A Necessary Bride

The cast of characters in this Regency era novel maintains a high level of interest. After a near-scandal forces her into an arranged marriage without love (one that itself ends in scandal), Lucinda strives to always be all that is proper, allowing not a hint of scandal to touch her or her family name...and then along comes brash American Garrett, who doesn't give a fig for the high-in-the-instep, hypocritical values of high English society. Desire erupts immediately between these two, and Lucinda finds it increasingly difficult to maintain her proper actions around Garrett.Lucinda's motivations are clearly understood by the reader from the very beginning. Garrett, though charming, requires some self-knowledge and change to be truly heroic. He starts off as selfish and bossy. Worse, he simply cannot believe that Lucinda means "No" when she says "No." He fails to comprehend that she could desire him and yet still truly mean her refusal to act on that desire. Finally, however, he gets a clue; he comes to understand her reasons and begins to feel ashamed of himself (not that he ceases to want her or ceases to try to seduce her), but he is more understanding and begins to see himself and others more clearly. As a result, he does change in some significant ways. In fact, he uses the word "love" first. Moreover, he shows some truly heart-softening vulnerability (though he does so rarely and unwillingly). And Garrett really is deliciously naughty.The tone in this book is rather anti-English, in the "high society is so hypocritical" vein. Although it's a little odd for this sub-genre, it is an interesting point of view. Lucinda herself begins to question all that she's thought was important.The book kept my attention; it was well-paced and good fun. Three & 1/2 stars (mainly becaue Garrett has such a hard time understanding the word "No").

Meg is American, visiting relatives (grandfather is a Duke) and when at her cousins wedding she sees Justin. Little does she know at the time that he is an Earl who almost everyone believes killed his cousins fiance. The relationship between them is sweet yet steamy. She helps him get closer to his ward and at the same time captures his heart. I did enjoy all the characters. The mystery is lite and far too simple. There really was no secret to the reader who the culprit in the story was. I liked the novel and found it enjoyable but I don't like how some novels conclude the story within the last few pages.

This was a fun story that I managed to consume over the weekend. The characters were fun and engaging and there was plenty of chemistry and sparks between Meg and Justin right from the start. Not only were the main characters fun, but old favorites came back for a visit.Not only was this a romance, but there was a whodunit mystery involved as well that was key to the plot of the story. Justin was wrongly accused of killing a young girl. As a result he was banished from England by his family no less. Meg is American and is a woman that knows her own mind or so she thinks. She finds herself drawn to the "Devil Earl" and nothing seems to be able to keep her away. As a result a great relationship is formed between these two strong willed people. But, there is a dark side to this budding romance. Meg will only settle for love, and Justin feels that love is something that could come in time, but not necessary for marriage, plus his reputation is not all that wonderful. Despite this Meg is compromised by the dashing Justin and he offers her marriage, but Meg turns him down (How could she????) But fear not Justin is a man that knows what he wants and he wants Meg. While he is busy sorting out his love life he also works to prove that he did not murdered Ophelia. Like I said it was a fun story with a lot of different twists and turns.Debra Mullins is an author I buy automatically and I highly recommend that you allow Ms. Mullins to entertain you with her wonderful characters and stories.

In 1816 Justin St. James, better known as the "Devil Earl" by the ton, meets American Meg Stanton-Lynch at a wedding when she is the only person who does not cut him. Justin was exiled years ago when everyone including his uncle and cousin assumed he murdered his cousin's fiancée Ophelia who made a play for him. Justin made a fortune overseas and through a quirk of fortune inherited the earldom.Justin plans to find out who really killed Ophelia. He knows fourteen people were in the house when she died with three not having valid alibis. Harder on Justin than the way the Ton assumes he is guilty is raising his sister Emily who is angry with him for deserting her once before like her family did in death. Meg helps the two find a path together even as she wants to join them as part of their family as she loves Justin and Emily, but she knows he needs to prove he is not the killerA NECESSARY BRIDE is a fun romantic amateur sleuth tale that is at its strongest when Justin and at times Meg investigate the homicide. When the plot veers into Emily's woes, the tale shows deep teen angst, but detours from the prime theme of did he or did he not. Still readers will enjoy Debra Mullins Regency as the delightful lead couple investigates murder among the Ton.Harriet Klausner

I sat down to read this book and was finished just over three hours later. During that time I was completely involved with the characters and the story.This is an engaging tale of an American heir to a dukedom, Garrett Lynch, Marquess of Kelton, unwillingly being forced to acknowledge his title and a poverty stricken widow of respectable birth, Lucinda Devering, who is guiding his sister through a London season. The story flowed very comfortably and kept me interested all the way to it?s happy conclusion. The passion between the main characters seemed very real and not at all forced. The hero was very intriguing and came with genuine obstacles to a happy ending just falling into place. Our heroine also came with her fair share of problems, including a lecherous relative in sexual pursuit of her. The book read very smoothly and enjoyably. Wonderful passion between the leads, many engaging secondary characters and believable circumstances that prevent complete happiness until the ending, all contributed to make this a very worthwhile read.I thoroughly recommend this novel.Amanda Faulkner