THERE GOES THE BRIDE

Author: Lori Wilde ISBN: 0446618454 3/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: WARNER

Legend claims this antique Irish wedding veil can grant your heart's deepest desire. But be careful what you wish for… THERE GOES THE BRIDE The moment Texas socialite Delaney Cartwright touches the veil, she knows she can't go through with her wedding. And it's not just because she envisions a stranger's dark eyes and irresistible lips the second her fingers hit lace. But she can't simply call the whole thing off. The nuptials to her nice, predictable childhood friend are the social event of the season (not to mention that her mother would freak). To fan the flames of this dying ember, Delaney abducts her fiancé for a night of passion…and grabs the wrong guy! It isn't her fault that Detective Nick Vinetti of the oddly familiar eyes and lips has crossed her path-and looks game for all kinds of sexy fun. Now Delaney hatches an outrageous plan to get out of marrying: she'll hire her own kidnapper. With an altar to avoid and a cop to dream of, this runaway bride is hoping a little Irish magic will unveil the true destiny of her heart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I thought THERE GOES THE BRIDE was an intriguing story with lots of potential. I thoroughly adored Delaney. I could see her as the debutante who had never spread her wings, and still allowed Mom to run her life. I enjoyed the part of the story dealing with the antique wedding veil with magical powers and loved the matchmaking grandmother and her friend.

The romance between Delaney and Nick is top-notch and the highlight of this book. If only the flaws weren't so glaring! The ghostly dream incantations of Delaney's dead sister were bizarre. I understood why they were a part of the story, but they were troubling to me. I would have liked to have seen those conversations presented a bit differently. I found the revelations of Delaney's mom's background a bit too far-fetched. I wanted to just shrug it off as inconsequential, except it plays a pivotal role in the plot. I'm not sure anyone could suspend their disbelief long enough to accept that part of the story.

THERE GOES THE BRIDE is one of those books you finish thinking, "It could have been so great, but." Hopefully, the next book in the series will more than make up for this disappointing read.

Kendra Patterson