However, today I am actually sharing my review of a book I actually got to read, thanks to the lovelies at Avon for sending me a print copy of TO BED THE BRIDE, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney—and it only took me three weeks to read. It will take you a lot less time, I promise. TO BED THE BRIDE is releasing November 26, 2019.
***provided to me by the publisher but I am sharing an honest and unscripted review.
Blurb for TO BED THE BRIDE:
New York Times Bestselling Author Karen
Ranney’s captivating series concludes with a tale of opposites whose attraction
scorches a trail from the Highlands to the glittering halls of London—and
courts scandal at every turn . . .
Politics
has introduced MP Logan McKnight to many fascinating people, but the lady he
encounters on the lands bordering his ancestral Scottish home outshines them
all. Eleanor Craig of Hearthmere seats a Thoroughbred like a queen, knows as
much about world events as any of his colleagues—and is engaged to one of the
worst men Logan knows. She also seems lonely, so Logan brings her a friend.
Thus should their acquaintance end, yet it’s only just begun.
The puppy
Logan delivers is every bit as irresistible as the man himself. How could this
stranger sense the isolation Eleanor suffers among her scheming, snobbish
extended family and fiancé who control her life? It’s even worse in
London—until she begins meeting Logan secretly in a secluded park. Their
passionate connection frees Eleanor, body and soul. But discovery threatens
disgrace—or worse.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My
Review:
Eleanor Craig is a lonely woman, unsure of
herself, or her place in the world. Her father had instilled in her that family
comes first and the family estate, Hearthmere, is of utmost importance and her
responsibility. When Eleanor meets a handsome stranger while out on a ride, she
mistakes him for a simple shepherd. She is instantly both unsettled and annoyed
by him.
MP Logan McKnight has met and encountered many
people through politics but none are as interesting, charming, or as smart, in
his opinion, as the lovely stranger he discovers is his neighbor in Scotland. Logan
is immediately attracted to Eleanor. He admires her horsemanship, intelligence as
well as her looks, but can she’s unhappy and lonely. He believes there’s much
more to her. With the hope of giving her some joy and possibly bringing her out
of her shell, he sends her an adorable puppy.
Initially Eleanor is outraged and then intrigued by Logan and his gift. She decides to return the puppy, but ends up becoming too attached to it. (Who wouldn’t?) After she returns to London, she finds herself more and more trapped by her family—truly nasty and toxic people. When she encounters Logan at her aunt’s house she discovers he is actually an upcoming and coming Member of Parliament. As it becomes more and more apparent how little respect or affection her family has for her and the man to whom she is engaged, the Earl of Westcott, is a despicable creature as well, she turns to Logan for friendship and emotional support.
Initially Eleanor is outraged and then intrigued by Logan and his gift. She decides to return the puppy, but ends up becoming too attached to it. (Who wouldn’t?) After she returns to London, she finds herself more and more trapped by her family—truly nasty and toxic people. When she encounters Logan at her aunt’s house she discovers he is actually an upcoming and coming Member of Parliament. As it becomes more and more apparent how little respect or affection her family has for her and the man to whom she is engaged, the Earl of Westcott, is a despicable creature as well, she turns to Logan for friendship and emotional support.
Karen Ranney does a wonderful job in her
historical writing of making us feel as if we are there. I have to say this
story touched my heart very hard. Having people around you who belittle, demand
of you, and treat you as if you’re nothing is true toxicity. I was easily able
to step into Eleanor’s shoes and found her to be a truly heartbreaking and
tragic figure. Her aunt and cousins were Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and
stepsisters personified.
I do wish there had been more interaction
between Eleanor and Logan while in Scotland but then I understand the perceived
status separation while there, which did not allow it. Once back in London, their
status more the same, their friendship grows and even though they must meet in
secret, it’s apparent to both their feelings of friendship are growing to
something far more…even as they fear being found out.
TO BED THE BRIDE, the final book in the All For
Love trilogy, by Karen Ranney might be my favorite of the three and I’ve
enjoyed each one. This one pulled at my heartstrings a bit more and had me
hoping Eleanor could have a better life, and had me hoping she could extricate
herself from her horrible family and get rid of her fiancé. Logan is caring,
charming, and respectful of her even as he wishes her for his own. He’s a great
friend and we all know where that can lead. This is an intriguing friends to
lovers story with some truly nasty villains.
Each book in the All For Love trilogy can be
read as standalones and for those who truly love historical romance, I highly
recommend them all, but definitely read TO BED THE BRIDE. Oh…and puppy Bruce is
such a delightful treat from Karen. He’s adorable and makes me miss my Marco so
much.
Happy Reading Everyone!!
TO BED THE
BRIDE, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney, Avon Books, available November
26, 2019 in print, ebook, and audio at:
Amazon | Barnes
& Noble | Kobo
| Apple
Books | Indiebound
