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kit_cat55's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
2.0
*sigh*
Must I really say how tired I am of men's bullshit?
Gosh, why is it so difficult to say what they truly feel? Especially when they already know that the women by their side love them!
Well, this book is nothing special.
I picked it up because of the Christmas theme, since I am a bit nostalgic today and I felt like sitting here in my couch, with my warm blanket, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book that made me feel cozy.
Though, I did indeed feel the Christmas ambiance of the book, it didn't leave me with a sense of longing or some sort of other strong emotion.
Sure, there was a time or two when I felt something more than that but nothing really remarkable.
Must I really say how tired I am of men's bullshit?
Gosh, why is it so difficult to say what they truly feel? Especially when they already know that the women by their side love them!
Well, this book is nothing special.
I picked it up because of the Christmas theme, since I am a bit nostalgic today and I felt like sitting here in my couch, with my warm blanket, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book that made me feel cozy.
Though, I did indeed feel the Christmas ambiance of the book, it didn't leave me with a sense of longing or some sort of other strong emotion.
Sure, there was a time or two when I felt something more than that but nothing really remarkable.
lisajo85's review
4.0
If you are looking for an engaging and riveting read for this holiday season, pick up Vanessa Kelly's HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE. Romance readers will be delighted to discover a beautiful story about a most unlikely couple.
Phoebe Linville is leaving her stifling Quaker lifestyle to travel across the ocean to England in order to finally be united with her grandfather. Eager at the chance to finally meet her mother's family, she can't help but pray they love her. One of the first people she encounters after her journey is Major Lucas Stanton...the new Earl of Merritt. A man, she later discovers, that her grandfather insists she marry.
Phoebe does find him to be a completely captivating man, but she certainly can't marry a man she hardly knows. When a compromising situation forces their marriage, Phoebe understands she will have to earn his love despite his stubborn nature. Now in residence at their new manor, Phoebe and Lucas are butting heads about every issue except one...how compatible they are in bed. Lucas may not realize it, but his mistletoe bride is slowly melting his cold heart.
HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE is a wonderful holiday novel with all the right elements. You have intense characters, powerful drama and incredible passion. I was completely ‘wowed' by the emotional depth that was conveyed in this romance. Phoebe and Lucas always had strong feelings towards one another, no matter if they were fighting or exploring their mutual affection. Ms Kelly takes on a most unlikely romance between a former soldier and a rebellious Quaker with two vastly different lifestyles and surprises you at every chapter. It was a great contrast having these two worlds brought together, and the result is a very fascinating story. The secondary characters added much to the story as well, with some even returning from previously released novels by Ms Kelly. Don't fear this is part of a series though, because they are really loosely related. It is very evident this is a stand alone novel and needs no further set up. Still, all the supporting characters add light touches of appreciated humor and witty dialogue.
Phoebe was certainly not your typical Quaker...actually, she was the exact opposite. She was opinionated, passionate, loud and sometimes mildly violent. The first word that comes to mind when I think of her character is most definitely feisty. She expressed her opinions with a fiery passion that you do not usually experience with the typical English lady. Not only that, but she rarely held anything back. Whether society wanted her opinion or not, she was going to give it, making sure anyone heard her. She tried her best to play the proper lady to please her new family, but that facade could only hold for so long. Phoebe's incredible spirit was certainly admirable.
Lucas was the hero that kept my head whirling. In some instances he would be overwhelmingly sexy with his bold and defiant attitude yet at other times he could be extremely frustrating. There was a rigidness to his personality that kept you from fully understanding his character. As you learn his past, it becomes clearer why he has shut himself off from feelings and emotions, but the journey wasn't easy. Yet that doesn't mean I didn't find it stunningly intense when he would be direct or demanding. His military experience definitely influenced a large part of his character. Lucas had a personality that was both attractive and intimidating. I can honestly say I loved all his ups and downs throughout HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE. Mostly because it made his transformation through this book much more spectacular.
The best thing about HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE is that it completely absorbs you into a delightful world of drama and romance. I became all too concerned about the way these characters would battle through their trials to discover the truth about their relationship. They just twisted their way into my heart and gave me so many reasons to love them. The fact that I never knew what these characters would do next certainly kept me on my toes.
HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE is an absolute hit with intelligent characters, an intriguing plot and overall charm. Ms Kelly has crafted a beautiful romance novel with all the right elements to make it shine like a rare gem. This holiday season, treat yourself to a historical romance that will delight and entertain you, all the while showing you a beautiful story about falling in love.
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
cocktailsandbooks1's review
5.0
Phoebe raised as a Quaker and not having a sense of belonging. When she gets a letter from her grandfather on her mother's side inviting her to come stay with him, she jumpsat the chance. Hoping to find acceptance and belonging, that her life was absent from since the death of her parents.
Lucas, felt like he belonged in the army. So when his distant relation Lord Merritt died and he became the new Lord Merritt he felt very out of place not really knowing what to do but also wanting to follow the late Lord Merritt's wishes concerning Phoebe.
When Lucas goes to meet Phoebe to tell her of her grandfathers death and to let her know that one of her Aunt and Uncles what like her to stay with them. So the whole family could get to know her, and get her established in society.
I really enjoyed the way Phoebe's family was portrayed they were all very interesting, and had the feel of a real family. Everyone was expecting a meek quite little Quaker, But Phoebe showed them a that she wasn't like most Quakers, but at the same time she held on to her beliefs and a hard time accepting certain aspects of the ton. I really enjoyed how the family her mother was estranged from, was quick to pull her into the circle and embrace her as one of their own right away.
The interactions between all the characters was well written and flowed quite smoothly.
The relationship between Phoebe and Lucas had chemistry from the first time they met. And the sparks continued to fly. The romance between the two was turbulent at times with Phoebe wanting to get closer and get to know Lucas. While Lucas wanted to kinda keep a distance between them and keep a wall up around his heart.
His Mistletoe Bride was an awesome read, and I hope to read more from its author!
I give His Mistletoe Bride five cocktails.
Lucas, felt like he belonged in the army. So when his distant relation Lord Merritt died and he became the new Lord Merritt he felt very out of place not really knowing what to do but also wanting to follow the late Lord Merritt's wishes concerning Phoebe.
When Lucas goes to meet Phoebe to tell her of her grandfathers death and to let her know that one of her Aunt and Uncles what like her to stay with them. So the whole family could get to know her, and get her established in society.
I really enjoyed the way Phoebe's family was portrayed they were all very interesting, and had the feel of a real family. Everyone was expecting a meek quite little Quaker, But Phoebe showed them a that she wasn't like most Quakers, but at the same time she held on to her beliefs and a hard time accepting certain aspects of the ton. I really enjoyed how the family her mother was estranged from, was quick to pull her into the circle and embrace her as one of their own right away.
The interactions between all the characters was well written and flowed quite smoothly.
The relationship between Phoebe and Lucas had chemistry from the first time they met. And the sparks continued to fly. The romance between the two was turbulent at times with Phoebe wanting to get closer and get to know Lucas. While Lucas wanted to kinda keep a distance between them and keep a wall up around his heart.
His Mistletoe Bride was an awesome read, and I hope to read more from its author!
I give His Mistletoe Bride five cocktails.
samie_k3's review
4.0
This was my first book by this Author and I loved it. It was witty and well written and I fell in love with all of the characters—Though Lucas did make me want to brain him a couple of times; What Romance Hero doesn't? Especially in this time period?
I'm glad I took a chance on this book and will definitely look for more from Vanessa Kelly.
I'm glad I took a chance on this book and will definitely look for more from Vanessa Kelly.
epictetsocrate's review against another edition
3.0
Phoebe Linville stia ca nu avea sa isi mai vada niciodata caminul. Se propti bine pe picioare ca sa poata infrunta tangajul pachebotului, strangand cu putere lemnul umed al parapetului. Philadelphia, cu turlele bisericilor si clădirile ei de caramida rosie, ramanea in urma in ceata zorilor, plutind deasupra petelor albe de spuma de pe raul Delaware. Era o dimineata racoroasa de octombrie, iar aerul sarat prevestea ca anotimpul era deja in schimbare. „O zi perfecta pentru a incepe o noua viata." Emotia o facu să respire precipitat. Timp de luni in sir, isi concentrase toata energia asupra acestui moment, in ciuda faptului ca George o avertizase mereu, incercand sa o faca sa se razgandeasca. Nu avea sa-i fie dor de predicile lui galagioase, dar avea sa-i fie dor de cumnata ei, de nepoate si nepoti. Si acum, ca pleca, avea sa-i fie dor chiar si de George.
silvercal's review
4.0
Phoebe Linville is delighted to finally be going to England to meet her long estranged grandfather. It caused much pain for her mother and she died without resolving the conflict from her marrying a Quaker and moving to America. Now Phoebe has the chance to put the past behind her and find some happiness with her English relatives. However, much to her disappointment, she is met with the news that her grandfather passed away during her voyage over and her grandfather left a very unusual request for her--marry the new earl, Major Lucas Stanton. With her options dwindling (she thinks she should return to her Quaker roots in America with her half brothers family), Phoebe is persuaded to stay with her new English relatives and finds herself falling for the dashing new earl and succumbing to his wicked kisses. One compromising position later, Lucas and Phoebe are forced to wed....but at what cost? Lucas has no faith in love having been badly burned in the past and it has shaped him to the man he is today. With the threat of a smuggling ring at their new home, Mistletoe Manor, it divides Lucas and Phoebe. Will the holiday spirit of friends and family lead this couple to see the joys of love?
This was my first time reading Vanessa Kelly and it won't be my last! I loved the mix of family, steam, intriguing main characters and holiday cheer. Phoebe was a delight to read--I loved how when she was upset (and she gets upset with Lucas often for his hard headed ways) she reverts back into her Quaker plain speak. It becomes an enduring quality to her but she is also bold, smart, loyal, sassy and loves with her whole heart. When she learns more about the smuggling ring, she does all she can to help end it without getting anyone hurt. Phoebe also sees how the town is struggling and takes it upon herself to revive the holiday traditions of years past and as she grew up without all these traditions, she learns them all along the way. Lucas was a bit harder to warm up to. A former major, he has seen the horrors of war and takes his new, unexpected, responsibilities seriously...perhaps a bit too seriously at times. One moment he is warm and caring with Phoebe and the next, in his attempt to protect her, he comes off hard and standoffish. With his failed relationship in the past, he thinks will never love again but Phoebe just settles herself into his heart but it takes awhile for him to finally admit that. There are also so many wonderful secondary characters (all from previous books that I can't wait to read now) and they add some great fun banter but also some tension. Overall, a delightful holiday read filled with heart, hope, humor, family, trust and happiness that will be sure to warm the cold winter days. A perfect holiday treat! 4 solid stars
Review copy provided by the author
This was my first time reading Vanessa Kelly and it won't be my last! I loved the mix of family, steam, intriguing main characters and holiday cheer. Phoebe was a delight to read--I loved how when she was upset (and she gets upset with Lucas often for his hard headed ways) she reverts back into her Quaker plain speak. It becomes an enduring quality to her but she is also bold, smart, loyal, sassy and loves with her whole heart. When she learns more about the smuggling ring, she does all she can to help end it without getting anyone hurt. Phoebe also sees how the town is struggling and takes it upon herself to revive the holiday traditions of years past and as she grew up without all these traditions, she learns them all along the way. Lucas was a bit harder to warm up to. A former major, he has seen the horrors of war and takes his new, unexpected, responsibilities seriously...perhaps a bit too seriously at times. One moment he is warm and caring with Phoebe and the next, in his attempt to protect her, he comes off hard and standoffish. With his failed relationship in the past, he thinks will never love again but Phoebe just settles herself into his heart but it takes awhile for him to finally admit that. There are also so many wonderful secondary characters (all from previous books that I can't wait to read now) and they add some great fun banter but also some tension. Overall, a delightful holiday read filled with heart, hope, humor, family, trust and happiness that will be sure to warm the cold winter days. A perfect holiday treat! 4 solid stars
Review copy provided by the author
aefedele's review
4.0
I usually do not read historicals and I'm not really sure why. Well that is not entirely true. I used to read historicals and got sick of being bogged down by the setting. They began to run together of lists of clothing and ways the world was different 150 years ago. It became less about the romance and more about the chamber pots and inappropriate behaviors of ladies. I found I could but 150 pages+ out and the story would not change at all!
So naturally when I decided to devote more time to book reviews I decided to try a historical again. How can I offer positive reader advisory in romance if I don't read a historical? So I picked up Cecilia Grant's "A Lady Awakened". I read twelve pages and haven't picked it up since. Ms. Kelly's book, however, grabbed me by page three. I read it constantly for two days until I finished it.
And let me say: WOW!
I think I've rediscovered historical romances if I can find things like this one.
So onto the review and plot summation. Phoebe is a Quaker who comes to England to be with her grandfather. He has died during her journey and she finds the new Earl (Lucas) waiting for her. He offers to marry her and care for her but she refuses to be a burden. He takes her to her family (the Stantons) and begins to court her subtly. Of course a huge misunderstanding occurs making it necessary for them to marry. Once married they deal with Lucas' unwillingness to tell her he loves her/believe he loves her and Phoebe's unwillingness to be passive in their relationship.
I'm not usually a fan of the innocent virgin being forced into marriage (well forced is a bit strong) and then falling in love with her older, experienced husband. I got enough of those with some of the older historicals I read. What worked for me in this story was to see Phoebe unwilling to sit back and accept her husband's word as law. She fought for what she believed in and often she won. She had a strength which was compelling.
I also loved the interplay of relations from what I'm assuming where past stories. Silverton (hero of book one) and Lucas had issues and they fought in that way that makes me picture one of them hitting the other with a white glove.
Of course they don't but it was still nice to see the almost sibling rivalry come to light.
This was not like the historicals I read when I was younger. This was newer and fresher. It allowed sex to play a role but it was not overdone. It allowed me to fall into the 1800s and not feel as though I was moving through a history lesson. So kudos to Ms. Kelly for making me want to try more historicals.
Zebra Books (mass market)
October 2, 2012
Book Four in Stanton Family Series
4/5 Stars
So naturally when I decided to devote more time to book reviews I decided to try a historical again. How can I offer positive reader advisory in romance if I don't read a historical? So I picked up Cecilia Grant's "A Lady Awakened". I read twelve pages and haven't picked it up since. Ms. Kelly's book, however, grabbed me by page three. I read it constantly for two days until I finished it.
And let me say: WOW!
I think I've rediscovered historical romances if I can find things like this one.
So onto the review and plot summation. Phoebe is a Quaker who comes to England to be with her grandfather. He has died during her journey and she finds the new Earl (Lucas) waiting for her. He offers to marry her and care for her but she refuses to be a burden. He takes her to her family (the Stantons) and begins to court her subtly. Of course a huge misunderstanding occurs making it necessary for them to marry. Once married they deal with Lucas' unwillingness to tell her he loves her/believe he loves her and Phoebe's unwillingness to be passive in their relationship.
I'm not usually a fan of the innocent virgin being forced into marriage (well forced is a bit strong) and then falling in love with her older, experienced husband. I got enough of those with some of the older historicals I read. What worked for me in this story was to see Phoebe unwilling to sit back and accept her husband's word as law. She fought for what she believed in and often she won. She had a strength which was compelling.
I also loved the interplay of relations from what I'm assuming where past stories. Silverton (hero of book one) and Lucas had issues and they fought in that way that makes me picture one of them hitting the other with a white glove.
Of course they don't but it was still nice to see the almost sibling rivalry come to light.
This was not like the historicals I read when I was younger. This was newer and fresher. It allowed sex to play a role but it was not overdone. It allowed me to fall into the 1800s and not feel as though I was moving through a history lesson. So kudos to Ms. Kelly for making me want to try more historicals.
Zebra Books (mass market)
October 2, 2012
Book Four in Stanton Family Series
4/5 Stars
avoraciousreader68's review
4.0
*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Phoebe Linville has crossed the ocean from Philadelphia to London to meet her estranged English side of the family, the Stantons. When her mother married her Quaker father, her grandfather, the Earl of Merritt disowned his only daughter. After the Earl’s son died he tried to make amends with his daughter only to find she had died some years earlier. He does make contact with his only grandchild, Phoebe, who is unhappy in her Quaker life and wants to meet her grandfather. However, upon arriving in London she finds that her grandfather died weeks earlier and his wish was for her to marry his heir, Major Lucas Stanton. Phoebe has no intention of marrying a man she doesn’t know, but Lucas is persuasive and patient. Soon she finds herself Lady Merritt and the Mistress in charge of Mistletoe Manor. Now all she needs to do is teach her husband how to love. But it’s Christmas, a time of miracles. How hard could it be?
Told from both Phoebe’s and Lucas’s POV this story is well-written with great characters. While a little over the top at times it definitely entertained me. Because of Phoebe’s upbringing she’s a complete innocent to the ways of London society. But she has strong beliefs and a personality to match when she needs to assert herself and stand her ground. She was a little too submissive at times for me to believe 100% in her personality though. Lucas is a great character, but he was also a bit too bossy for me. I’ll forgive him since he was used to leading in the Army, but he’s not in the Army anymore and running an estate is nothing like running a unit of soldiers. Anyway, I quite enjoyed the book and now I want to find the others that are loosely connected to this one.
Phoebe Linville has crossed the ocean from Philadelphia to London to meet her estranged English side of the family, the Stantons. When her mother married her Quaker father, her grandfather, the Earl of Merritt disowned his only daughter. After the Earl’s son died he tried to make amends with his daughter only to find she had died some years earlier. He does make contact with his only grandchild, Phoebe, who is unhappy in her Quaker life and wants to meet her grandfather. However, upon arriving in London she finds that her grandfather died weeks earlier and his wish was for her to marry his heir, Major Lucas Stanton. Phoebe has no intention of marrying a man she doesn’t know, but Lucas is persuasive and patient. Soon she finds herself Lady Merritt and the Mistress in charge of Mistletoe Manor. Now all she needs to do is teach her husband how to love. But it’s Christmas, a time of miracles. How hard could it be?
Told from both Phoebe’s and Lucas’s POV this story is well-written with great characters. While a little over the top at times it definitely entertained me. Because of Phoebe’s upbringing she’s a complete innocent to the ways of London society. But she has strong beliefs and a personality to match when she needs to assert herself and stand her ground. She was a little too submissive at times for me to believe 100% in her personality though. Lucas is a great character, but he was also a bit too bossy for me. I’ll forgive him since he was used to leading in the Army, but he’s not in the Army anymore and running an estate is nothing like running a unit of soldiers. Anyway, I quite enjoyed the book and now I want to find the others that are loosely connected to this one.
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