Customer Reviews

Barely a Bride

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The first in a new series that revolves around a few titled gentlemen (the Free Fellows League) who have all taken an oath to put off marrying as long as possible, not fall in love and to never, ever be at the beck and call of any woman, "Barely a Bride" proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable read. I cannot tell you why -- the storyline was a rather plain one with few frills (no jealous ex-mistresses vowing revenge, no murder/spy subplot, no secondary romantic subplot) and with no unexpected twists -- but I found myself being rather charmed with this simple little romance novel and have no problem with recommending it as a worthwhile read.

Griffin Abernathy (the seventeenth Viscount Abernathy) needs to find a wife as soon as possible: he's about to the posted to the Peninsula, however when his father (the Earl of Weymouth) discovers that his only son and heir is about to risk life and limb (and the family name), he issues an ultimatum -- get married at once and try to beget an heir or give up the commission. And so Griffin has taken to haunting London's drawing rooms in hope of finding a lady he can tolerate being married to. And he thinks he's found just the lady when he spies the Season's reigning Incomparable, Lady Alyssa Carrollton. Fortunately for Griffin, in Lady Allysa he's struck gold. Lady Alyssa is a clever and serious-minded young lady who wants nothing to do with husband-hunting; she'd rather garden. But Lady Alyssa's mother has other plans -- she wants Alyssa to make THE MATCH of the Season. So that when Griffin tracks Alyssa down and proposes that they marry each other so that they each may achieve what they desire, Alyssa agrees to his scheme. But neither counted on the passion (and love) that would spring between them during their brief time together. Will these tender emotions survive their inevitable separation when Griffin rides off to join his regiment? Alyssa knows how she feels about Griffin, but she's not so sure about her husband...

"Barely a Bride" may not be to everyone's taste. The authour has chosen to tell her story in as straightforward a manner as possible. And while I do like this novel, I have to own that the book could have been a little more evenly paced. More than half the novel is taken up how Griffin manages to win Alyssa's heart and approval, their wedding and their very brief and passionate honeymoon; a healthy segment is also spent on how the pair copes with their separation. The last quarter of the novel deals with how a battle weary and emotionally scarred Griffin returns home, his attempts to cope and his realization of his true feelings for Alyssa. The trouble with "Barely a Bride" was that the last bit had a rather rushed feeling to it -- suddenly all is resolved. Given the somewhat sedate pace at which the novel was unfolding until then, this sudden picking up of pace gave things a rather unbalanced feel.

On the plus side however, "Barely a Bride" proved to be a rather intelligent and sweet love story about two likable people (Griffin, unlike most run-of-the-mill romance heroes, was NOT a quick to judge woman-hating jerk; and Alyssa was intelligent, compassionate and really, really nice), who marry for convenience but who discover something rather precious in their union. I'm still at a loss to explain why I liked it so very, very much ... perhaps I was just in the right mood to appreciate this gem of a romance novel.

For me this book began a little light hearted, with the main character Griffin Abernathy, a freefellow, swearing at an early age with 2 other childhood friends to put country before any woman's affections, and never to marry. Unless one is forced to marry, which Griffin finds himself forced to marry by his father's demand before he goes off to war. Griffin an only child, to 2 wonderful loving parents, has little over 2 weeks to find a wife. He settles on a beautifuly unique young lady, Alyssa, and fortunately she is very taken with him. Since she believes marriage will give her, her independence from a quirky irritating family she is thrilled with the arrangements Griffin sets forth, and the couple marries 3 days before Griffin goes off to fight Napoleon. I love the advise that Griffin's father gives his son, about romance, and making memories for his bride and also for himself. For me this is where the book really picks up in intensity - Griffin and Alyssa may only had 3 days but I dare say they made the most of them! The really clicked as a couple and by the time Griffin went off he regretted that he had to leave his wife. I don't think he quite knew he was in love, but Alyssa truly knew. For the next 14 months they wrote, and shared their lives but not really their feelings. And when Griffin is finally injured and comes home a broken man, although a hero, the story really becomes quite and emotional one! I think my only criticizm of the book, would be it needed to be about 40 pages longer - this part of the story was heart wrenching and you just know there was so much healing that needed to be done by Alyssa to bring Griffin back from his turmoil of the war. Alyssa was one of my more favorite heroines, she was so honest and true and just went for what she wanted in a loving, kind way. Griffin might never have wanted a wife, but when he chose he found himself a perfect one!!

Griffin and Alyssa are a wonderful couple whom you immediately fall in love with. I've read the entire series by Rebecca Hagan Lee and they are all excellent simple regency romances. There are no convoluted plots, the sensualness is not overblown, and the two characters are simply two charming people that come together to save each other.

This was my first book by Rebecca Hagan Lee, but it won't be my last. Barely a Bride is a delightful read, almost impossible to put down.

Griff is a wonderful romantic lead--so sweet & charming & thoughtful. Alyssa is a strong, capable woman who knows her own mind. Their journals & letters add insight to their thoughts and their developing relationship. Their brief honeymoon is incredibly romantic. Griff's time at war is heartbreaking, as is his return home (and his emotional scars).

My only real gripe about the book is that Griff's war-induced emotional trauma is dealt with too quickly. Up until that point, the book was practically perfect. Thankfully, the next book (Merely a Groom) indicates that he's still dealing with it, though he continually improves.

Both Christina Dodd and Teresa Medeiros recommended this book; they were right. It's utterly delightful.

Setting - England 1810 --- The opening in this first installment of the 'Free Fellows League' introduces us to three young titled adolescent boys who while away at school formed a secret brotherhood to become England's hero against the impending war with France. Furthermore, they would swear off the leg-shackling institution of marriage at least until the age of 30 or, unless it became absolutely necessary and never, ever, under any condition, fall in love. Years later, Viscount 'Griffin' Abernathy, follows his dream and buys a commission in the cavalry to go and fight the French. His father found out just in time before he left and more or less blackmailed him to find, marry, and beget an heir before leaving for the continent. Luckily, while attending Almacks, he did notice a young woman whom he thought just might suit him and gained an introduction. Unfortunately, she was one of the season's incomparables and her ambitious mother felt that no less than a duke would do for her youngest daughter.

Lady Alyssa Carrollton, had formulated her own plans for her life and becoming a duchess just wasn't one of them. Finding herself eavesdropping on a private conversation between three young men discussing something called the 'free fellows league' she was curious to discover just who they were. Later as she realized that the handsomest of the lot was one of the gentlemen she had eavesdropped upon, she was more than interested in finding out who he was. Later introduced, and allowed a waltz then a private conversation she realized that Griffin would be more than an acceptable husband, especially when he offered her the one thing she 'thought' she wanted most - her very own garden to design. I say 'thought' because once she had been kissed by the very handsome young viscount, her thoughts on marriage to the young man became decidedly different. Now the biggest obstacle would be in gaining her fathers approval.

I have to say that I loved everything about this book and smiled almost, from the first to the last page! Alyssa was the sweetest and most darling of heroines, Griffin who approached the whole marriage concept as a means to an end turned into a surprisingly wonderful hero! He was so sweet and caring, that you really wanted to hug and squeeze them both for being so perfectly matched up together! I laughed out loud over Griffins interview with Alyssa's father as he bargained for her hand in marriage - her father - what a hoot he was! With splendid secondary characters, wonderfully witty dialogs, hot and sensual seduction scenes, and with the heart wrenching emotions that had me sobbing - this was for me a most perfect read! Bottom line - This is a non-stop can't put it down kind of read that kept me reading way into the wee small hours! --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromacewriters.com ----

A wonderful, happy story (at least most of it was happy) with characters you fell in love with. Even the "bad" guys earned our understanding so there was no real "evil" person. I loved this book. It was one of those "hard-to-put-down" stories - great from start to finish. One thing I really enjoyed was the wedding. For once an author just didn't say, "....and so they were married...." Instead, we get the wedding details, what they wore, more importantly, how the characters felt, etc. This book was a joy to read.

In 1793, single aristocratic men behave badly by forming the Free Fellows League based on two principles of natural order that males should not have to wed until necessary to sire an heir and to never fall in love with your wife. By 1810 Viscount Griffin is a card-carrying member over the ire of his father who demands marriage or else. Griffin needs a spouse quickly while Lady Alyssa Carollton shares his sentiment on marriage, but needs a husband to keep her mother off his back. Griffin and Alyssa wed with each vowing to not love though the honeymoon is bliss.

Griffin goes off to war, but upon his return feels the guilt of a survivor when so many died. He wants to continue his vow to the shattered by the war Free Fellows League, but also needs Alyssa to help him cope with his nightmarish demons. Soon he realizes the foolishness of his pledge as he falls in love with his wife, but she refuses to believe him and hides her own deep feelings.

Though Griffins' obstinacy becomes irritating, readers will appreciate this deep regency romance due to a strong cast (including the lead male). The story line combines sexual tension with deep angst especially with Griffin suffering from post battle syndrome. Alyssa is a delightful courageous person who as the tale's anchor ensures fans receive a superb novel.

Harriet Klausner

I'm "new" to Ms. Hagan Lee and I can't believe that it's taken me so long to find this talented author! Bad me!!! "Barely a Bride" is a wonderful and moving romance read that I highly recommend you not miss out on!

Griffin is the seventeenth Viscount of Abernathy and he has just been ordered to marry if he hopes to join his regiment on the continent. Well this is a fine mess. He is the memeber of the "Free Fellows League" and one of the tenets of this group is never to marry. Well, that's not true...they can if they've been ordered to...which Griff has been. Now he must wed and bed his bride and father an heir all before he leaves...sure not a problem! His choice is Lady Alyssa and she is his match in every way. She has even managed to touch the heart he thought missing when it came to women!

Alyssa is not interested in marrying the Duke her mother has set her cap for. All she really wants to do is live life the way she sees fit and that is by working in her garden. She meets her destiny at Almack's and spends three nights with her husband. She loves him but can't tell him...instead she kisses him goodbye and hopes that he will return safe and sound. Will Griff and Alyssa have a happy ending and will they ever admit to loving each other?

This was a very moving read. I laughed, cried, and enjoyed reading about these two special people falling in love! This was a read that was very difficult to put down until I finished it. I look forward to reading the rest of this series! Griff and Alyssa were great characters and the secondary characters were also highly entertaining! Pull up a comfy chair, have a box of kleenex handy and settle in for a wonderful read!

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Another truly enjoyable tale..Having read another of the Free Fellow League Series, Merely the Groom..I had to buy and read this book..and am thankful I did!!!..what a great story, Alyssa, and Griffin are the perfect foil to each other. I was thoroughly entranced and look forward to Ms.Lee's third of the series..Hardly A Husband.. Indulge & be Delighted !!!

All of the people in this book are fully explored, I enjoyed reading about their fobiles as well as their strengths. The Love story is told so beautifully, it was a bittersweet experience.
Each scene flowed into the next and explained the feelings of all the main characters.