Lydia has been a wallflower the past ten years, ever since Gabriel St. Clair asked her to wait for him--and then began ignoring her letters, and pretended their past didn't matter to him when he returned. He's been back a while now, and they're no closer to rekindling what they had--that is, until Lydia catches him rifling through the host's desk at a party, and enlists a friend's help to solve the cryptogram she memorized from his notebook.
Now that she knows he's a spy--and now that his former targets have connected the two of them--there's only one solution Gabriel and his superior can think of to keep her safe: make good on his decade-old promise to marry her, and hide her in one of his properties where she'll be guarded at all time.
But Lydia is struggling with a marriage that sometimes feels all to real to a man that she loves; a marriage that something contains more distance than when he was actually gone.

A Bride By Morning is a fun historical romance spy drama that deals with multiple types of betrayal and has a good (though not overly detailed) representation of PTSD. I did wish there were a little more of Gabriel coming to Lydia/making the first move--I would have loved for that to be a part of his arc, but I do think his hesitation was realistic, with everything he's been through.
Overall I really loved this book and am excited to read more by Katrina Kendrick.

A great read, Bridgerton meets James Bond, a refreshing change from just your standard regency romance.

A Bride by Morning was my first read from Kendrick and while it was a solid classic historical romance, it wasn't a super strong book in total. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, fiction relies on suspension of disbelief and I am 100% here for it, but I do have a few quibbles with the novel.

I really liked:
* The espionage subplot- Romance plus mystery/thriller is a super fun combination.
* The smart protagonist- Lydia is unapologetically, and without fanfare, smarter than Gabriel and her ability to keep up instead of being a damsel in distress was a subtle twist that I appreciated despite the overall lack of character depth
* Marriage of Convenience is a trope I adore and when combined with a Second Chance at Love, you bet I am going enjoy that!

I didn't really like:
* The trope that a damaged man will be saved by the emotional and physical labor of the right woman while doing no work for personal growth himself is not my bag
* The cast of supporting characters felt flat- This may be because I am not familiar with the larger world of the series, but the friends and family did not add much for me
* I didn't really feel the chemistry, possibly because Lydia and Gabriel has no personalities beyond "tragically changed boy swanning about being tragic" and "bookworm who cancelled her entire life for a boy." This also made the spice feel kind of bland and the attempts at mild kink didn't really hit because it was all just a foil for Tragic Boy to be tragic.

This one was a genre classic with an enjoyable subplot that despite it not being 100% my jam would still be a super fun summer read.

Having not read the previous books in this series I didn't really know what to expect. This was also the first book by this author that I have read so I really didn't know what to expect of the writing style. This lack of expectations probably worked in my favor because I could just sit back and enjoy the discovery of a new author and series. I was instantly invested in Lydia as a character. I knew that Gabriel was going to do something to hurt her so he had to work a little harder for my affections. After getting to know more about his past I could understand why he felt he had to let Lydia go, but he could have done it in a better way. He's frustrating because he could have written to her at any point in his years away to tell her to let him go, that he wouldn't be coming back to marry her but he didn't - as a reader it's clear that he subconsciously held out hope that he could still have her. I was glad that even though Lydia had given up her chance of possibly finding another partner she did not become meek or a shell of herself. She was pretty kick-ass when she needed to be. I loved every time she stood up to Gabriel when he was trying to push her away or offered to help him through his tougher moments - one of my favorite scenes was when she confronted him after learning about the job offer. Another favorite Lydia moment was when she didn't sit back and wait to be saved and actually took steps to save herself. I cannot wait to read more from this author - maybe some more on Callahan? (Hopefully).

Okay okay I was suckered in by “Bridgerton meets Victorian James Bond” and to be honest, the vibes are there. Lydia is considered an old maid at 27 (girl same) having been spurned by her childhood love, Gabriel St. Clair. Gabriel had sword to marry her ten years prior, when he returned from service in Europe, but he came back a changed man, and left Lydia to suffer the consequences.
Honestly, starting this book I thought Gabriel was an absolute dick. I studied Victorian literature at university and anyone know has ever seen a Jane Austen movie knows: if he tells you to wait for him, he’s a lying liar who lies. My heart ached for Lydia, who had kept her promise when her man hadn’t.
HOWEVER, this author managed to portray PTSD in a pretty sensitive way, and even though we never truly find out the extent of the horrific things Gabriel did, we know they messed him up pretty bad. He and Lydia have to work through this, on top of the lurking threat resurfacing from Gabriel’s past, and it makes for a fairly engaging storYline.
That being said, the smut totally ripped me out of the moment. I get that the author wanted to use era specific wording but the repetitions of ‘cunny’, ‘quim’ and ‘curse of a girl’ were just… jarring. Not a fan. Had the potential to be very hot but I immediately got the ick when Gabriel was describing Lydia’s ‘glistening cunny.’ Not for me, sorry!
Aside for that, it was pretty solid, quick read!

Love it!

It was angsty but with good reason and a bit grittier than some historical romance. I really enjoyed that part!

I really enjoyed the characters and was invested in their story. There is a certain secondary character that I really hope gets his own love story.

Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it was a great second-chance romance. If you enjoy Regency romance with a little steam and a bit reminiscent of Persuasion (with an assassin) this is your book!

This was such an interesting read! I found myself so engrossed in the story, the characters had such incredible arcs, and I can't wait to follow this author's journey!

A Bride by Morning
by Katrina Kendrick
Publisher: Aria & Aries
Series: Private Arrangements Book 3
Rated:2
Obtain: Pass
Back of the Book: “He is a heartbreaker...
Gabriel St. Clair, the Earl of Montgomery, has a reputation for being the most charming gentleman in London. But to Miss Lydia Cecil, he is the man who jilted her and shattered her heart. Gabriel would rather Lydia hate him than learn the truth: he's spent the last ten years as a British spy—and his enemies are closing in.
She is a wallflower...
Lydia has settled into a life as a companion for her elderly aunt. But when she witnesses Gabriel gather intelligence on a foreign enemy, she's suddenly thrown into his dangerous, bloody game of espionage. To save her life, Gabriel is forced to marry the girl he once abandoned.
As husband and wife match wits, their greatest threat may not be the assassins on their heels, but learning to set aside their pasts or risk losing their love for good...”

Impressions: This was not the book for me. I did not get very far into this book before I had to put it aside. It uses the LORDS name in vain and talks intimately about sex. This doesn’t bother everyone, but it is not something I enjoy.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordpress.com

I enjoyed this book and especially enjoyed the crime side of things but I just didn't feel a connection between Lydia and Gabriel.

Individually, I like both characters, I just didn't feel like there was any real spark between them. I thought that Callahan and Lydia actually had more going for them than Gabriel and Lydia.

That being said, I have not read a book by this author before but really enjoyed the way the story was told and the added thrill of the Syndicate and I would definitely read another book by this author.

4.5/5

This book was just WOW 🤩 . I forget how masterful Elizabeth May’s writing is, she has a gift to keep you hanging on her every word. The way she writes tension of all kinds is enthralling, and this book proved that.

This book ticks so many of my boxes:
✅ Heroes names Gabriel (if you know, you know)
✅ Mutual Pining (and I mean it with a capital P)
✅ Tortured hero
✅ Sweet heroine who is the furthest thing from a doormat
✅ Angst
✅ Plot where the stakes are actually high
✅ Complex and flawed characters

As a hero, Gabriel was so captivating. The way he switches from charismatic to aloof depending on who he is around was such good characterization, and shows the depth of how his experiences have shaped him. The FMC Lydia was so well matched for him because she didn’t take any of his bullshit but still led with empathy. The way she fought for their relationship and her happiness was so rewarding to read. Both of the characters added so much to each other’s lives and it made me believe in and root for their HEA 🥰🥰

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book!

A Bride by Morning was a quick read with good tension between the main characters and an enjoyable storyline. We start off with Gabriel leaving Lydia temporarily as a 2nd son of an Earl to work as an ambassador temporarily and asking Lydia to await his return. Fast forward 7 years and Gabriel comes back a completely different man with no intentions to marry - ever. Then Lydia learns his secret which puts her life in danger. To protect her, Gabriel marries Lydia, but plans to keep his distance. Of course, that doesn’t work out quite how he planned….

There’s a secondary character, Wentworth, and Lady Darby, Lydia’s aunt, the author did a good of giving them life. I would love for them to somehow come together and find love for a second time as widowers.

Overall - 4 stars
I enjoyed the read and would read from this author again as well as recommend the book. There were a few errors here and there, but not enough to put me off.

I received this book for free as an advanced reader for my honest review.

Gabriel told Lydia to wait for him. She did. For lo seven years. And when he came back he didn’t want to see her. Lydia was heartbroken. And that is where our story begins. The stakes couldn’t be higher when danger is lurking.

I really liked this book. Gabriel is one of those heroes who can’t own up to his feelings and treats the heroine bad because of it. We can’t just help but love them can’t we? Lydia even after her heart was broken by Gabriel, she is smart and knows her worth. She is determined to teach Gabriel he is worthy of love, her love.

The stakeThank you NetGalley for the ARC.

A full on period romance with some intrigue, action and a bit of spice.

The characters are well written and i loved their story with a little bit of fire that added a lot of chemistry

There were action scenes that i enjoyed that added to the suspense

The love scenes were intense and full of love and romance

I will continue to read more from this author and look foreword to it.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy for an honest review

"A Bride by Morning" by Katerina Kendrick is a delightful and engaging Regency romance that transports readers to a world of elegance, wit, and blossoming love. With its captivating characters and well-crafted storyline, this book is a treat for fans of historical romance.

One of the highlights of "A Bride by Morning" is Kendrick's ability to bring the Regency era to life with vivid and meticulous detail. From the opulent ballrooms to the charming countryside, the author's descriptions immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and social nuances of the time. The period-accurate language and manners add an authentic touch, making it easy to become fully absorbed in the story.

The characters in this novel are both compelling and well-developed. The protagonists, Lady Arabella and Lord Nathaniel, are multi-dimensional and undergo personal growth throughout the book. Arabella's intelligence and determination make her a refreshing and relatable heroine, while Nathaniel's charm and integrity make him an irresistible romantic lead. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with tension and tender moments that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Kendrick weaves an intricate web of secrets, misunderstandings, and societal expectations that adds depth and complexity to the plot. The pacing is well-maintained, with a balance between tender moments, dramatic twists, and the gradual unfolding of the protagonists' relationship. The secondary characters, including friends and family members, contribute to the story's richness and provide additional layers of intrigue.

Furthermore, the author's writing style is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the Regency era. Kendrick's prose flows smoothly, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. The dialogue is witty and entertaining, reflecting the social customs and banter of the time. It is a testament to the author's skill that the dialogue feels natural and engaging, allowing readers to become fully invested in the characters' conversations and interactions.

While "A Bride by Morning" is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it does have a few minor shortcomings. Some readers may find certain plot developments predictable or familiar within the genre. Additionally, a few secondary characters could have been further developed to enhance their impact on the story.

In conclusion, "A Bride by Morning" is a captivating Regency romance that offers a delightful escape into a world of love, intrigue, and societal expectations. Katerina Kendrick's attention to detail, compelling characters, and engaging writing style make this novel a standout in the genre. Despite a few minor flaws, this book is highly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts seeking an enchanting and satisfying read.

Thannks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A wallflower gets a second chance at love with her childhood sweetheart. He’s doing everything he can to keep her away from his life of danger. To protect her they must marry quickly. He still continues to try and avoid her, even though he’s fully obsessed with her.

This one is steamy and borderlines on crude. I think he story could have progressed without the steam level.

Katrina is a very modern writer! This book was historical with a modern feel and I wasn’t able to like Gabriel at all. He was a cheater who was involved with other women ( technically after their breakup) so that no pining to me.

Lydia forgave super easily and kept lining for Gabriel’s attention even though he should have groveled a lot more than what he did.

It should have been very angsty but it wasn’t at all. Felt dumb at places and there were many sex scenes which were portrayed emotional or angsty but were just sad and weird.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisgers for this ARC.

Lydia and Gabriel had the promise of a future together until Gabriel went away to further his diplomatic career and was never heard from again; until the day he showed back up in society and dashed all of Lydia’s dreams at the same time. When his past comes back and forces him to bring Lydia back into his life, it’s not all the joyful reunion she hoped for. Full of suspense, banter, and passion, I loved this book. Thank you to Katrina Kendrick (Elizabeth May) and Aria & Aries for the NetGalley eArc.

This one wasn't it for me. The angst created by slights is related in flashbacks, which significantly dulls their impact and doesn't at all create the kind of romantic tension between Gabriel and Lydia that I was looking for.

A lot of blame for Lydia's choices were laid at Gabriel's door—her decision to wait for him even after he stopped writing to her, her reputation as an ice queen—and I didn't agree. How could I be sympathetic to a character made so dumb by her own stubbornness? Like... Really? And Gabriel meanwhile came across as a moody edgelord. There was no emotional connection between them; they're very melodramatic and hyperbolic.

There also wasn't much of a sense of time and place. It's set in the latter Victorian era, but it might've been last year at a costume ball. Not one I'd recommend for historical romance.

another book that i was drawn to because of the absolutely stunning cover. and also because im a sucker for a regency romance. and this did not disappoint! i read it in two days and have no regrets.

to start with and get out the way, i didn’t realise this was part of a series (except its not really a series, it’s more like all the books are intertwined i think) and since i haven’t read any of the other books, i can’t comment on how they tie together or anything like that. it’s completely my own fault. that said, this is perfectly fine as a standalone! i realise that i probably missed some references but the book is strong and works anyway.

i really enjoyed the romance. as someone who loves angst, i was in my element. it’s all beautifully written with the leading couple (gabriel and lydia) being strongly focused on and have a fully developed storyline, ending with a sweet epilogue that wraps it all up nicely. they knew each other, loved eachother as children but ten years later they are thrown back into each others lives - for reasons i won’t get into because i don’t want to spoil anything. between past history and the current ongoings, their story is never boring and though the book is only just over 200 pages, it moves quickly and has a lot of action throughout.

individually, the characters are likeable - particularly lydia. lydia is a strong and resilient lead, who stands up for herself but shows emotion regularly. through the tougher times, she remains herself and stands her ground and it was just really beautiful to see the way she fought for gabriel and their love. i loved her.

i really do recommend this to anyone who enjoys a regancy romance, or even just a romance.

This is one of my new favorites. This regency romance is so full of life and sparks. The writingbis wonderful and the story line and characters are just on point. I will be reading the previous 2 books from Katrins Kendrick.
I just reviewed A Bride by Morning by Katrina Kendrick. #ABrideByMorning #NetGalley
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