BLACKTHORNE'S BRIDE

Author: Shana Galen ISBN: 0061124974 11/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency, 1811 England

For better or for worse Tired of being wooed for her dowry, Lady Madeleine Castleigh has given up on finding true love. But on her way to elope with a boring but honorable philanthropist, her carriage is seized by a nobleman on the run. Maddie is alarmed, especially when she catches sight of Jack Martingale, Marquess of Blackthorne, exactly the sort of wickedly attractive man she's sworn to avoid. Chased by a powerful duke with revenge on his mind and a private army in tow, Jack has no choice but to confiscate Madeleine's carriage. He promises to take his leave once they arrive at the wedding in Gretna Green, but he doesn't count on his growing desire for the blue-eyed beauty. When the unexpected appearance of Maddie's father and the mistakes of a drunken priest alter everyone's plans, Maddie is furious—until she discovers that Blackthorne's kisses arouse a passion in her she'd long ago stopped praying for.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in Shana Galen's Misadventures in Matrimony series. BLACKTHORNE'S BRIDE, the next installment in Galen's series, is just as entertaining. It's a fast-paced, witty and very romantic tale featuring Madeleine Castleigh, Ashley Brittany and the Martingale brothers—Jack and Nicholas.

This story takes off right from the start! The four main characters of this story get themselves in so much trouble, and I can't believe how much fun it was to read about their escapades. It all starts when Madeleine decides to elope to Gretna Green and have her plan foiled by her cousin Ashley! I can tell you that Madeleine and Ashley have no idea as to what adventures await them, and did I mention an elopement earlier? I guess I should clear that up and say "elopements" with a drunken priest instead.

What can I say about Jack and Nicholas? I'll take either one, I'm really not picky! Nicholas has gotten himself into quite a quandary with a powerful member of the ton. Lucky for him, he has also gotten his brother, the Marquess of Blackthorne, in trouble, too. When they flee from trouble and find a waiting hackney, they hijack the hackney and head out of town. What Jack and Nicholas don't expect, however, is that the occupants of this carriage are non other than Madeleine and Ashley!

As you can guess, the adventure starts right from there and I could not turn the pages of this book fast enough! I loved the adventure, the banter, the sexual tension, the romance and the ending—which I have to say, was a bit of a surprise.

If you haven't read any of the other books in Shana Galen's Misadventures in Matrimony series, don't worry, BLACKTHORNE'S BRIDE stands alone. If you have had the pleasure of reading the series, than you are absolutely going to love this book!

Julie Kornhausl