Customer Reviews

Devil Takes a Bride

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

England, 1805, seventeen-year-old Devlin Kimball had been sitting in detention awaiting the arrival of his displeased parents and little sister Sarah when the dean walked in to inform him that his Aunt Augusta was en route to pick him up. His parents and four-year-old sister had "an accident". Half way to the school they had stopped at an inn to rest. The inn had caught fire, killing 47 people, including his family. The Dowager Viscountess (Augusta) Strathmore did her best with Devlin, but he eventually went adventuring on the high seas, spending his rage on the elements.

London, 1817, Devlin "Devil", Lord Strathmore, had uncovered the dark truth about the fire at the inn. The fire had been deliberate! He also knew that one or more of the morally twisted gentlemen in the "Horse and Chariot Club" were to blame. Devlin vowed to learn the names of the guilty and kill them. Marriage never entered the equation. But Aunt Augusta's will changed that.

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Carlisle had been lady's companion to Augusta, who had been affectionately known to all as "Lady Ironsides". Knowing how much the old lady loved her nephew, Lizzie had tricked Devlin into visiting only weeks before the lady died. Devlin had been annoyed at Lizzie at first. But his aunt had been the only person Devlin cared for anymore and understood, after awhile, why Lizzie had done it. Both of them were shocked when the will was read. The problem for Lizzie was that she had already been through a broken heart before with Lord Alec. (The brother of Lizzie's best friend in the previous book titled "LADY OF DESIRE".) The last thing she wanted was another man in her life! The problem for Devlin was that if anyone at the club realized his actually had come to care for Lizzie, she would be in grave danger!

***** EXCELLENT! I can tell you this much more without spoiling anything and I only tell because the reader knows this from the beginning: Sarah was saved from the fire by someone, Ginny, and raised for the next twelve years in Ireland. Though Sarah recalls nothing, Ginny wishes to return Sarah to her only living relative, now that he has finished traveling. First though, Ginny must make sure Devlin is not like the men in whose company he keeps.

Author Gaelen Goley has done an incredible job writing about the Knight family. (Alec & Jacinda's family.) Readers will have glimpses into the lives of a few past characters as well. You do NOT have to read any of the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one. The plot is strong, the writing perfect, and the story moves along at a good pace. You will not find yourself getting bored at any point. I highly recommend the entire series! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Each story in this series is better then the last and this one by far has been my favorite. If you have been following this seris from the first book 'The Duke' then you will be pleased that this is Lizzie's story. Remember her, she is friend and champanion to Jacinda?

Lizzie has moved on and is in the process of working on healing her heart after it's broken by Alec Knight. She is now living in Bath as a champanion to Viscountess Strathmore. It's because of her love for the old dragon that Lizzie conspires to bring Devil Strathmore to heel. He has been spending money as if it grew on trees and has not bothered himself in the slightest to come and visit. Lizzie gets more then she bargained for when Devil finally comes to call.

Devlin comes home to Bath fearing that his beloved aunt is dying. He finds out that his aunt's is actually not on deaths door and that Lizzie has just played him but good. He should be angry with her but instead he finds himself drawn to her sweet nature. Before his visit is over they will find themselves fighting an attraction, and Devlin's fear of commitment not to mention the differences in their social situation.

Devlin is seeking vengence. His family died in a fire several years earlier, and he is after those that killed them. His efforts lead him to a nasty group of nobles and now he's walking a fine line between proving he is as bad as they are, and keeping himself alive in order to fulfill his promise. Now he has his to protect his heart from the one thing he wants but doesn't deserve. Lizzie.

Devlin's aunt though is aware of the attraction and sets out to be a matchmaker, even if it's from the grave. She writes a new will and both Devlin and Lizzie will be shocked at the outcome.
But she gets her way, these two people find themselves seeking each other out and exploring the feelings they each have. They are met for each other. Lizzie is looking for a home and a person to love, Devlin is learning how to love and is being guided on that journey by Lizzie. Can they each find what they need before it's too late and all is lost?

This was a wonderful story. I can't say enough good things about it. The characters are wonderful, and Devlin is a wonderful hero for our Lizzie. If you've never read any of Ms. Foley's books you won't be left wondering what's going on this book stands on it's own, but if you have been a reader of the Knight series you will love visiting with old friends and seeing Lizzie finally find love. The storyline is complex but our hero and heroine are worthy characters for it. I can't wait for the next in this series. I highly recommend this book and author and suggest you add them to your must read summer list! You won't be sorry!!!

This book was very, very good. This author is one of my favorite and again, she proved why she is so. The struggle between the two characters was meaningful and spicy. However, the struggle didn't start to become the same tedious barbs over and over.

The conflicts between the additional characters added so much more. It was very well rounded the book didn't just follow the same, sometimes boring plot line of boy meets girl, girl hates boy, boy wins girl, villain tries to kill girl, boy saves day. There were additional characters and their personalities really leant to developing personal feelings towards them. All characters were well personified, not just the two leading characters.

I thought it was interesting how Gaelen Foley showed the other side to the "rouge" character. The character development was fantastic. As always, I'm waiting on edge for the next book.

I'm torn between admiration and horror after finishing Devil Takes a Bride. It seems like the author decided to write whatever she wanted here and damn the consequences - mad carriage chases, burning buildings, fistfights, orgies, a secret society a la the Hellfire Club, revenge, a long lost sibling, a tender hearted harlot who pops up every now and then to help, i.e. cause trouble, numerous kidnappings, a dead aunt who manages to match make from beyond the grave, some misunderstandings and estrangement, rival lovers, a Cinderella transformation for the heroine, and a trio of villains who are more ridiculous than intimidating - everything, and I mean everything and the kitchen sink was thrown into this roiling maelstrom of a plot. It is so tangled and sprawling and out there that I kept reading just to see what other crazy turn the story would take. Added to which the prose is way over the top. During the climactic showdown, in one breath the hero is compared to a hurricane, a rider of the Apocalypse, a cougar, a Mohawk warrior, a Bengal tiger, a wolf, a Nile croc. I couldn't make this stuff up. Between the frenetic plot and florid writing, there is little room for romance or character development. The book has way too much packed into it, so that the hero and heroine are lost in all the kerfuffle. They don't even get that much time together - though when they are together I can't say I like either their characters or their relationship. And it really started to drag at the end. I was more baffled and battered than entertained by this installment of the Knight Miscellany.

There are some things in life we just know and one of these things are that Mrs. Foley is a great writer. This book was a great read. Lizzie is wonderful, sweet, honest and had great chemistry with Devil. What a man! Read the book and you will understand why. Sexy, caring and deep down so in love with Lizzie. Its about a woman saving a man going down a path that will most likely lead to death. But he has lost everything he has ever cared about so he seems too have nothing to lose until Lizzie. The sparks fly! The ending was great (I don't want to spoil it for you) just read the book .

The fourth book in the Knight Miscellany series, "Devil takes a Bride" was a truly good and enjoyable installment that lived up to expectations.

Lizzie Carlyle has been in love with Lord Alec Knight ever since she was a little girl; but when the rogue finally broke her heart ("Lady of Desire"), Lizzie put her starry eyed dreams firmly behind her, and leaving her guardian's (the 8th duke of Hawkscliffe, and Lord Alec's eldest brother) household, took a post as the Dowager of Strathmore's companion. Here, in the quiet countryside, and far away from the gossip and intrigues of London society, she hoped to mend her heart and regain her good sense. Unfortunately the Dowager's nephew, "Devil" Strathmore seems to be another rogue, just like Lord Alec -- a hopeless gambler and spendthrift, a rake, and a care-for-naught, with little thought for the concern he's causing his doting aunt. And when the man finally turns up at his aunt's home (due to some unscrupulous machinations of Lizzie's part), Lizzie's not shy about letting him know just how little she thinks of him. But she cannot deny that Lord Strathmore is sinfully handsome and wholly seductive, and that he is beginning to affect the way she feels and thinks about him, especially when he begins to show his more vulnerable and caring side to her. Unfortunately, Lord Strathmore is also a man haunted by the death of his family and who is in the middle of a dangerous game of revenge. And he has no place in his life for love and Lizzie right now. Will Lizzie's love persuade Lord Strathmore to give up his plans of revenge, or will Lizzie once again have to nurse her bruised and broken heart?

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Devil Takes a Bride." The novel was one of those sweeping historical romance novels full of angst and longing and passion. The story was a good one, and I enjoyed Ms Foley's character complex and compelling portrayals of both Lizzie and Lord Strathmore. Lizzie, especially, was a joy to read about -- principled, intelligent and yet human enough to admit to her feelings of passion and longing for Lord Strathmore. As for Lord Strathmore, I don't think that I've come across a more complex and deeply conflicted character in quite a while. I thought that the authour made a good job of developing the passion and love that blossoms between Lizzie and Lord Strathmmore; I also thought that her depiction of the pain and anger that Lizzie felt when Lord Strathmore disappointed her was well done as well. The first half of the book unfolded at a snappy pace, and made for some rather compelling reading. And my one quibble with the book (aside from some very 20th century phrases) was what happened when the romance subplot dovetailed into the revenge subplot. For a man bent on revenge, who was about to see his revenge scheme see fruition, and who was rather afraid that the men he was baiting may learn of his love for Lizzie, the bit where the authour decided to make Lord Strathmore court Lizzie before the eyes of the ton made very little sense. Surely Lord Strathmore should have been a little concerned that these men would hear of his ardent courtship, thus either putting Lizzie or his revenge scheme in danger? But perhaps I'm the only one for whom this bit didn't quite add up? Aside from this quibble however, the "Devil Takes a Bride" was an enjoyable and engrossing read, and one that engaged my interest on several fronts.

Gaelen Foley is a name known to many RH readers all around, even though she hasn't been around long, I still choose her over many famous authers...She never disappoints, Not only does she creates settings where you wish you could LIVE in, but also hero's you wish were real...not to mention the plotting!

Devil takes a bride is the 5th installment in the Knight Miscellany, I have just reread it last night...the sweetness of it made me lay back, snuggling against my plopped pink pillows as I read aloud my favourite lines...much as I did with "PRINCESS" another novel by GF, I was so frustraited in Lady of Desire...which I also love! but I was frustraited in acount of Lizzie...When was her book?! Will she have one!? I kept wondernig and wondering until finally there was a confirmation that indeed there will be...a Lizzie happily ever after! Hurray!

Delvin Strathmore is something girls dream of, a bad boy charisma and irresistable charm, one of my favourite scene's is when "Devil" sleekly blocks Lizzie's path down the stairs, it is described that he somehow jumped infront of her...I loved that boyish flirting, It was bluntly straight forward. Although sometime before the book came out I confess I thought she might end up with Alec (Whom I love) but felt was not right for Lizzie. Ah yes...ladies, the Alexander the great will make quiet and appearance in this book....I'm not saying your going to like it but...It's ALEC!
Indeed I thought it was enough for Lizzie to stay on the sidelines, she deserved this! She really did!, another scene was when she was telling Devil and Alec straight off...in a wonderful speach where I remember distincly...I said in a clear loud voice "GO GIRL!" Hehehe
I cannot help it...Gaelen Foley! You've got me again!

This may has not been as informative as I hoped but Ignore everything and just click the "buy it now" button, TRUST ME this is a keeper!

Knight Miscellany in order:

-The Duke
-Lord of Fire
-Lord of Ice
-Lady of Desire
-Devil takes a Bride
-One Night of Sin
-His Wicked Kiss

Devlin Kimball, Lord Strathmore, is haunted by a so-called accidental fire that took the lives of his parents and his little sister when he was seventeen years old. He spent several years after the accident trying to escape the pain and guilt that plagued him. His torment first drove him to the bottle and then chased him across several oceans to remote parts of the world. Twelve years later, Devlin is ready for the truth.

He spends several years compiling information that finally leads him to believe the fire was not an accident. Rather, it was a cover up to a murder; the murder of his much beloved father. His investigation leads him to a notorious club of titled gentlemen who, behind the façade of respectability, engage themselves in debauchery, criminal activities, and any other base distractions that bring them pleasure. Devlin wholeheartedly devotes himself to meeting the requirements that will make him a member of the club. Once inside, he believes that he can narrow down his list of suspects and get to the truth. The last thing he needs, at this stage of his investigation, is a distraction.

When Devlin visits his only living relative, his Aunt Augusta, the Dowager Viscountess of Strathmore, he meets the beautiful and intelligent Miss Elizabeth Carlisle, his aunt's companion. Their encounter is a turning point in Devlin's life. Vengeance was his sole reason for living before then, but now he must risk all to bring his father's killers to justice but also keep himself from plummeting into the darkness that threatens to consume his soul.

Devil Takes A Bride is filled with suspense; a definite nail-biter, riveting with a twisty plotline. The characters were outstanding; most filled with enough good and bad in them to make it interesting. Devlin has much good in him, for example, but guilt and hate has eaten away much of his heart and thirst for revenge has blinded him to anything that might bring him comfort. It was really hard to get through this book because tension just oozed through the pages. I had to push myself through just to find out what happened at the end. This was definitely a great read.

Foley's other books in this series had strong heroes with black backgrounds, believable heroines, and interesting settings that went outside the typical London society setting. Foley is great at drawing you into a scene or situation with vivid descriptions.

But in Devil, Foley disappoints by dropping the heroine willingly into the hero's lap on day one (after spending pages explaining the woman's determination to never trust or love a man again). The hero's degree of guilt for something over which he had no control is silly. So is her saccharine sweet goodness, alternating self-reliance and helplessness, and too-even temper. You know early on that she's won him with her goodness, and that he'll come around as soon as he finishes his little revenge project. Their problems aren't troubling enough to justify the elaborate situations they have to overcome to end up together, and so neither is the happy ending.

Great romance novel. *A warning to anyone high brow about their Romance.* If you love Balogh or Heyer because of their great, authentic 19th century dialogue and historical accuracy, this author might not be for you. I'd recommend getting this from the library first if this is you.

This book is a great, romantic and funny, heart-wrenching romance novel but the dialogue is simplistic and 20th century (slang and all) and the situations are definitely contrived. Totally a typical "bodice-ripper", with throbbing members and heaving bosoms, but the romance is just so sweet and even though the dialogue is modern, it's still witty and the historical details are well researched and slipped in nicely throughout the book. It might not be your cup of tea, but I enjoyed it and I'm not afraid to say I like the occasional bodice ripper.