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rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
3.0
The story was a little long winded for me. I thought the plot had some exciting entertainment to it. There were moments that pulled me into the book, but then there were moments that was narration of other topics that are not focused on the couple, Antatoloe. Madeline. The character that I liked was Hattie. She kept madeleine her toes. The entertainment of the book wasn’t there for me.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
renataab's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a fun read
gonturans's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a fantasy gothic histrom and BOY HOWDY I HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!
reginaexmachina's review against another edition
4.0
The Bride Finder is about the St. Leger family, specifically Anatole St. Leger the current head of the family. The St. Leger family however is not your typical family. It traces it's lineage to a particular man who's as mysterious and enigmatic as his successors. Almost everyone in the family is gifted with a strange power or ability including Anatole. His particular gifts include dark visions of things in the future and the ability to move people and objects with his mind. He's managed to live alone and unbothered by most of society until his legacy leaves him no choice but to use the Bride Finder. The men in the St. Leger family are said to have only one woman to love and marry for life, only to be found by the current Bride Finder. And eventually Anatole caves and decides to set the Bride Finder out to find his own wife. Who the Bride Finder returns with is nothing like Anatole expected though, and neither is Anatole to his expectant bride.
This book is really moody and atmospheric. It's very much in the same vein as books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Jane Eyre. The heroine comes up to large imposing building owned by a mysterious enigmatic owner with a dark past. My only complaint is I feel like it needed to be longer and I thought the big scene at the end felt rushed. It was still highly enjoyable nonetheless and sucked me in from the first few pages.
This book is really moody and atmospheric. It's very much in the same vein as books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Jane Eyre. The heroine comes up to large imposing building owned by a mysterious enigmatic owner with a dark past. My only complaint is I feel like it needed to be longer and I thought the big scene at the end felt rushed. It was still highly enjoyable nonetheless and sucked me in from the first few pages.
shantastic's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, Anatole St. Leger. You are so emo. It is so very hard to take you seriously, but I love you anyway.
This book has the feel of a Gothic. Young innocent girl moves from the big city to a mysterious castle. There are servants who don't like her much, and the master of the castle, our hero, kind of reminds me of the Beast in the Disney movie. Only more emo.
Basically, Anatole had a terrible childhood, which, combined with his being a St. Leger *thunder boom* means that he feels he is just too unsafe for any woman. When he sends the ancient Bride Finder to find is destined mate, he gives the man a list of qualities, none of which Madeline Bretton fits. In fact, she is the polar opposite of what he thinks his ideal mate should be. But Madeline isn't intimidated by the whole St. Leger *lightning flash* legend, and she's inherently cheerful and practical, exactly the sort of woman our hero needs. Watching these two come together is great fun. I especially loved watching them struggle through their marital relations, especially given that Grandpa St. Leger *thunder crash* kept *his* destined bride in the bedchamber for three days. Anatole cannot hope to compete with that.
At times, I found the writing a bit overwrought, but it fit the Gothic theme, so I really didn't mind. The characters were such fun, and I enjoyed watching Madeline discover what it means to be wed to a St. Leger *rain pelts* man.
bookaddict101's review against another edition
1.0
Hello Bookworms, it's been a while!! Today I feel like giving spoilers so no secrecy today........ Sorry.
Okay, lets start with the basics this is a historical romance with a hint of paranormal activity. Our two main characters Anatole St. Leger and his newly wed bride Madeline. Anatole is the lord of a castle by the sea away from any civilization (besides a nearby village). The lord (Anatole) has mystical powers like all the member of his family for many generations. In the St. Leger family all family members have a true mate (not the actually the name for it, don't quote me) ;) When they get this urge or instinct to mate with someone they all go to the Bride Finder! The bride finder has the ability to find and identify what bride or groom from anywhere in the world. Said groom or bride will build and eventually have a life full of happiness, love, compassion, passion, honesty, and relief. Madeline, a daughter of a wealthy (but going bankrupt) family is the mated bride of Anatole St. Leger.
(If you can still follow after all THAT then you are a godsend!! So much da*n information)
Anyway here we go ....again.
Madeline makes it to his castle after a long journey and is welcomed with a rude unwelcome greeting. Turns out the bride finder told her a pretty lie about a scholar prince who would respect her ideals, loves to read, and degrades and belittles her body (blatantly). Over time they continue to at best tolerate each other (mostly avoiding each other). They get married at a church in town (a really sad and depressing wedding... crickets in the audience, wait I lie only two people. Two complete strangers. Sad!) Time passes again and they finally start to get a long. She begins to have feelings for him, eventually love. Same for him and they live happily ever after.... Until an old enemy's relative comes back into the St. Leger's lives. There is a bump in the road but hey what a love story without one. Or two. Or three. Okay a few but look on the bright side an HEA ending and love!! Luckily they win and they end up with two son (don't get too excited you don't see the babies or her protruding belly. Anatole tells her. Pity) That is the end.
Now people the reason I rated this book one star is not because of the writing of the author I rather enjoyed her diverse vocabulary and intriguing analogies. However, when it came to the overall plot of the story not as intricate or fulfilling as I imagined it to be. The plot was a let down but her writing was exquisite! I do recommend people to read this book so they can gain their own opinion of the book. Don't take my review as the reason you don't read it. I write my reviews so that I can remember what the book was in my own words. Plus it is nice to type silly side comments throughout my reviews!!
That's all for this review see ya BOOKWORMS!!!
P.S. As you can probably tell I left a lot of holes in my reviews guess I felt like a little secrecy was necessary. Ohhh my subconscious, what joy you are!!!
Okay, lets start with the basics this is a historical romance with a hint of paranormal activity. Our two main characters Anatole St. Leger and his newly wed bride Madeline. Anatole is the lord of a castle by the sea away from any civilization (besides a nearby village). The lord (Anatole) has mystical powers like all the member of his family for many generations. In the St. Leger family all family members have a true mate (not the actually the name for it, don't quote me) ;) When they get this urge or instinct to mate with someone they all go to the Bride Finder! The bride finder has the ability to find and identify what bride or groom from anywhere in the world. Said groom or bride will build and eventually have a life full of happiness, love, compassion, passion, honesty, and relief. Madeline, a daughter of a wealthy (but going bankrupt) family is the mated bride of Anatole St. Leger.
(If you can still follow after all THAT then you are a godsend!! So much da*n information)
Anyway here we go ....again.
Madeline makes it to his castle after a long journey and is welcomed with a rude unwelcome greeting. Turns out the bride finder told her a pretty lie about a scholar prince who would respect her ideals, loves to read, and degrades and belittles her body (blatantly). Over time they continue to at best tolerate each other (mostly avoiding each other). They get married at a church in town (a really sad and depressing wedding... crickets in the audience, wait I lie only two people. Two complete strangers. Sad!) Time passes again and they finally start to get a long. She begins to have feelings for him, eventually love. Same for him and they live happily ever after.... Until an old enemy's relative comes back into the St. Leger's lives. There is a bump in the road but hey what a love story without one. Or two. Or three. Okay a few but look on the bright side an HEA ending and love!! Luckily they win and they end up with two son (don't get too excited you don't see the babies or her protruding belly. Anatole tells her. Pity) That is the end.
Now people the reason I rated this book one star is not because of the writing of the author I rather enjoyed her diverse vocabulary and intriguing analogies. However, when it came to the overall plot of the story not as intricate or fulfilling as I imagined it to be. The plot was a let down but her writing was exquisite! I do recommend people to read this book so they can gain their own opinion of the book. Don't take my review as the reason you don't read it. I write my reviews so that I can remember what the book was in my own words. Plus it is nice to type silly side comments throughout my reviews!!
That's all for this review see ya BOOKWORMS!!!
P.S. As you can probably tell I left a lot of holes in my reviews guess I felt like a little secrecy was necessary. Ohhh my subconscious, what joy you are!!!
celebrin's review against another edition
4.0
During the pandemic I've been rereading. I started rereading books that I hadn't reread in a long while. I grabbed this and found myself sucked in. I really enjoyed this and now have to see what other Susan Carroll books I have.
lizshayne's review against another edition
2.0
I spend an almost shameful amount of time on the lookout for readable romantic fantasy novels. This one definitely isn't bad. It was a good story, decently plotted, although it suffered from the usual problem of manufacturing a majority of the drama because the characters don't speak to one another. Also, the premise for the characters falling in love was a little weak (yes, everyone wants to have really good sex with a tall, dark and brooding man, we know).
Still, it was a fun read and I'm glad I picked it up. Now I have to pass it on to my sister, who is the true judge of bodice rippers.
Still, it was a fun read and I'm glad I picked it up. Now I have to pass it on to my sister, who is the true judge of bodice rippers.