Review: The Marquess Tames His Bride (Brides for Bachelors #2) by Annie Burrows

I'm a huge fan of Annie Burrows's Regency romances and I've read all of them. The Marquess Tames His Bride is the second in the Brides for Bachelors series, but it can be read as a standalone. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, romance-wise,  but there is a mystery that threads through each story which I am assuming won't be resolved until the last book.

The Marquess of Rawcliffe and Clare Cottam (a Vicar's daughter) were childhood friends but have grown apart after Rawcliffe proposed and Clare took it as a joke and turned him down. Now each thinks the other is completely uncaring, although they are still attracted to each other. After several years they meet again. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but after an extremely original proposal scene Clare finds herself accidentally engaged to him. Does she really want to go ahead with marriage to the Marquess, or is he not quite the cold-hearted man he seems?

The proposal scene was definitely my favourite part of the story but I also liked the characters, particularly the strong-willed Clare when she is stands up to Rawcliffe during his alpha male moments. Can she break through the shield he has formed around his heart to stop himself from being hurt? The Marquess may feel he is turning his untamed childhood sweetheart into suitable marchioness material, but it does sometimes seem as though it's the other way around - and that's why I really enjoyed this story!

Review: The Major Meets His Match (Brides for Bachelors #1) by Annie Burrows

Major Jack Hesketh meets Lady Harriet Inskip when she stops his horse from bolting. He thanks her by drunkenly falling on top of her and kissing her, assuming she's a light-skirt. By the time he's sobered up and realised his mistake, she's decided he's an idiot - unfortunate, because over the next few days he realises he really likes her! How can he get her to change her mind?

I've read nearly all Annie Burrows's historical romances and I think this is my favourite. I loved the good-humoured banter between hero and heroine - I always enjoy books where the main characters actually like each other! The story doesn't go in quite the way you expect either, another plus. Harriet is staying with her aunt and beautiful cousin but, instead of a Cinderella story where our heroine is treated appallingly, her relatives are really kind. Her aunt introduces Harriet to Society and even buys her new gowns. Unfortunately, Harriet has terrible taste in clothes - another funny twist.

There is a mystery running through the story, about stolen jewellery, carrying on into the next book in the series, The Marquess Tames His Bride. We're also given a fascinating glimpse into the sad/tragic lives of Jack's friends, who will feature as heroes in the remainder of the series.

If you like sweet, funny, warm-hearted, historical romances, then this is the book for you. Recommended!