The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
diannaphantomfiction's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
2.0
The Spring Bride
2 Stars
In one word - predictable. In fact, it is possible to read the beginning and the end and skip the middle entirely because there is nothing in this book that hasn't been done before.
Jane Chantry is the most beautiful woman in the world and men can't keep their hands off her - literally. She is also sweet, charming, and dedicated to taking in strays of both the human and animal variety. In short, she is a complete Mary Sue.
Zachary (whose other name is an important plot twist, so I will refrain) has an insipid and lackadaisical attitude toward life that is annoying in the extreme, and his covert operative in disguise persona is so ridiculous it amazes me that the French never sussed him out.
To top it all off, Jane and Zach have zero chemistry and the sex scene at the end is awkward and mechanical rather than sensual and intimate.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to an otherwise engaging series. Daisy and Patrick's book is next and it will hopefully be an improvement.
2 Stars
In one word - predictable. In fact, it is possible to read the beginning and the end and skip the middle entirely because there is nothing in this book that hasn't been done before.
Jane Chantry is the most beautiful woman in the world and men can't keep their hands off her - literally. She is also sweet, charming, and dedicated to taking in strays of both the human and animal variety. In short, she is a complete Mary Sue.
Zachary (whose other name is an important plot twist, so I will refrain) has an insipid and lackadaisical attitude toward life that is annoying in the extreme, and his covert operative in disguise persona is so ridiculous it amazes me that the French never sussed him out.
To top it all off, Jane and Zach have zero chemistry and the sex scene at the end is awkward and mechanical rather than sensual and intimate.
Overall, this is a disappointing addition to an otherwise engaging series. Daisy and Patrick's book is next and it will hopefully be an improvement.
tiredfangirl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? Yes
4.0
sandlynn's review against another edition
4.0
Anne Gracie’s The Spring Bride, published in 2015, is part of a series. The fact it’s called “The Spring Bride” was the tip off — and, although it can be read as a standalone, there are references to the heroine’s backstory that seem important enough to look into the books which came first, i.e., “The Autumn Bride” and “The Winter Bride,” before tackling this one.
Anyway, in *this* book, it’s 1817 and the heroine is a young beauty just preparing for her London season. Her upbringing, however, was very troubled and, as a young woman, the story Jane “Chance” presents about herself and her family is not exactly the true one. As for the hero, he has traveled to London, in disguise, to deliver a message to his friend who handles spies for the English government. Zachary Black has been abroad for 12 years as a spy, but his backstory is equally as troubled, and he has not been in touch with his childhood home for quite some time. The hero and heroine happen to meet, are attracted, but neither reveals who they truly are to the other.
What makes things even more difficult for the couple is that the heroine is determined to marry a wealthy, stable, but boring man who can keep her and her future children safe and secure, unlike her own childhood. For his part, the hero has not only led a precarious, undercover life for years, but upon returning to England, he finds himself wanted for a serious crime and not free to claim his birthright.
This story is filled with colorful characters, interesting backstories, and unexpected developments, so it always kept my interest. I honestly, until the last few chapters, had no idea how the main obstacle between the couple was going to be resolved. The things that I didn’t like as much was the heroine’s insistence on marrying a totally unpleasant suitor without even going through with the season. Who knows? Someone else equally as wealthy could have proposed to her! So, I found that part of the story a somewhat false obstacle to the hero and heroine’s romance, i.e., he wasn’t a true, potential rival. Also, I do think I would’ve enjoyed the story a bit more if I had read the previous books first, but that’s my fault. I give this story a B+.
Anyway, in *this* book, it’s 1817 and the heroine is a young beauty just preparing for her London season. Her upbringing, however, was very troubled and, as a young woman, the story Jane “Chance” presents about herself and her family is not exactly the true one. As for the hero, he has traveled to London, in disguise, to deliver a message to his friend who handles spies for the English government. Zachary Black has been abroad for 12 years as a spy, but his backstory is equally as troubled, and he has not been in touch with his childhood home for quite some time. The hero and heroine happen to meet, are attracted, but neither reveals who they truly are to the other.
What makes things even more difficult for the couple is that the heroine is determined to marry a wealthy, stable, but boring man who can keep her and her future children safe and secure, unlike her own childhood. For his part, the hero has not only led a precarious, undercover life for years, but upon returning to England, he finds himself wanted for a serious crime and not free to claim his birthright.
This story is filled with colorful characters, interesting backstories, and unexpected developments, so it always kept my interest. I honestly, until the last few chapters, had no idea how the main obstacle between the couple was going to be resolved. The things that I didn’t like as much was the heroine’s insistence on marrying a totally unpleasant suitor without even going through with the season. Who knows? Someone else equally as wealthy could have proposed to her! So, I found that part of the story a somewhat false obstacle to the hero and heroine’s romance, i.e., he wasn’t a true, potential rival. Also, I do think I would’ve enjoyed the story a bit more if I had read the previous books first, but that’s my fault. I give this story a B+.
charlotteklopfer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.75
helenkat's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book as I've adored every single one of Anne Gracie's books. The third book in the series focuses on Jane - a woman who only wants security, so falling in love doesn't have a place in her life. She has a heart of gold and always looking out for strays - including a mangy dog. Coming to her rescue is a gypsy named Zachary Black, who intrigues her more than she cares to admit. Zachary has his own trials and tribulations but his meeting with Jane changes his goals.
Theirs is a sweet connection that grows as does their awareness and attraction. Their banter is lovely as is the banter between Jane and her 'family', as well as Zach and Gil. Anne Gracie makes you laugh, cry, and of course there's that feel good emotional ending. Bravo!
Looking forward to reading Daisy's story.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn't affect the star rating.
Theirs is a sweet connection that grows as does their awareness and attraction. Their banter is lovely as is the banter between Jane and her 'family', as well as Zach and Gil. Anne Gracie makes you laugh, cry, and of course there's that feel good emotional ending. Bravo!
Looking forward to reading Daisy's story.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn't affect the star rating.