husband, she places a newspaper ad, and the consequences are unexpected.

A lot of this happens before the story begins (though I believe the author produced a prequel at some point). In the first chapter, Theo runs into a "ghost" in the form of her long-lost and previously dead fiance Ewan. Ewan hates her because he thinks she cheerfully jumped from his bed into her husband's immediately after his death. It never occurs to him that she had good reason.

Anyway, the bulk of the story is I hate you, I missed you, I loved you, I'm not good enough for you, I'll ruin you, I'll save you ... Et cetera. In general, I really liked Theo; she seemed tragic and depressed for most of the story, but understandably so. Her main flaw was seeing anything redeemable about Ewan. Ewan just seemed like such an ass. Both of his parents were just so awful to Theodosia--like life-threateningly awful--but while he stands up for Theo off and on, he seems to quick to write his parents behavior off. They were horrible. (Have I said that already?)

In addition to wishing Ewan's parents had suffered more for their awfulness, I also felt like too much was missing from Theo and Ewan's story. How on earth did a near-illiterate flower seller and an earl's son meet (it's vaguely discussed), and how did their love develop? What did they have in common? Why was it so easy for Ewan to believe the worst of Theo? A prologue, perhaps, would have been helpful.

Oddly, I like Ewan more in the few scenes he has in the second book, The Bashful Bride. This second book follows Ester and Bex. Ester, one of Theo's dearest friends though it's unclear how they met, discovers her father has arranged a marriage for her with the son of a business associate. Ester, though she is both terribly shy and painfully dutiful, refuses to be tied to a womanizing jerk. Fortunately, she runs into Arthur Bex, a famous actor (and vocal abolitionist) she's loved from afar for years. Coincidentally, he's in the market for a bride. The two elope to Gretna Green.

If Ewan was aggravating in the first book, Ester had me gnashing my teeth in the second. She is all over the place--not in how she feels about Bex because that part is constant--but in how she jerks him all over the place: Let's marry, let's not, I'll be bad for you, I hate deceiving my parents, my parents deceived me. Gah. Normally, I love a shy-but-brave heroine, but Ester let me down. I felt sorry for poor Bex.

I really hope to see more romances with such diversity, especially in historical romance. I just wish these two had handled it a bit better

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Two stories about friends who advertise in the papers for husbands. These stories were just not my cup of tea, I didn't connect to the characters and didn't get into their stories. I am not saying they were bad, just not for me.

Wonderful books—deeply moving and full of emotion. I love this series and its depictions of women of color and Black women in particular. We need diverse books! .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This is my first book by Vanessa Riley (or I guess 2!). They were so good!!! The first book is The Bittersweet Bride. Theodosia Cecil is widowed and now that her mourning period is coming to an end, she must find another husband who can protect her and her son. The solution to this has been placing an ad in the newspaper. However, when going to collect these responses she runs into a ghost from her past—her first love whom she was told died in the war. Face to face for the first time in 6 years, Theo and Ewan have to confront their past and the conflicts that came between them in the first place.

The second book is The Bashful Bride. We are introduced to Ester Croome in the previous story as she is one of Theo’s friends. Ester is the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Her father arranges a match for her that she does not want, after all, she’s basically been in love with the actor Arthur Bex from afar for years. All the while, her friend Frederica has also been corresponding with someone to potentially marry via a newspaper ad. Ester accompanies her friend Frederica for her first meeting with the gentleman, who is none other than Arthur. Frederica knows her friend's feelings for the actor and tells them to meet instead. Ester and Arthur decide on a hasty Scotland elopement—she does so to avoid the match her parents want but is still unsure of what really is driving Arthur.

First and foremost, the diversity in these books is amazing! The genre of historical romance lacks diversity in some of the worst ways. Riley was able to incorporate reality, diversity, and plot without straying from the classic factors of the genre that makes it so enjoyable. It was truly amazing to see the way in which Riley was able to include conflicts such as race, discrimination, and class differences while still somehow creating a lighthearted (and FUN) romantic read.

Two stories in one book!

In The Bittersweet Bride: Widow Theodosia Cecil needs a husband and needs one fast to protect her land, so she places an anonymous ad in the paper. She’s delighted she spends her remaining weeks exchanging flirtatious letters with the perfect man... Until she meets him and realizes he’s the son of the man trying to steal her land. It's a fun historical romance. Love the characters here... both main characters are amazing strong characters.

In The Bashful Bride: When sparks fly between timid heiress Ester Croome and a handsome actor, they’re quick to elope. But when she discovers there is so much more to him than meets the eye, in order to save the marriage the shiest woman alive must publicly woo the most desirable man in England…her husband. I love the humour in this book. :) Makes me laugh and smile and laugh again. Something we can always use during the current depressing time.

Another wonderful work by Vanessa Riley. Thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC.

A quick but entertaining collection of 2 Regency romances. If you're at all familiar with Vanessa Riley, you'll know what to expect. Very sexy and steamy.