Fortune's Bride

As usual, Victoria Malvey charms with yet another witty romp of a romance! FORTUNE'S BRIDE sparkles with good humor, rapid-fire plot twists, and a sweet love story between two unlikely people who are destined to be together.Turned out by a sleazy cousin who inherited her family's properties, Lady Alyssa Porter is trying to support herself and her younger sister, Calla (who is a riot!). To make ends meet--just barely at that--Alyssa has become Madam Zora, a gypsy fortune teller whose tarot readings and crystal ball predictions are taking the ton by storm.Ian Fortune, a titled nobleman who'd rather strike out on his own than accept his disapproving grandfather's charity, is not so taken with the lovely "gypsy." He has made a career of spotting con artists and Madam Zora seems to be just that. While attending a party where she is doling out psychic advice to the gentry, Ian attempts to discredit her. Later on he feels guilty for his actions, when a friend reminds him that the lady is likely only trying to do what he's done: be responsible for her own well-being.Ian tries to make up to her more than once, but complications ensue--not the least of which being his fierce attraction to pretty, spunky Alyssa. With one amusing obstacle after another tossed in their path, it isn't long before Ian and Alyssa are completely and hopelessly head over heels in love.I had a great time following Alyssa's antics, and Ian was her perfect foil. Alyssa's little sister, Calla, is an added bonus to an already charming book. I look forward to seeing Calla meet her match, perhaps in a future book? (I hope!)Thanks for another great read, Victoria!

London, England - 1835Alyssa Porter and her sister Calla were taken from their family home and sent to Live in a cottage in the country when their father, The Earl of Tonneson, died and a cousin inherited the estate. When the new earl stops even their miserly monthly stipend, Alyssa is forced to take desperate measures for their survival. The young ladies move into a tenant apartment in an impoverished area of London, and Alyssa masquerades as Madam Zora, a gypsy woman who becomes the newest form of entertainment as she earns a meager living telling fortunes to members of the ton. When Ian Fortune hears the popular woman is dubbed Fortune's Lady' he decides to have his palm read and have some fun mocking the gypsy woman. Oh my, but does this initial meeting ever change this arrogant young man's future!Ian's father, son of Regis Fortune, the Duke of Hammond, fell in love and married a family servant and was disowned and disinherited, dying without a penny to his name. Ian refuses to acknowledge the duke as his grandfather, and struggles to become a successful business man, worth a fortune of his own. The last task to prove himself is to marry a titled woman, and the wealthy bachelor moves in the ton's circle to find one. The duke is determined to choose the right 'gel' for his grandson, because acknowledge it or not, Ian will be the next Duke of Hammond. Alyssa Porter and Ian Fortune is such a fun couple to read about. It doesn't take Alyssa very long to charm Ian with her sense of humor, intelligence, quick wit, and passion for living. She is just the challenge this handsome young fellow needs. He is a loving, romantic, with a sense of honor to do what is right, and quickly develops a need to protect her. Secondary characters are given just the right personalities and situations to offer conflict and round out the story, but it's a pure joy to read about the lead couple and the antics they experience as their friendship grows. You'll think of the old adage - cutting off your nose to spite your face - as you read about Ian and his determination not to allow his grandfather to manipulate him.Victoria Malvey delivers another enjoyable tale with FORTUNE'S BRIDE. It's a story with romance and humor and a little suspense as you try to figure who, what, and why. You will experience sensual tension with a delightful couple in a regency setting, and a very satisfying conclusion. Get set for a light, pleasurable read; one I highly recommend to lift your spirits and leave you feeling good.Carol Carter, Reviewer

In 1835 England, Lady Lucy Porter supports herself and her fourteen year old sister Calla by pretending to be the gypsy Madame Zora. Lucy performs at the various parties hosted by the Ton. Although she knows her life is ruined, Lucy wants her sibling to have a season in a few years. Since their parents died and her cousin treated them worse than poor relatives, the two sisters currently live in a run down dwelling and find sustenance in plenty of potatoes.Lucy's profession begins to unravel when Ian Fortune cynically insults her fortune telling abilities. He appears wherever the gypsy performs, ultimately planning to expose her as a fraud. Lucy and Ian begin to fall in love, but outside forces including his estrange grandfather, her odious cousin, and a wannabe lover threaten their relationship.FORTUNE'S BRIDE is an entertaining historical romance that will please fans of Regency and Victorian tales as it bridges both sub-genres. The well-written plot is fun, but the story belongs to Lucy, whose bravery under fire turns her into a heroine. Ian is a strong lead character. Readers will want Victoria Malvey to follow up with a Victorian romance starring the precocious Calla, whose antics often steal the show from the dynamic lead couple.Harriet Klausner