Who Will Win the Bride?

Alaric is shipwrecked on an island and finds himself vying for the hand of Lady Beatrice. He and the other bachelors at the house party must compete to win her hand. There is a treasure hunt, some intrigue, family drama, and a bit of treachery to keep the reader entertained. Does Alaric win Lady Beatrice's hand? His reputation might get in the way, but is there more to his story? I enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to what this author writes next.

A lovely entertaining read. I hadn't read the others in the series but didn't feel this mattered at all. The book is well written and moves along at a good pace and has a tiny bit of intrigue and suspense thrown in for good measure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the latest book in the series and can be read as a stand alone story from the others. This is a fleshed out, reverse gender version of the Princess and the Pea. Alaric Redhaven, the second son of an Earl, was exiled to South America, to seek his fortune as a diplomat, after a failed engagement, and scandal, which lead to his family casting him out. But Alaric was not cut of the right cloth to be a diplomat and was being sent back to England when he and the crew are caught up in a terrible storm in the Irish Sea, causing them to be cast ashore on the Isle of Claddach.

Alaric is saved from drowning, and brought to the home of the Earl of Claddach. The household is already in an uproar because they were hosting a very unusual house party, with many of the guests picked to participate in an unusual challenge, for the hand of the daughter of the Earl, Lady Beatrice Collister. She is his heir and will become the Countess on his passing, as his only child. She has learned at his side how to care for their people and the future of the island. She has learned well how to lead, and the manage, taking on many of the duties already of the household, and working beside her father. She has disdained a London season. But the Earl has become ill, and wants to find a worthy mate for his daughter, and to see to the future of their line, and the island, before he dies.

The house party includes a number of men, who fit the criteria the Earl has set out. Alaric finds himself part of the party. The eligible men are told that they will be given trials and judged by their success at them, and the winner will have the opportunity to win Bea's hand in marriage. Alaric had no intention of wedding, having had bad experiences in affairs of the heart before. But being adrift from his family, and with no real path for his future, he realizes this is a wonderful opportunity for a solid future for himself, especially as he finds Beatrice to be very attractive, intelligent, and likeable.

Beatrice agrees to the house party and the trials not because she is eager to marry, but she is aware of her father's illness and his wish for her to be married and settled. She is somewhat skeptical and resentful, being aware that she is more than capable of managing the duties of the earldom, and not wanting to wed someone who would see her for what her true worth is, and be a true partner to her.

I really enjoyed this story because of the various layers to it. It was the love story of Alaric and Beatrice, with the princess and the pea theme. But each of the trials/clues to the greater quest also referenced classis stories as well, and each of them some kind of tale related to love as well. Alaric proved his worthiness not just by meeting the challenges and finding the clues, but also by demonstrating his honesty, respect, and humility to Beatrice, her father, and the islanders. There were challenges, beyond the competition of the trials set in front of Beatrice and Alaric as well. One was that her own mother and aunt were conspiring against her and trying to match her to a conceited cousin, whom both her father, and Beatrice herself find wholly unacceptable. Also, Alaric's own family challenges and his past scandal comes into play, causing him a great deal of distress, and threatening Beatrice's growing trust and regard for him.

This story flowed very nicely and was an enjoyable read for me, with the various relationships in the story, including Alaric and Bea, but also the friendships that Alaric develops, and some of the resolution of Alaric's family issues. I especially enjoyed the scavenger hunt that the Earl of Claddach sets out as part of the quest, and how the clues are laid out and resolved. I found this a very charming story with all the different elements.

4.5 stars out of 5

I love this book!! It is very similar to the children’s adaptation by Karen Kingsbury. This is one of my favorite fairy tales. This adaptation of Jude Knight is my favorite Adult adaptation. Wonderful endearing and just overall a tremendous fairy tale for the Rengency minded.
He is not even suppose to be there but an accident has him stuck until his brother returns his plea for help. She has to find a husband before her father dies and he has decided that the newcomer is more than welcome to participate and join in the trials. So exciting! Everything from beginning to end is romantic and well written by Jude Knight! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

Alaric Redhaven was on his way home from Brazil (where he was asked to leave for causing diplomatic hiccups) when a storm struck, and he was washed ashore on the Isle of Claddach. Lady Beatrice Collister, daughter of the Earl of Claddach, saw the shipwreck and went help with the rescue. Alaric was taken back to the castle and cared for. When he awoke, he discovered that he was invited to participate in the house party in progress at the castle. The earl has devised a set of twelve trials to find a gentleman worthy of becoming his daughter’s husband and consort when she becomes the Countess of Claddach. This is a wonderful story. Alaric and Bea are immediately attracted to each other, and become more so as the party and the trials progress. Most of the characters are likeable. Cousin Beverly was not. He took great pleasure in creating chaos and causing trouble. The trials are particularly clever; the participants expected to complete each one and be able to explain what was learned from it. There is some drama, a few secrets and misunderstandings. There is also fun, a reunion of brothers, and more than one happily ever after. The story is quite engaging, and the epilogue is brilliant.
I received a special copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Life can bring many changes and surprises. Alaric is having issues with his family. He is sent to Brazil as part of a English delegation. Then on the way home his ship sinks near the Earl of Claddach's island home where a house party is going on with trials to hopefully be selected to wed Lady Beatrice Collister, the Earl's daughter.
This was such a great story! So many great characters with different personalities and perspectives. Alaric decides to join the different trials and competitions. His kindness, honesty and helpful attitude to others stand out among the other competitors for Lady Bea's hand. Not only will the winner be the husband of Lady Bea, he will also play a supporting role for Lady Bea as she holds the title Countess of Claddech. Everyone on the island is interested in who will be selected as Lady Bea's husband.
There were so many different twists and turns to the story that I was not expecting which made this a book I won't forget.
I received this as an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and Net Galley.

A sweet strangers to lovers story with plenty of romance, action, suspense, a little danger, a few hinted love scenes, very likable protagonists and an interesting mix of side haracters. Alaric is a sweetheart who is honorable and caring and Bea a strong, dutiful FMC. I really liked how they worked together and how their relationship developed over the course of the book. I also enjoyed the trials, which had double meanings and proved that sometimes the way to achieve a goal is more important than the goal itself.

When his ship sinks near the Isle of Claddach on his voyage home from Brazil to England, Alaric Redhaven manages to save himself on shore, where he is brought unconscious to her father's castle by Lady Beatrice Collister.
Bea is the daughter of the Earl of Claddach and being an only child, his heiress and the future Countess of Claddach in her own right. So far, Bea has had no interest in getting married. She prefers to help her father manage the estates. But when her father becomes terminally ill, she decides to fulfil his wish and find a husband. However, as she can't make up her mind, her father holds a house party and the potential suitors have to pass 12 trials to prove their worthiness and abilities and Bea agrees to choose a husband among the three best.
Alaric is fascinated by Bea and as he has no future prospects as a spare, he decides to take part in the trials and the treasure hunt. However, he has to prove himself against his fellow competitors, find the treasure and and win Bea's heart...

Overall, an enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

The Trials of Alaric by Jude Knight is a Twist Upon A Regency Tale story. Alaric Redhaven found himself on a sinking ship after being expelled from Brazil by his uncle. His father’s dream of him being a diplomat had upended in spectacular fashion. He had been sent there after accusation had been made against him, unjustly, and his father had sought to remove him. Lady Beatrice Collister was the daughter of the Earl of Claddach, an island holding on the coast of northern England. She, against her family’ wishes, always dressed as a boy and answered the ringing of the bells when a ship had gone aground. Many were there for the spoils, but also to help anyone who survived. This is how they met. It took several days for Alaric to rise to full consciousness. Even then he walked slowly from his injuries. Meanwhile in the house, there was a house party afoot. One from which Lady Bea was to choose a husband. But, the pickings were lean. There were to be trials, from which the earl and Bea could hone their choices and learn about the available men.

Alaric was a second son and not a feckless as many assumed, as he would prove in spectacular fashion. Bea was strong and independent, lookin forward to being the Lady of Claddach, except for her father dying, which was somewhat imminent. The whole the thing was immensely entertaining as the men competed, some even becoming friends, some finding their own loves. The Collister family proved to be stronger than they appeared, Bea, most of all. Alaric joined the trials, at first not really caring. He had to leave, and miss three of them, for the best of reasons. But, Bea never lost hope. Jude Knight knows how to weave a tale.

I was invited to read The Trials of Alaric by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JudeKnight #TheTrialsOfAlaric

A fun romance filled with a twists and turns. Alaric must compete for the hand of Bea. He is the second son looking for his path and purpose in life. Bea is an Irish heiress who is destined to rule. With various family members interfering in the process, this story is evenly paced, engaging and entertaining. The characters have depth and come across as realistic. A very creative story.

Alaric has been struggling with his family and trying to find his place in life.
After his latest adventures and mishaps, he finds himself on an island competing for the hand of Bea.
Bea wants to fulfill her destiny and duty to keep the island prosperous and produce heirs.
Alaric is new to the competition trials but she is drawn to him.
A fun romance as we go through the trials and puzzle solving.
A few twists to the trials, family interference, and Bea’s father final decision on who is deserving of Bea.
Enjoyable easy read.

This story moved along at a good pace. There was plenty of action to keep my interest until the end. Alaric was such an honourable man, who as a second son, had not received the love and care from his father that he should have. Lady Beatrice is a very capable lady, who is ready to become the Lady of her island. I found the trials devised by her father for her suitors, to be interesting and the treasure hunt clues were very tasking. There are quite a mix of characters and events from Alaric’s past may spoil things for him. This was an engaging read that I enjoyed very much. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Alaric Redhaven is shipwrecked on the Isle of Claddach in the Irish Sea, he finds himself attending a most unusual house party. The Earl of Claddach is holding a set of trials to discover a worthy man to marry his only daughter, Lady Beatrice Collister. Bea, is committed to choosing a husband who will be her consort when she is the island's countess. Alaric & Bea are immediately attracted to each other & he decides to enter the trials.
This was a lovely romance, the characters are a delight from the honourable, caring Alaric to the egotistical Beverly. I loved both Alaric & Bea & loved how their relationship grew & deepened. The trials were well thought out & highlighted the characters of the participants. There was drama, secrets & quite a few secondary romances, I loved how everything was resolved. An engrossing wonderful tale.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This was an exciting and well written love story. There was so much drama, action, intrigue, and suspense that included a shipwreck, family trouble, a terrible illness, a competition for a unique prize, a death, and so many more emotional issues, including physical ans other abuse mentioned that kept me highly entertained. I enjoyed how it kept me engaged with wondering what would happen next and how things would end. The main characters were intelligent, determined, and strong-willed. The ending was wonderful and absolutely perfect. I highly recommend reading!

This is the story of Bea, heir to the Earl of Claddach, and second son, Alaric. It is a dual POV closed door romance.

I enjoyed the sense of community and the love that the islanders had for Bea and her family.

However, this book was not for me. I found some of the POV switches confusing. I also found myself skipping over long pieces of text describing inconsequential things in great detail.

The book included some adventure and intrigue but they resolved themselves too easily.

Take one second son of a Duke, who is conscientious but seemingly unneeded. Add in a lovey young heiress who needs a consort husband and must find one among a house party organized by her parents. Add in a determined, dying father, a scheming cousin, loyal staff and villagers, an estranged twin and you have this take on The Princess and the Pea. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Alaric is considerate, caring and smart. Bea is independent, intelligent, and deeply cares about the land and the people she will lead when her father passes. While attracted to each other, before they can act on their feelings, Alaric must participate in and succeed at contests designed by Bea's father, as well as solve riddles. How this happens, who helps and who hinders, blooming romances, a kidnapping, and more fill this tale. It was hard to put down so be prepared for a possible reading marathon once you begin!

Thank you for an early copy! I believe this is the last book of the series? I enjoyed the regency romance storyline with a sea setting. I look forward from more stories from thos author

So far, I’ve read all the stories in this series. They are all lighthearted light reading which fits my desire to wind down after busy days. This was cute and charming read.