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Lairds' Fiancées #2
The Wedding
It's a classic plot: a marriage of convenience that lays the groundwork for true love.
1119. Journeying from England to Scotland to wed a highlander, Lady Brenna had resigned herself to the arranged match. But when a band of fierce, painted warriors captured her en route, she fearlessly met their demand to marry their leader -- the quick-tempered laird Connor MacAlister. She couldn't know that her capture was merely the first act of vengeance against her betrothed, Connor's sworn enemy.
Brenna harbored no illusions that her husband was in love with her; after a hasty forest wedding, MacAlister assured her she could return home once she had borne him a son. But she could not deny that she had once proposed to MacAlister -- ten years ago, when she was just a child, and the visitor to her father's castle charmed her with his dazzling, unexpected smile. Now, as she sets out to win the brave chieftain whom she has come to adore, a legacy of revenge ensnares Brenna in a furious clan war -- and only her faith in her gallant hero can save her....
1119. Journeying from England to Scotland to wed a highlander, Lady Brenna had resigned herself to the arranged match. But when a band of fierce, painted warriors captured her en route, she fearlessly met their demand to marry their leader -- the quick-tempered laird Connor MacAlister. She couldn't know that her capture was merely the first act of vengeance against her betrothed, Connor's sworn enemy.
Brenna harbored no illusions that her husband was in love with her; after a hasty forest wedding, MacAlister assured her she could return home once she had borne him a son. But she could not deny that she had once proposed to MacAlister -- ten years ago, when she was just a child, and the visitor to her father's castle charmed her with his dazzling, unexpected smile. Now, as she sets out to win the brave chieftain whom she has come to adore, a legacy of revenge ensnares Brenna in a furious clan war -- and only her faith in her gallant hero can save her....
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1995
About the author
Julie Garwood
161 books12.3k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,538 reviews
March 24, 2017
Sheesh, it sucked to be a woman back in these days. I know, I say that a lot. But, it really really sucked to be a woman back then.
First, her father basically sells her to be married to some asshole they've never met and the father only tells her hours before she is sent to her new husband that this will happen. She'll never see her family again, has no idea what to expect, and is sent on horseback to journey hundreds of miles to get to the guy.
Ha! She should be so lucky as to have it this easy!
Then, she gets kidnapped by the prospective groom's enemy and forced to marry him instead. She has to agree to marry him or else he will kill all of her father's soldiers that are with her.
I'd rather have a gun..
Then, this stranger/kidnapper decides that they will consummate their wedding vows on the dirty ground in the middle of their camp, surrounded by his men. Yes, she will lose her virginity to a filthy guy who forced her to marry him in the most demeaning way possible.
Or, after being terrorized, kidnapped, and forced to ride on horseback for hours on end... either way..
After losing her virginity the night before, she is expected to ride a horse for the entirety of the following day until her horse can no longer go on, at which time her new husband decides to abandon her horse. Her beloved pet is left in the woods to fend for itself. (this doesn't end well)
He also decides to abandon her belongings because they were too much trouble to carry.
That's good, because your needs were back in that suitcase we tossed because it was too heavy.
Finally, when he gets her to her new home - a fortress - he takes off for a couple of weeks, leaving her in an unfamiliar country, with no friends or family, barely knowing the language.
Welcome to your new life!
The worst part of all this? It was normal crap for back then. Women were simply servant/baby makers.
Don't forget to make him a sandwich when you are done.
Can we all just get down on our knees and thank God that we were born in this era?
Still, the story in this book was cute and funny. Even though women had no rights or the ability to resist what was being done to them, I like that our heroine still found ways to manipulateher overlords the men around her. She was clever and sweet. The man, however, was an ass until the very end.
First, her father basically sells her to be married to some asshole they've never met and the father only tells her hours before she is sent to her new husband that this will happen. She'll never see her family again, has no idea what to expect, and is sent on horseback to journey hundreds of miles to get to the guy.
Ha! She should be so lucky as to have it this easy!
Then, she gets kidnapped by the prospective groom's enemy and forced to marry him instead. She has to agree to marry him or else he will kill all of her father's soldiers that are with her.
I'd rather have a gun..
Then, this stranger/kidnapper decides that they will consummate their wedding vows on the dirty ground in the middle of their camp, surrounded by his men. Yes, she will lose her virginity to a filthy guy who forced her to marry him in the most demeaning way possible.
Or, after being terrorized, kidnapped, and forced to ride on horseback for hours on end... either way..
After losing her virginity the night before, she is expected to ride a horse for the entirety of the following day until her horse can no longer go on, at which time her new husband decides to abandon her horse. Her beloved pet is left in the woods to fend for itself. (this doesn't end well)
He also decides to abandon her belongings because they were too much trouble to carry.
That's good, because your needs were back in that suitcase we tossed because it was too heavy.
Finally, when he gets her to her new home - a fortress - he takes off for a couple of weeks, leaving her in an unfamiliar country, with no friends or family, barely knowing the language.
Welcome to your new life!
The worst part of all this? It was normal crap for back then. Women were simply servant/baby makers.
Don't forget to make him a sandwich when you are done.
Can we all just get down on our knees and thank God that we were born in this era?
Still, the story in this book was cute and funny. Even though women had no rights or the ability to resist what was being done to them, I like that our heroine still found ways to manipulate
May 25, 2017
While I liked this one too I didn't like it as much as the first one. The heroine was just to much of a push over trying to please people and it bugged me but other than that a cute read!
June 12, 2021
I whole-heartedly ADORED THIS BOOK! 💖💖💖 Much like The Bride I found myself laughing and smiling throughout this one. Brenna was so funny and Connor was such a lovable jerk. I loved their conversations and how they would talk in circles. It was so funny; I just love Julie Garwood's humour! There were also many notable secondary characters I really enjoyed. And of course, it was so nice to see Alec and Jaimie again. How cute was their daughter, Grace!?
I can't wait to reread this series!
Rating: 5/5
I can't wait to reread this series!
Rating: 5/5
November 19, 2012
So it happened... I found a book by Julie Garwood that I didn't love. Not that it was bad, it was just not up to par with the other Garwood books I've read.
The Wedding starts with 10-year-old Highlander Connor MacAlister promising his dying father to avenge his death by finding out and killing the ones who betrayed him. This promise basically defines Connor's whole life then and determines the course of his actions throughout the story. 16 years later, Connor's quest for revenge makes him steal away his enemy's bride, Lady Brenna, an Englishwoman who he met some years ago when he was a young lad and she was a child, and who innocently proposed to him back then. Connor isn't aware that Brenna is his enemy's bride when he sets out to claim her as his own bride, but he's more than satisfied now that he knows it.
What follows is one of the funniest wedding scenes I've ever read. It wasn't as good as the one in Ransom, but it was a blast and I giggled all the way through it. After they're properly married, Connor and Brenna start their journey back to his home, where he can drop her and keep working on his revenge against his father's killers. And that's where the story lost me...
I really enjoyed the 1st half of the book, and I could have bet it was going to be another winner to me. I was definitely starting to fall for Connor, the arrogant and gruff warrior who had - or seemed to have - a soft spot when it came to his new wife, even if he would have killed himself before he acknowledged it. I adored Brenna, the somewhat clueless young lady who was decided to make the best of a bad situation while trying to find a way out of it. And I loved Garwood's humorous writing, that had me smiling and laughing at the nonsense that came out of Connor's mouth and mind. I knew - or better, hoped - his cold and bossy behavior would start to change a bit as he got to spend more time with Brenna and build a true relationship with her, so I put up with him in the beginning. Unfortunately, that change never came...
I swear, I started to frown when Connor left Brenna to her own devices as soon as he arrived home, trusting her to follow him around. WTH, did he think she was like a pet? And when he "found" her - not that he'd ever admit he had "lost" her in the 1st place! -, he didn't appologize for having forgotten about her. No, he berated her for the grievance she'd put him through. What a charming man. Not!
Then, things got worse when Connor just up and went to fight some battle against one of his enemies next, leaving his newlywed wife Brenna to deal with his stepmother and his stepbrother alone. At that point, everything went down hill. Brenna, who I still liked by then, started to act like an idiot, failing to see what a b!tch Connor's stepmother was. Anyone, including the servants, could see that, but Brenna kept illuding herself into thinking the old woman was just "difficult". Naturally, no good came from Brenna's willingness to hide from the truth right before her eyes. She pretty much became a pushover, and that was so different from how she'd behaved in the 1st half of the story that I started to wonder if I was reading the same book.
As I finished the book, I was still trying to figure out why and how exactly Connor and Brenna fell in love with each other. They didn't know each other at all and kept misunderstanding their feelings and actions. Connor's constant refusal to talk and explain himself - he was Laird, why should he "waste" his time explaining his actions to his wife? - didn't help matters. He was so focused on avenging his father's death that I never felt he dedicated enough time to actually fall for Brenna. Okay, he was all mushy and head-over-hills in love with her by the end of the book, but I had a hard time buying it. I mean, this was the same man who'd left her alone at home right after their hasty wedding, wasn't it? As for Brenna, I also didn't understand why she fell for Connor considering how he'd basically neglected her most of the time and hadn't shown any glimpse of loving affection before the final pages.
All things considered, this was kind of a disappointing read. Like I said, it wasn't bad, but I had high expectations - which were reinfoced by the wonderful 1st half of the story - and they weren't met. But I don't regret reading it and I'm going to keep it, as I may feel in the mood to reread the 1st half in the future.
The Wedding starts with 10-year-old Highlander Connor MacAlister promising his dying father to avenge his death by finding out and killing the ones who betrayed him. This promise basically defines Connor's whole life then and determines the course of his actions throughout the story. 16 years later, Connor's quest for revenge makes him steal away his enemy's bride, Lady Brenna, an Englishwoman who he met some years ago when he was a young lad and she was a child, and who innocently proposed to him back then. Connor isn't aware that Brenna is his enemy's bride when he sets out to claim her as his own bride, but he's more than satisfied now that he knows it.
What follows is one of the funniest wedding scenes I've ever read. It wasn't as good as the one in Ransom, but it was a blast and I giggled all the way through it. After they're properly married, Connor and Brenna start their journey back to his home, where he can drop her and keep working on his revenge against his father's killers. And that's where the story lost me...
I really enjoyed the 1st half of the book, and I could have bet it was going to be another winner to me. I was definitely starting to fall for Connor, the arrogant and gruff warrior who had - or seemed to have - a soft spot when it came to his new wife, even if he would have killed himself before he acknowledged it. I adored Brenna, the somewhat clueless young lady who was decided to make the best of a bad situation while trying to find a way out of it. And I loved Garwood's humorous writing, that had me smiling and laughing at the nonsense that came out of Connor's mouth and mind. I knew - or better, hoped - his cold and bossy behavior would start to change a bit as he got to spend more time with Brenna and build a true relationship with her, so I put up with him in the beginning. Unfortunately, that change never came...
I swear, I started to frown when Connor left Brenna to her own devices as soon as he arrived home, trusting her to follow him around. WTH, did he think she was like a pet? And when he "found" her - not that he'd ever admit he had "lost" her in the 1st place! -, he didn't appologize for having forgotten about her. No, he berated her for the grievance she'd put him through. What a charming man. Not!
Then, things got worse when Connor just up and went to fight some battle against one of his enemies next, leaving his newlywed wife Brenna to deal with his stepmother and his stepbrother alone. At that point, everything went down hill. Brenna, who I still liked by then, started to act like an idiot, failing to see what a b!tch Connor's stepmother was. Anyone, including the servants, could see that, but Brenna kept illuding herself into thinking the old woman was just "difficult". Naturally, no good came from Brenna's willingness to hide from the truth right before her eyes. She pretty much became a pushover, and that was so different from how she'd behaved in the 1st half of the story that I started to wonder if I was reading the same book.
As I finished the book, I was still trying to figure out why and how exactly Connor and Brenna fell in love with each other. They didn't know each other at all and kept misunderstanding their feelings and actions. Connor's constant refusal to talk and explain himself - he was Laird, why should he "waste" his time explaining his actions to his wife? - didn't help matters. He was so focused on avenging his father's death that I never felt he dedicated enough time to actually fall for Brenna. Okay, he was all mushy and head-over-hills in love with her by the end of the book, but I had a hard time buying it. I mean, this was the same man who'd left her alone at home right after their hasty wedding, wasn't it? As for Brenna, I also didn't understand why she fell for Connor considering how he'd basically neglected her most of the time and hadn't shown any glimpse of loving affection before the final pages.
All things considered, this was kind of a disappointing read. Like I said, it wasn't bad, but I had high expectations - which were reinfoced by the wonderful 1st half of the story - and they weren't met. But I don't regret reading it and I'm going to keep it, as I may feel in the mood to reread the 1st half in the future.
August 3, 2020
2.5 stars
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one or I guess my historical romance fever has finally been broken and I’m now ready to go back to the 21st century books.
The heroine was just a pushover and I prefer my HR heroines to be sassy and spirited. This one annoyed the hell out of me. I didn’t like the hero at all. He’s so freakin obtuse. I kept hoping for a change in his personality but it never came. I also couldn’t feel any chemistry between the heroine and the hero. I couldn’t see how they love each other. It didn’t feel like they even get to know each other. I don’t think that there was a single scene where I felt any connection between them. Most scenes ended with some kind of degradation or a really hurtful comment that got me raging. The writing is really good tho and I loved the wedding scene but that’s it.
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one or I guess my historical romance fever has finally been broken and I’m now ready to go back to the 21st century books.
The heroine was just a pushover and I prefer my HR heroines to be sassy and spirited. This one annoyed the hell out of me. I didn’t like the hero at all. He’s so freakin obtuse. I kept hoping for a change in his personality but it never came. I also couldn’t feel any chemistry between the heroine and the hero. I couldn’t see how they love each other. It didn’t feel like they even get to know each other. I don’t think that there was a single scene where I felt any connection between them. Most scenes ended with some kind of degradation or a really hurtful comment that got me raging. The writing is really good tho and I loved the wedding scene but that’s it.
February 11, 2022
1 star - dnf 31%
I think reading 3 Julie Garwood books in a row has done some brain damage. I can actually physically feel my eyeballs burning.
I cannot believe this is the same author who wrote Honor's Splendour. Maybe her books need to be read once a year so you forget the woman writes the same story over and over and over again.
PS: The way all three heroines have blonde hair, blue eyes and share one personality. The range🤌
PS PS: take my rating with a grain of salt. I'm just really fucking pissed and tired at this point because once again BRAIN DAMAGE.
I think reading 3 Julie Garwood books in a row has done some brain damage. I can actually physically feel my eyeballs burning.
I cannot believe this is the same author who wrote Honor's Splendour. Maybe her books need to be read once a year so you forget the woman writes the same story over and over and over again.
PS: The way all three heroines have blonde hair, blue eyes and share one personality. The range🤌
PS PS: take my rating with a grain of salt. I'm just really fucking pissed and tired at this point because once again BRAIN DAMAGE.
August 7, 2012
Julie Garwood at her finest. This is probably one of my favorite books of all time. I loved Brenna and I LOVED Connor. I think I've probably read this book 50 times. I wish Garwood still wrote like this.
January 4, 2021
Even when you hate parts of it, it's hard not to love...
I forgot how annoying Connor was in the beginning. Well, he was annoying but also, after listening for the 50 billionth time, I recognised his silliness in thinking he could avoid love. Cracks me up when blokes think they can do the whole meaningless sex thing indefinitely.
Brenna is still my favourite part of The Wedding and the reason I keep coming back for revisits.
I can't get enough of Julie Garwood's historical romances.
**********
Yep, still loved it. If anything, I enjoyed this listen more than the first time. I feel like I need to watch Braveheart again to get my Scottish Hottie Fix. Saying that maybe I should move with the times and watch a wee bit of Outlander.
Love getting my Julie Garwood fix.
**********
Loved it!!
Seriously, you can't go wrong with a Julie Garwood historical and it's bloody good to know that the same applies to her audios as well. At first, I struggled a little with the narrator's accent but it did not take long before I was thoroughly enthralled.
Brenna and Connor's story was as awesome as I remember. But, saying that, I do acknowledge that Connor is hard to love in the beginning. He's just so stubborn and determined not to love Brenna. Of course, he couldn't help himself in the end, and that is why it's hard not to love The Wedding.
I loved getting to see Alec and Jamie again and getting to meet their beautiful daughter too.
Just bought The Secret on audio so I think I'll keep the Julie Garwood tribute going.
I forgot how annoying Connor was in the beginning. Well, he was annoying but also, after listening for the 50 billionth time, I recognised his silliness in thinking he could avoid love. Cracks me up when blokes think they can do the whole meaningless sex thing indefinitely.
Brenna is still my favourite part of The Wedding and the reason I keep coming back for revisits.
I can't get enough of Julie Garwood's historical romances.
**********
Yep, still loved it. If anything, I enjoyed this listen more than the first time. I feel like I need to watch Braveheart again to get my Scottish Hottie Fix. Saying that maybe I should move with the times and watch a wee bit of Outlander.
Love getting my Julie Garwood fix.
**********
Loved it!!
Seriously, you can't go wrong with a Julie Garwood historical and it's bloody good to know that the same applies to her audios as well. At first, I struggled a little with the narrator's accent but it did not take long before I was thoroughly enthralled.
Brenna and Connor's story was as awesome as I remember. But, saying that, I do acknowledge that Connor is hard to love in the beginning. He's just so stubborn and determined not to love Brenna. Of course, he couldn't help himself in the end, and that is why it's hard not to love The Wedding.
I loved getting to see Alec and Jamie again and getting to meet their beautiful daughter too.
Just bought The Secret on audio so I think I'll keep the Julie Garwood tribute going.
June 11, 2010
The Wedding managed to make its way up into the ranks of Garwood books that earned a five star rating. Why? Because this book took me from laughing hysterically, to being angry enough for my blood pressure to shoot up (or so my throbbing temples testified to), to being so sad I wanted to cry. Also, it's just darn entertaining.
I've read many, many romance novels in my thirty-some years, and Julie Garwood has a way of writing singular heroines, like no other author. On first glance, they seem too sweet to be believed. But, their sweetness is completely genuine. Her heroines are so kind and loving, that you'd have to be a big jerk to hate them. As for me, I love them. Brenna certainly was no different. The poor girl. She really went through the wringer in this book, and Connor contributed significantly to her suffering. At times, I did want to take a frying pan to his thick skull. Of course, I realize that he's emotionally stunted from the tragedy of his father's betrayal and death, and the murder of most of his clan. His deathbed promise to his father was what drove him, and marriage was only a secondary concern. He's a hard man, and it took him sometime to realize that his husband skills needed improvement. You cannot put wives away on shelves to gather dust until you want to play with them, man! Thankfully, love conquers all.
This was a very good book, and I didn't want to put it down. Brenna won my heart, and I was very glad that Connor got a clue. I loved the secondary cast of characters, such as Connor's men Quinlan and Crispin, and his people, Father Sinclair, her family, and of course, Laird Alec and Lady Jamie. I'm not sure if medieval Scotland in any way resembles this book, but I almost want to go there just to enjoy the ambience (despite the lack of indoor plumbing).
I don't have it in me to write a long review right now, so this will have to suffice. How does Ms. Garwood do it? Write such brilliant comedy, but scenes that are ripe with emotional anguish? Those diametrically opposed tones shouldn't go together, but she manages it. Although some parts wrenched at my heart at what poor Brenna went through, I felt that things worked out very well. I know that Connor will never, ever take her for granted again. He'll realize just how precious the love he has with Brenna, and how that was more important than the vengeance his father swore him to. She snuck her way into his heart, just like she did mine.
Darn! I wish I had time to go back and read all her historicals again!
I've read many, many romance novels in my thirty-some years, and Julie Garwood has a way of writing singular heroines, like no other author. On first glance, they seem too sweet to be believed. But, their sweetness is completely genuine. Her heroines are so kind and loving, that you'd have to be a big jerk to hate them. As for me, I love them. Brenna certainly was no different. The poor girl. She really went through the wringer in this book, and Connor contributed significantly to her suffering. At times, I did want to take a frying pan to his thick skull. Of course, I realize that he's emotionally stunted from the tragedy of his father's betrayal and death, and the murder of most of his clan. His deathbed promise to his father was what drove him, and marriage was only a secondary concern. He's a hard man, and it took him sometime to realize that his husband skills needed improvement. You cannot put wives away on shelves to gather dust until you want to play with them, man! Thankfully, love conquers all.
This was a very good book, and I didn't want to put it down. Brenna won my heart, and I was very glad that Connor got a clue. I loved the secondary cast of characters, such as Connor's men Quinlan and Crispin, and his people, Father Sinclair, her family, and of course, Laird Alec and Lady Jamie. I'm not sure if medieval Scotland in any way resembles this book, but I almost want to go there just to enjoy the ambience (despite the lack of indoor plumbing).
I don't have it in me to write a long review right now, so this will have to suffice. How does Ms. Garwood do it? Write such brilliant comedy, but scenes that are ripe with emotional anguish? Those diametrically opposed tones shouldn't go together, but she manages it. Although some parts wrenched at my heart at what poor Brenna went through, I felt that things worked out very well. I know that Connor will never, ever take her for granted again. He'll realize just how precious the love he has with Brenna, and how that was more important than the vengeance his father swore him to. She snuck her way into his heart, just like she did mine.
Darn! I wish I had time to go back and read all her historicals again!
July 22, 2011
2 stars
Looks like I'm one of the few who didn't enjoy this book. I had high hopes to start but ended up disappointed and frustrated for most of the books.
I found "The Wedding" frustrating, wearisome, and confusing at times. There were some funny and endearing parts, but those moments soon gave way to frustration again. I also had a devil of a time trying to connecting with these characters. I didn't hate the book but I certainly didn't like it either.
I'm not sure why this story didn't sit well with me. I guess after reading "The Bride," a book with characters that jumped off the pages and had such heart & soul, "The Wedding" felt tedious and slightly obnoxious. The constant misconceptions between the two main characters became annoying after awhile. And, for heaven's sake, could Connor become any more obtuse?
I felt Brenna and Connor had little, if any, character growth throughout the book, although Connor did change his feelings about marriage and Brenna toward the end. Brenna's character, on the other hand, seemed to retrogress. She began as a feisty, confident, and witty women; only to become a weak reflection of her former self. It was sad watching such a vibrant and carefree character become more and more passiveness as the story progressed. In her desire to be accepted by her mother-in-law, which she believed would have a positive impact on her relationship with Connor, she allowed herself to become easily controlled and manipulated. Thankfully, she rectified that mentality by the end of the book.
Connor is definitely my least favorite alpha-hero. He's 100% alpha-male, with hardly a redeeming quality throughout the book. He's one of the most cantankerous, egomaniac, obtuse characters I've read. Good grief, the guy’s about as clueless as they come with regard to women. I didn't find him at all endearing. He did redeem himself at the end; however, it felt like the author forced his character into submission. Because his change of heart was not a natural progression, it seemed abrupt, and there for, not totally believable.
For me, Connor’s and Brenna's relationship was the most disconcerting aspect of the book. Frankly, I couldn’t find any reason to root for them as a couple. Connor was constantly rebuking, disregarding, berating, and patronizing Brenna. Also, Connor said one of the cruelest things a man could say to a woman in regard to her worth as a wife. I had a difficult time forgiving him for that.
How on earth these two fell in love is beyond me. They definitely had great chemistry between the sheets (Julie Garwood can write some steamy smexin, that's for sure) but that's the only time I really felt the chemistry between them. Not only were they constantly bickering, they spent very little time together during the second half of the book. Honestly, their love story baffled me.
There were some funny and heartwarming parts I did like.
The wedding scene was brilliantly written. I can't help but laugh just thinking about it. Julie Garwood sure has a knack for writing humor.
I teared up when Brenna gave Connor the medallion she'd made him, explaining the reason why it was so dear to her. The way she compared the story of David and Goliath to Connor's history was beautiful and heartwarming. It was the only time I felt a deep connection between the two of them.
I really loved that Alec and Jamie (The Bride) made a few appearances in this book. I absolutely love their characters. Their little three year old daughter was so darling and fun; she stole the show whenever she made an appearance in the book.
Honestly, I think my expectations for this book were a tad too high after just finishing "The Bride.” I can’t help but make comparisons between the two and, frankly, “The Wedding” falls short!
Looks like I'm one of the few who didn't enjoy this book. I had high hopes to start but ended up disappointed and frustrated for most of the books.
I found "The Wedding" frustrating, wearisome, and confusing at times. There were some funny and endearing parts, but those moments soon gave way to frustration again. I also had a devil of a time trying to connecting with these characters. I didn't hate the book but I certainly didn't like it either.
I'm not sure why this story didn't sit well with me. I guess after reading "The Bride," a book with characters that jumped off the pages and had such heart & soul, "The Wedding" felt tedious and slightly obnoxious. The constant misconceptions between the two main characters became annoying after awhile. And, for heaven's sake, could Connor become any more obtuse?
I felt Brenna and Connor had little, if any, character growth throughout the book, although Connor did change his feelings about marriage and Brenna toward the end. Brenna's character, on the other hand, seemed to retrogress. She began as a feisty, confident, and witty women; only to become a weak reflection of her former self. It was sad watching such a vibrant and carefree character become more and more passiveness as the story progressed. In her desire to be accepted by her mother-in-law, which she believed would have a positive impact on her relationship with Connor, she allowed herself to become easily controlled and manipulated. Thankfully, she rectified that mentality by the end of the book.
Connor is definitely my least favorite alpha-hero. He's 100% alpha-male, with hardly a redeeming quality throughout the book. He's one of the most cantankerous, egomaniac, obtuse characters I've read. Good grief, the guy’s about as clueless as they come with regard to women. I didn't find him at all endearing. He did redeem himself at the end; however, it felt like the author forced his character into submission. Because his change of heart was not a natural progression, it seemed abrupt, and there for, not totally believable.
For me, Connor’s and Brenna's relationship was the most disconcerting aspect of the book. Frankly, I couldn’t find any reason to root for them as a couple. Connor was constantly rebuking, disregarding, berating, and patronizing Brenna. Also, Connor said one of the cruelest things a man could say to a woman in regard to her worth as a wife. I had a difficult time forgiving him for that.
How on earth these two fell in love is beyond me. They definitely had great chemistry between the sheets (Julie Garwood can write some steamy smexin, that's for sure) but that's the only time I really felt the chemistry between them. Not only were they constantly bickering, they spent very little time together during the second half of the book. Honestly, their love story baffled me.
There were some funny and heartwarming parts I did like.
The wedding scene was brilliantly written. I can't help but laugh just thinking about it. Julie Garwood sure has a knack for writing humor.
I teared up when Brenna gave Connor the medallion she'd made him, explaining the reason why it was so dear to her. The way she compared the story of David and Goliath to Connor's history was beautiful and heartwarming. It was the only time I felt a deep connection between the two of them.
I really loved that Alec and Jamie (The Bride) made a few appearances in this book. I absolutely love their characters. Their little three year old daughter was so darling and fun; she stole the show whenever she made an appearance in the book.
Honestly, I think my expectations for this book were a tad too high after just finishing "The Bride.” I can’t help but make comparisons between the two and, frankly, “The Wedding” falls short!
January 12, 2023
I keep asking myself why this is my favorite Garwood book even though it's rarely anyone's favorite.
After re-reading it, I finally found a conclusion. With Brenna's bubbly attitude, the humor and banters, and Connor's need to avenge and protect, this is exactly what I look for in a comfort HR book.
Brenna, the daughter of an English baron, is the sixth out of seven children. Her father ,although not outwardly evil is a greedy bastard who wants an alliance with the Scots. Not only was Brenna the forgotten middle child (was left as a kid several times), she was also suddenly shipped off to marry the Scottish Laird MacNare. Luckily for her, MacNare is the life-long enemy of Connor MacAllister. Connor and Brenna met when they were younger and Brenna proposed to him. As an act of spite against his enemy, Connor stole MacNare's bride and justified it by finally accepting Brenna's proposal from years ago. "Yes, Brenna I will marry you."
Before getting into the happy fun romantic discussion, I wanna talk about the conflict.
I feel like this book's conflict is more nuanced than Garwood's other books. We get to actually see why Connor is the way he is; why he has the need to avenge his father, and why he was this strong gruff emotionally distant man. He was driven by grief and trauma as shown in the prologue. As for Brenna, being the bubbly girl who has several quirks (leaving things behind, cannot stop showing affection, wandering off everywhere, talks to herself, tends to say whatever she wants and forget what she said when she is passionate) it's hard to imagine her having serious conflict other than puny ones.
But no, ladies and gentlemen. Her problems are nuanced as well, and I appreciate a historical romance that managed to do it successfully.
She is one of my favorite heroine. Do you know how hard it is for a heroine to be a strong woman and not have the narration endlessly reminding us that fact? A strong woman is not always about defying men, changing norms, and yada yada yada. Brenna is a strong woman because of her composure, her caring nature, and her respect for other people. She always puts others first. This is why her conflict, I think, is very well done. TW: Mentions of Sexual Assault Coming
She was sexually assaulted during the course of the story and was traumatised by it. She felt disgust, guilt, and confusion. I think her reaction is an accurate depiction of what assault can do. And for those of you who blame her for not speaking out earlier, please have some consideration. She's terrified, not only for herself but also for the outcome of her speaking out. This is why I think it was accurate. Her fear is very much understandable, and Garwood managed to change her attitude on paper very well. In an unfamiliar home, she trusts Connor most of all, and with him gone when the assault takes place, her fear is transferred to the readers. Honest to god, I started missing him as much as the heroine, and was equally relieved when he got home.
As for the resolution... well. If you're familiar with my reviews, you'll know that I wouldn't be satisfied until the villain died and my baby is avenged. Without giving anything away, I assure you, I am satisfied enough. Could've had more gore, but Alas
Despite the occasionally serious plot (war, treachery, and abuse) Connor and Brenna's story is full of what I crave most in a romance book: romantic humor. Brenna is so innocent and funny, and Connor enjoyed it. He knew how to deal with her and protect her, and she was just this bright-eyed young girl that kept him grounded.
I mean, this book is so funny to me! They're both adorable together and I just can't ok???
"You don't remember what you said to me when I was inside you?"
She frowned with concentration while she thought about it. "Hurry up?"
It was clear from the very start they loved each other. Connor who tried not to fall in love throughout the book was already intrigued by her since they first met, and Brenna was ready to marry him that time. It was just that young silly love history, and when they're older, their banter is like those of an old couple.
There was not a lot of shyness because Brenna likes to run her mouth, and instead of thinking it disgraceful, It's funny to Connor.
"I remember being called a pig."
"You do?"
"You know good and well, I do. I was called a pig in two languages."
"You were?"
"I was."
"I might have spoken in haste. Yes, it is possible I might have."
It just has that sparkling light-hearted aura that made me giggle and enjoy myself. I just wished the epilogue was longer, though.
The realization that this is my favourite book didn't come instantly. I knew I loved this book, but I didn't think I was obsessed with it. When I kept coming back to it and still kept laughing along, I knew that this book has a special place in my heart. This is my comfort book and 100% worth the read.
After re-reading it, I finally found a conclusion. With Brenna's bubbly attitude, the humor and banters, and Connor's need to avenge and protect, this is exactly what I look for in a comfort HR book.
Brenna, the daughter of an English baron, is the sixth out of seven children. Her father ,although not outwardly evil is a greedy bastard who wants an alliance with the Scots. Not only was Brenna the forgotten middle child (was left as a kid several times), she was also suddenly shipped off to marry the Scottish Laird MacNare. Luckily for her, MacNare is the life-long enemy of Connor MacAllister. Connor and Brenna met when they were younger and Brenna proposed to him. As an act of spite against his enemy, Connor stole MacNare's bride and justified it by finally accepting Brenna's proposal from years ago. "Yes, Brenna I will marry you."
Before getting into the happy fun romantic discussion, I wanna talk about the conflict.
I feel like this book's conflict is more nuanced than Garwood's other books. We get to actually see why Connor is the way he is; why he has the need to avenge his father, and why he was this strong gruff emotionally distant man. He was driven by grief and trauma as shown in the prologue. As for Brenna, being the bubbly girl who has several quirks (leaving things behind, cannot stop showing affection, wandering off everywhere, talks to herself, tends to say whatever she wants and forget what she said when she is passionate) it's hard to imagine her having serious conflict other than puny ones.
But no, ladies and gentlemen. Her problems are nuanced as well, and I appreciate a historical romance that managed to do it successfully.
She is one of my favorite heroine. Do you know how hard it is for a heroine to be a strong woman and not have the narration endlessly reminding us that fact? A strong woman is not always about defying men, changing norms, and yada yada yada. Brenna is a strong woman because of her composure, her caring nature, and her respect for other people. She always puts others first. This is why her conflict, I think, is very well done. TW: Mentions of Sexual Assault Coming
She was sexually assaulted during the course of the story and was traumatised by it. She felt disgust, guilt, and confusion. I think her reaction is an accurate depiction of what assault can do. And for those of you who blame her for not speaking out earlier, please have some consideration. She's terrified, not only for herself but also for the outcome of her speaking out. This is why I think it was accurate. Her fear is very much understandable, and Garwood managed to change her attitude on paper very well. In an unfamiliar home, she trusts Connor most of all, and with him gone when the assault takes place, her fear is transferred to the readers. Honest to god, I started missing him as much as the heroine, and was equally relieved when he got home.
As for the resolution... well. If you're familiar with my reviews, you'll know that I wouldn't be satisfied until the villain died and my baby is avenged. Without giving anything away, I assure you, I am satisfied enough. Could've had more gore, but Alas
Despite the occasionally serious plot (war, treachery, and abuse) Connor and Brenna's story is full of what I crave most in a romance book: romantic humor. Brenna is so innocent and funny, and Connor enjoyed it. He knew how to deal with her and protect her, and she was just this bright-eyed young girl that kept him grounded.
I mean, this book is so funny to me! They're both adorable together and I just can't ok???
"You don't remember what you said to me when I was inside you?"
She frowned with concentration while she thought about it. "Hurry up?"
It was clear from the very start they loved each other. Connor who tried not to fall in love throughout the book was already intrigued by her since they first met, and Brenna was ready to marry him that time. It was just that young silly love history, and when they're older, their banter is like those of an old couple.
There was not a lot of shyness because Brenna likes to run her mouth, and instead of thinking it disgraceful, It's funny to Connor.
"I remember being called a pig."
"You do?"
"You know good and well, I do. I was called a pig in two languages."
"You were?"
"I was."
"I might have spoken in haste. Yes, it is possible I might have."
It just has that sparkling light-hearted aura that made me giggle and enjoy myself. I just wished the epilogue was longer, though.
The realization that this is my favourite book didn't come instantly. I knew I loved this book, but I didn't think I was obsessed with it. When I kept coming back to it and still kept laughing along, I knew that this book has a special place in my heart. This is my comfort book and 100% worth the read.
July 8, 2021
Η Julie Garwood ήταν η συγγραφική έκπληξη της προηγούμενης χρονιάς των εκδόσεων Elxis.Παρόλο που ήθελα εδώ και καιρό να το διαβάσω,το άφησα επίτηδες για το καλοκαίρι,γιατί ποιος ξέρει πόσοι μήνες θα περάσουν μέχρι να ξαναπολαύσω κάποιο βιβλίο της.
Η συγκεκριμένη συγγραφέας έχει ήδη κερδίσει μια θέση στην καρδιά μου.Ακόμα μια φορά οι Εκδόσεις Elxis βρήκαν μια συγγραφέα που έχει πολλά να δώσει.
Πολύ πετυχημένη η επιλογή του τίτλου που επέλεξαν οι εκδόσεις,γιατί κυριολεκτικά τα πάντα προμηνύουν πόλεμο σε αυτό το βιβλίο.
Η ιστορία περιστρέφεται γύρω από τον Κόνορ Μακάλιστερ ένα μπρουτάλ Σκωτσέζικο αγόρι,τι αγόρι άντρακλας δυο μέτρα,έναν αδίστακτο ηγέτη που ζει με μοναδικό σκοπό της ζωής του να εκδικηθεί για το θάνατο του πατέρα του.
Μέχρι που η μοίρα του φέρνει στο δρόμο του την Μπρένα,που πιθανώς είναι μια από τις πιο αστείες θηλυκές χαρακτήρες που έχω διαβάσει ποτέ,με τις ατελείωτες γκάφες,το πνεύμα της και την μεγάλη καρδιά παλεύει να προσαρμοστεί στην καινούργια της ζωή σ’ έναν καινούργιο τόπο και δίπλα σ’ έναν σύζυγο που μόνο εύκολος και προσαρμόσιμος δεν είναι.
Στα θετικά του βιβλίου είναι και η εμφάνιση του ζευγαριού του προηγούμενου βιβλίου,Άλεκ και Τζέιμι.Είμαι ευγνώμων που η συγγραφέας επέλεξε να τους συμπεριλάβει στην ιστορία και μας δίνει μια ιδέα για το πως ζει το αγαπημένο μου ζευγάρι που εμφανίζεται ως παράδειγμα στους νεόνυμφους.Με χαροποίησε ιδιαίτερα που ο Άλεκ δέχτηκε τον Κόνορ στο σπίτι του και τον θεωρεί αδερφό του και του δίνει συμβουλές για τον γάμο του.Ενώ η Μπρένα βρίσκει στην Τζέιμι μια πολύ καλή φίλη.
Οι χαρακτήρες είναι καλογραμμένοι,δουλεμένοι με πιστότητα και προσοχή,κάτι που αποδεικνύεται από το πώς αυτοί εξελίσσονται στην πορεία της αφήγησης.Προσωπικότητες πολυεπίπεδες και χαρισματικές,που ξεδιπλώνονται και εκπλήσσουν με κάθε εξέλιξη και νέα ανατροπή.Διαθέτουν τόση πολλή ένταση από τα περισσότερα ζευγάρια, και κάθε τους σκηνή αποδεικνύεται πως είναι πλασμένοι ο ένας για τον άλλον.
Η σχέση τους περνάει από πολλές παρεξηγήσεις,αμφιβολίες,διλήμματα,εξελίσσεται όμως διαρκώς και ωριμάζει σταδιακά μέσα από κάθε κοινό τους βίωμα,ώσπου να φτάσει στο σημείο εκείνο όπου πια το «για πάντα μαζί» φαντάζει απόλυτα σωστό.
Όπως κι το προηγούμενο,όλα τα διαθέτει το βιβλίο της,και μάλιστα σε ικανοποιητικές δόσεις.Καλογραμμένη πλοκή, καλοδομημένους και ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες,στιγμές που η συγκίνηση έχει τον πρώτο ρόλο,στιγμές που το χιούμορ (ειδικά οι… φαρμακερές, γεμάτες σαρκασμό ατάκες και του Άλεκ) κλέβει την παράσταση, στιγμές που κάθε φορά που οι ήρωες συναντιούνται θυμίζουν ενεργό ηφαίστειο λίγο πριν το ξύπνημά του.Παθιασμένες σκηνές έρωτα,εμπόδια και άφθονο σκοτσέζικο πείσμα.
Βυθίστηκα στις σελίδες του και διψούσα κυριολεκτικά για το επόμενο κεφάλαιο,για την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας,για να δω αυτούς τους δύο χαρισματικούς χαρακτήρες να βρίσκουν επιτέλους τον δρόμο προς την ευτυχία.
Μπορεί να μην ήταν εφάμιλλο του πρώτου αλλά σίγουρα δεν είναι κάτω από πέντε αστέρια.
Ανυπομονώ να γεμίσω τη βιβλιοθήκη μου και με άλλα βιβλία της.Πότε βγαίνει το επόμενο ;
Ε φανταστικές εκδόσεις Elxis.
Η συγκεκριμένη συγγραφέας έχει ήδη κερδίσει μια θέση στην καρδιά μου.Ακόμα μια φορά οι Εκδόσεις Elxis βρήκαν μια συγγραφέα που έχει πολλά να δώσει.
Πολύ πετυχημένη η επιλογή του τίτλου που επέλεξαν οι εκδόσεις,γιατί κυριολεκτικά τα πάντα προμηνύουν πόλεμο σε αυτό το βιβλίο.
Η ιστορία περιστρέφεται γύρω από τον Κόνορ Μακάλιστερ ένα μπρουτάλ Σκωτσέζικο αγόρι,τι αγόρι άντρακλας δυο μέτρα,έναν αδίστακτο ηγέτη που ζει με μοναδικό σκοπό της ζωής του να εκδικηθεί για το θάνατο του πατέρα του.
Μέχρι που η μοίρα του φέρνει στο δρόμο του την Μπρένα,που πιθανώς είναι μια από τις πιο αστείες θηλυκές χαρακτήρες που έχω διαβάσει ποτέ,με τις ατελείωτες γκάφες,το πνεύμα της και την μεγάλη καρδιά παλεύει να προσαρμοστεί στην καινούργια της ζωή σ’ έναν καινούργιο τόπο και δίπλα σ’ έναν σύζυγο που μόνο εύκολος και προσαρμόσιμος δεν είναι.
Στα θετικά του βιβλίου είναι και η εμφάνιση του ζευγαριού του προηγούμενου βιβλίου,Άλεκ και Τζέιμι.Είμαι ευγνώμων που η συγγραφέας επέλεξε να τους συμπεριλάβει στην ιστορία και μας δίνει μια ιδέα για το πως ζει το αγαπημένο μου ζευγάρι που εμφανίζεται ως παράδειγμα στους νεόνυμφους.Με χαροποίησε ιδιαίτερα που ο Άλεκ δέχτηκε τον Κόνορ στο σπίτι του και τον θεωρεί αδερφό του και του δίνει συμβουλές για τον γάμο του.Ενώ η Μπρένα βρίσκει στην Τζέιμι μια πολύ καλή φίλη.
Οι χαρακτήρες είναι καλογραμμένοι,δουλεμένοι με πιστότητα και προσοχή,κάτι που αποδεικνύεται από το πώς αυτοί εξελίσσονται στην πορεία της αφήγησης.Προσωπικότητες πολυεπίπεδες και χαρισματικές,που ξεδιπλώνονται και εκπλήσσουν με κάθε εξέλιξη και νέα ανατροπή.Διαθέτουν τόση πολλή ένταση από τα περισσότερα ζευγάρια, και κάθε τους σκηνή αποδεικνύεται πως είναι πλασμένοι ο ένας για τον άλλον.
Η σχέση τους περνάει από πολλές παρεξηγήσεις,αμφιβολίες,διλήμματα,εξελίσσεται όμως διαρκώς και ωριμάζει σταδιακά μέσα από κάθε κοινό τους βίωμα,ώσπου να φτάσει στο σημείο εκείνο όπου πια το «για πάντα μαζί» φαντάζει απόλυτα σωστό.
Όπως κι το προηγούμενο,όλα τα διαθέτει το βιβλίο της,και μάλιστα σε ικανοποιητικές δόσεις.Καλογραμμένη πλοκή, καλοδομημένους και ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες,στιγμές που η συγκίνηση έχει τον πρώτο ρόλο,στιγμές που το χιούμορ (ειδικά οι… φαρμακερές, γεμάτες σαρκασμό ατάκες και του Άλεκ) κλέβει την παράσταση, στιγμές που κάθε φορά που οι ήρωες συναντιούνται θυμίζουν ενεργό ηφαίστειο λίγο πριν το ξύπνημά του.Παθιασμένες σκηνές έρωτα,εμπόδια και άφθονο σκοτσέζικο πείσμα.
Βυθίστηκα στις σελίδες του και διψούσα κυριολεκτικά για το επόμενο κεφάλαιο,για την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας,για να δω αυτούς τους δύο χαρισματικούς χαρακτήρες να βρίσκουν επιτέλους τον δρόμο προς την ευτυχία.
Μπορεί να μην ήταν εφάμιλλο του πρώτου αλλά σίγουρα δεν είναι κάτω από πέντε αστέρια.
Ανυπομονώ να γεμίσω τη βιβλιοθήκη μου και με άλλα βιβλία της.Πότε βγαίνει το επόμενο ;
Ε φανταστικές εκδόσεις Elxis.
January 10, 2022
LOVED this book!!
December 11, 2021
3.25 stars
im of the opinion that this one didnt hold a candle to its predecessor, but it was real nice to see characters from book 1 as cameos in this one. thats literally the *only* content of this book that i lived for.
i wasnt much a fan of the h. she was kinda a pushover, and i didnt like her tendency to placate and lie rather than be honest and say what was on her mind. i think the H was too focused on his revenge that it cost the readers the chemistry between him and the h that i honestly couldnt quite feel. he also disappeared a lot without telling HIS WIFE, and i feel like they didnt have enough scenes together. the story was pretty charming in the first half, but the second half was a disaster.
my explanation sounds like this book shouldve been below a three star, but i didnt think it was that bad. though i also couldnt quite point out what was it that i liked other than the breadcrumbs of book 1 sprinkled in it.
(read as an audiobook)
im of the opinion that this one didnt hold a candle to its predecessor, but it was real nice to see characters from book 1 as cameos in this one. thats literally the *only* content of this book that i lived for.
i wasnt much a fan of the h. she was kinda a pushover, and i didnt like her tendency to placate and lie rather than be honest and say what was on her mind. i think the H was too focused on his revenge that it cost the readers the chemistry between him and the h that i honestly couldnt quite feel. he also disappeared a lot without telling HIS WIFE, and i feel like they didnt have enough scenes together. the story was pretty charming in the first half, but the second half was a disaster.
my explanation sounds like this book shouldve been below a three star, but i didnt think it was that bad. though i also couldnt quite point out what was it that i liked other than the breadcrumbs of book 1 sprinkled in it.
(read as an audiobook)
October 5, 2020
Reread. And as always Julie Garwood delivers. So wish we had a historical romance author for our time like her. Miss her writing and characters so much.
Loved both characters and story line. A tad bit slow in small portions of the books but all in all a wonderful read.
Loved both characters and story line. A tad bit slow in small portions of the books but all in all a wonderful read.
November 29, 2022
Kind of old school romantic insta love, really INSTA LOVE, between a charming and smart h and her not very charming but doting Scottish H. Bare hairy knees can be a good thing. Poor H, he doesn't know he dotes on her but can't help himself.
What can else can I say that others haven't? Banter, the h continuously getting one over on the H in a loving but funny way, and a nice suspense plot tossed in make this 4 stars.
As Ivy H said, the fate of poor Gilly was horrible and points off for that.
What can else can I say that others haven't? Banter, the h continuously getting one over on the H in a loving but funny way, and a nice suspense plot tossed in make this 4 stars.
As Ivy H said, the fate of poor Gilly was horrible and points off for that.
January 18, 2016
Ahhh can't say enough how majestic and real Scotland feels. Julie Garwood's vividness brings this beautiful country into our homes and imagination. I swear at times I wanted to string Connor MacAlister up by his short hairs. He's rude, assholish, manipulative and a jerk, another words a typical man. When he forced Brenna to give up the memory of her family and childhood possessions her siblings had given her, I could have strangled him on the spot. But yet the high handed highlander was special, tender, dominate and loving, all rolled into one. You can't help smiling after reading through the pages, their playful banter as they grow closer. Who needs a hero, I do and I want one just like Connor! Five glorious stars, recommended to all historical romance lovers!
March 24, 2017
I really loved The Bride and was really disappointed by The Wedding. 2.5 stars
The book gets 2.5 stars because :
1 Brenna tried to be clever to get her way. I say tried, because it didn't happen as often as I expected.
2 The scene with the wedding vows. I hope the book had more banter and a defiant Brenna.
“She will honor me, protect me, obey me only when she believes I’m being reasonable—but I shouldn’t hold out hope that that day will ever come—try to love me before she’s an old woman, and I’d better get it straight in my mind that she will respect me until or unless I do something to prove I’m not worthy, and God save me then. Have I left anything out, Brenna?”
“Nay, Connor,” she answered. “You made better sense out of my vows than I did.”
Half Star - Connor is clueless but tries to keep Brenna happy and comfortable.
“I cannot guess what you want. You have to tell me, Brenna.”
The book loses 2.5 stars because :
1 Brenna was such a needy, people pleaser. This got on my nerves and I was irritated by the way she dealt with Connor's despicable relatives. It's difficult to sympathize with her because of her dedication to being a martyr. Something Connor never demanded.
2 As a child Connor has been instructed to find the traitor to his clan and avenge his father. When you discover who the traitor is, it feels anti climatic and too convenient.
Half star - Who forgets a child and leaves them behind? More than once.
No offense to the Home Alone movies.
Brenna's family makes a habit of this and this issue is never addressed or explored.
I love Julie Garwood, this one was difficult to finish and rate.
The book gets 2.5 stars because :
1 Brenna tried to be clever to get her way. I say tried, because it didn't happen as often as I expected.
2 The scene with the wedding vows. I hope the book had more banter and a defiant Brenna.
“She will honor me, protect me, obey me only when she believes I’m being reasonable—but I shouldn’t hold out hope that that day will ever come—try to love me before she’s an old woman, and I’d better get it straight in my mind that she will respect me until or unless I do something to prove I’m not worthy, and God save me then. Have I left anything out, Brenna?”
“Nay, Connor,” she answered. “You made better sense out of my vows than I did.”
Half Star - Connor is clueless but tries to keep Brenna happy and comfortable.
“I cannot guess what you want. You have to tell me, Brenna.”
The book loses 2.5 stars because :
1 Brenna was such a needy, people pleaser. This got on my nerves and I was irritated by the way she dealt with Connor's despicable relatives. It's difficult to sympathize with her because of her dedication to being a martyr. Something Connor never demanded.
2 As a child Connor has been instructed to find the traitor to his clan and avenge his father. When you discover who the traitor is, it feels anti climatic and too convenient.
Half star - Who forgets a child and leaves them behind? More than once.
No offense to the Home Alone movies.
Brenna's family makes a habit of this and this issue is never addressed or explored.
I love Julie Garwood, this one was difficult to finish and rate.
November 18, 2017
I read this years ago and loved it EXCEPT for the scene where the heroine's beautiful pet horse Gilly was found murdered! Wtf Julie Garwood ! Why did the beautiful innocent and loving pet need to be murdered so brutally in the making of this novel ? I had previously given this novel 5 stars until I remembered what had happened to the poor horse. It was nice to see Alec and Jamie Kincaid, from The Bride, make cameo appearances in this novel.
May 2, 2022
Lady Brenna Haynesworth is totes not like other girls, mmkay. So when she's kidnapped by "savage" Scottish Highlanders on her way to get married—and ends up married to the leader of her kidnappers, Connor MacAlister—she decides she's in it to win it. (It, in this metaphor, is not Connor's boners; it's his HEART. Gag.)
1. THE THING IS, Brenna's cast as such a flighty, manic pixie dream girl that I wanted to die. SHE'S SO CUTE AND QUIRKY, TEE HEE; SHE CAN'T KEEP TRACK OF ANYTHING, TEE HEE; SOMETIMES SHE EVEN LOSES SHOES, TEE HEE.
I mean: what the actual fuck.
On top of the whole "losing shoes and also bags and belts and daggers and scarfs and brain cells" is the fact that she wins everyone over by dint of being Just the Bestest (Barefoot) Babe In The Whole Wide World, and (of course) the people that aren't won over are Le Evil.
BO-RING.
2. Connor's a dipstick with a dipstick.
3. The writing in this is absolutely ROUGH. It's just clunky and jumpy and I hated so much of it. The point of view shifts alone were enough to make me want to run fleeing into the night. The exposition was like riding a four-wheeler over boulders. The characterization was like throwing paper dolls into the bath. The romance was like eating unwashed lettuce.
4. Also there's an opening scene where a 5 (?) year old Brenna kidnaps a piglet and runs into an 18 (?) year old Connor; she allegedly proposes marriage to him which he later uses to justify his kidnap / marriage of Brenna. I only call this out because it's.........so awkward? There isn't much flashback to that beyond a little bit of teasing over Brenna's preference for piglets over puppies, but I spent a good chunk of the book a little worried that we were going to get some weird ~romantically charged memories of their interactions when Brenna was a LITERAL CHILD and Connor was OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER.
Just: ick.
1. THE THING IS, Brenna's cast as such a flighty, manic pixie dream girl that I wanted to die. SHE'S SO CUTE AND QUIRKY, TEE HEE; SHE CAN'T KEEP TRACK OF ANYTHING, TEE HEE; SOMETIMES SHE EVEN LOSES SHOES, TEE HEE.
I mean: what the actual fuck.
On top of the whole "losing shoes and also bags and belts and daggers and scarfs and brain cells" is the fact that she wins everyone over by dint of being Just the Bestest (Barefoot) Babe In The Whole Wide World, and (of course) the people that aren't won over are Le Evil.
BO-RING.
2. Connor's a dipstick with a dipstick.
3. The writing in this is absolutely ROUGH. It's just clunky and jumpy and I hated so much of it. The point of view shifts alone were enough to make me want to run fleeing into the night. The exposition was like riding a four-wheeler over boulders. The characterization was like throwing paper dolls into the bath. The romance was like eating unwashed lettuce.
4. Also there's an opening scene where a 5 (?) year old Brenna kidnaps a piglet and runs into an 18 (?) year old Connor; she allegedly proposes marriage to him which he later uses to justify his kidnap / marriage of Brenna. I only call this out because it's.........so awkward? There isn't much flashback to that beyond a little bit of teasing over Brenna's preference for piglets over puppies, but I spent a good chunk of the book a little worried that we were going to get some weird ~romantically charged memories of their interactions when Brenna was a LITERAL CHILD and Connor was OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER.
Just: ick.
April 23, 2021
I remember loving this when I first read it years ago, not so much now. Connor is a bully, Brenna is a card holding member of doormats anonymous and the pair of them did my nut in. Add to that the constant changing of POV's between paragraphs with no warning and I am done.
I just can't put myself through any more of this so DNF @43%
I just can't put myself through any more of this so DNF @43%
July 17, 2012
The Bride followed by The Wedding are, in my opinion, Garwood's best work. If you are new to Garwood, these 2 books are a great place to start.
Julie Garwood is different than most of the romance authors that I read in the fact that I find myself loving her heroines even more than her heroes! I usually read romance novels for the larger than life men they ususally come with, but Garwood's Ladies steal the show.
In The Wedding, Brenna is one of those "show stealers". This character is so refreshing that I wanted to name our "first born" after her! Now that is some serious writing power Ms. Garwood!
Brenna is "quirky" but so much fun! She is beautiful, but humble. She has a large appetite for food and isn't afraid to use it. She is honest with her affections and doesn't mind giving her unapproachable husband public displays of affection. She is loyal and loving...whether it's to her horse or her husband. She isn't prideful, but tells Connor exactly how she feels in direct and clear ways. In one part of the story, Connor believes that in the "morning after" she will be so shocked at his behavior in the bedroom that "out of courtesy" he has her moved out of his bedroom. Brenna is maddened by this an confronts her intimidating husband without apology to get moved back into his bedroom. She had me laughing, shocked, and respecting her throughout the book.
Connor is the quintessential Garwood hero. Tortured, but not overly so. Powerful, but not to much so. Attractive, and very much so! However, the real gem in this book is Brenna who holds so much power without ever knowing it or wanting it. I loved her.
Julie Garwood is different than most of the romance authors that I read in the fact that I find myself loving her heroines even more than her heroes! I usually read romance novels for the larger than life men they ususally come with, but Garwood's Ladies steal the show.
In The Wedding, Brenna is one of those "show stealers". This character is so refreshing that I wanted to name our "first born" after her! Now that is some serious writing power Ms. Garwood!
Brenna is "quirky" but so much fun! She is beautiful, but humble. She has a large appetite for food and isn't afraid to use it. She is honest with her affections and doesn't mind giving her unapproachable husband public displays of affection. She is loyal and loving...whether it's to her horse or her husband. She isn't prideful, but tells Connor exactly how she feels in direct and clear ways. In one part of the story, Connor believes that in the "morning after" she will be so shocked at his behavior in the bedroom that "out of courtesy" he has her moved out of his bedroom. Brenna is maddened by this an confronts her intimidating husband without apology to get moved back into his bedroom. She had me laughing, shocked, and respecting her throughout the book.
Connor is the quintessential Garwood hero. Tortured, but not overly so. Powerful, but not to much so. Attractive, and very much so! However, the real gem in this book is Brenna who holds so much power without ever knowing it or wanting it. I loved her.
October 20, 2015
This was a good mix of camp and serious. Definitely darker than The Bride, but still contained Garwood's wit and humor.
Poor Brenna goes through it and a lot of it is the hero's fault. He doesn't actually treat her cruelly himself, but he's very tied up in his vengeance plots against another Laird and leaves her to the crappy in-laws from hell. Also the enemy Laird does a terrible thing that really upset me.
We also get to see quite a bit of Jamie and Alec, which was very nice.
I'm not sure how historically accurate these books are, but they are very entertaining.
Poor Brenna goes through it and a lot of it is the hero's fault. He doesn't actually treat her cruelly himself, but he's very tied up in his vengeance plots against another Laird and leaves her to the crappy in-laws from hell. Also the enemy Laird does a terrible thing that really upset me.
We also get to see quite a bit of Jamie and Alec, which was very nice.
I'm not sure how historically accurate these books are, but they are very entertaining.
December 1, 2021
Amazing and enjoyable
Loved everything ,the characters,the plot absolutely everything ,they were so different but the chemistry was so high he was the brooding and silent type she was bubbly , sweet and kind person there was so many funny times (she is hilarious) , the sex was HOT , and the epilogue was short but sweet ❤
Loved it
Loved everything ,the characters,the plot absolutely everything ,they were so different but the chemistry was so high he was the brooding and silent type she was bubbly , sweet and kind person there was so many funny times (she is hilarious) , the sex was HOT , and the epilogue was short but sweet ❤
Loved it
February 12, 2023
This might be the first hr that I truly enjoyed (not that I have read a lot of them). My only problem was that it was a bit dragging at times so I got a little bored. Other than that, it was a really good book and really easy to read. 4 ⭐
November 23, 2021
This second book is loosely connected to the first in the series but can also be read as a stand-alone.
It’s a Scottish medieval romance and follows Conner Macalister adopted brother of the previous hero Alec and another Scottish English marriage match.
Brenna is on the way to an arranged marriage with a Scottish Laird when her travelling party is waylaid by savages in full war paint.
The leader of this group Connor explains she is now to marry him instead, her wishes are of course irrelevant. The two had originally met when Brenna was a small child and she decided he was going to be her future husband. Now she’s definitely not so sold on the whole idea.
Connor has vengeance in his heart and has sworn revenge against the man Brenna had
been promised to. What a way to sock it to him than by stealing the man's future bride a side benefit is he finds her completely breathtaking. Their past history is also a very convenient cover.
As a pair, I loved these two and this story constantly had me smiling from ear to ear.
Connors sheer hopelessness in understanding his new wife was hilarious he really didn’t have much of a clue about woman beyond the superficial.
Brennan’s exasperation with his cluelessness was equally amusing and these two were like chalk and cheese.
Connor has never met anyone quite like Brenna and she is uniquely forthright and lacking in artifice saying exactly what thoughts run through her head. Whilst Connor believes in not wasting his words unnecessarily and never explaining himself.
My only annoyance here was when Brenna allowed her stepmother to walk all over her losing her backbone in the process I so wanted her to stand up for herself and she never did and also Conners unintentional disregard of his wife’s needs.
I mean yes I got it early on in their acquaintance but later I thought he was being slightly obtuse and needlessly thoughtless in his actions and how his words could be wrongly interpreted.
But overall this is an excellent and humorous forced marriage historical that is well written and very engaging and I can easily recommend this one if it's your thing.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 9, 2016
Another beautiful read with such emotional moments I cried and laughed so many times. I would have liked more happy times before the epilogue but it was still one of couldn't put down. Connor and Brenna had such a tug of war going on yet it just worked. He was so stubbornly ignorant that it was actually endearing to see him realize his love and that he's stronger for it not weaker. Big rough, stubborn, arrogant and egotistical alphas.. They seem to be my weakness especially and only if they are loyal and protective from the start which Connor fit perfectly.
#SafeRead
#SafeRead
September 12, 2020
Completamente rendida a Brenna e Connor! Que pena o livro não ser maior 😢 queria mais. Esta série é muito divertida e com peripécias que nos atracam gargalhadas! Por favor lancem os próximos rápido rápido 💚💚
August 13, 2008
My favorite line of all time:
"Nay, lass. Conner."
"Nay, lass. Conner."
May 21, 2024
I love all of JG’s Laird’s stories, I love her writing style and the fact that there’s always a little mystery combined with the romance, but when rereading this I found I didn’t like this one as much as the other ones from her scots series.
She usually writes iconic heroines, sassy, witty, clever and hilarious characters that give their husbands a run for their money. But this heroine and the mistery were not as good. She didn’t realise her value and the banter despite being good, wasn’t great. Even Connor was disappointing, I considered that after living with hos brother for so long he would have been witness to his relationship with Jaime and learnt a thing or two.
I took a star off from my original rating because this is the one I enjoyed the least.
Original rating 4 starts (April 2021)
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