His Rebel Bride: Brothers in Arms

Shelley Bradley does a commendable job of portraying Kieran and Maeve's disparate viewpoints and why they both feel so strongly about their belief systems. Kieran is sworn to the English king in an age when a man's word is his very honor, while Maeve detests English tyranny because of the rape and plundering that has gone hand-in-hand with it. I've read other romances where the author employs the "born to be enemies" scenario, but this is the first one I've read where the author actually pulls it off without making the heroine come across as an exasperating shrew.Ordinarily I prefer romances where the hero and heroine both realize their feelings for the other early on and spend the remainder of the book cementing those feelings in one form or another. Such a plot device, however, would feel too unrealistic in His Rebel Bride and Bradley is wise not to use it. Yes, the hero and heroine are mutually attracted to each other from the beginning, but their feelings of genuine attachment happen in baby steps throughout the novel and are borne of thoughtful gestures here and kind actions there. Because of that fact, Kieran and Maeve's romance is a convincing one. Aside from the well-scripted romance, what brings this novel into 5 star status for me is the complexity of the protagonists themselves. On the surface Kieran seems to be nothing more than a charming ladies man with a grin that kills, but underneath all of his bluster lies a loyal, steadfast man who has experienced much emotional neglect and abuse in his childhood and therefore doesn't really think he'll ever find somebody capable of loving him for himself.On the surface Maeve is a woman who appears to be stoic and unemotional, but underneath the determined face she wears for everyone is a tenderhearted woman who has grown weary of the bloodshed that has been the direct result of England and Ireland's clash of wills. She is also a woman who is being torn apart, forced to choose between the country and kin she has always known and loved and the husband she is growing increasingly adoring of. His Rebel Bride is not perfect. There is a plot device used toward the end that seems a trifle too convenient, but it's not so outlandish as to distract from the novel as a whole. Viewed in its entirety, Shelley Bradley has taken a subject matter that is very difficult to convincingly work with and crafted it into a winning novel. Because of all the odds and obstacles the couple must face before finding their happily ever-after, Kieran and Maeve's love story is a powerful one and one that will stay with you long after you close the book.

Set in 1484. King Henry needed someone in the Pale to keep peace. A rebellion was forming in Ireland and word had finally arrived that the two young princes, Edward and Richard, were dead. The King needed someone loyal to England to be Lord of Langmore Castle. Thus, someone would have to wed one of the four O'Shea women that lived in the castle. However, the Statute of Kilkenney prohibits the English from marrying the Irish. Kieran Broderick was half English and half Irish. Being such and one of Henry's best warriors, he was made Earl of Kildare and sent to Langmore Castle. Kieran hated his Irish heredity and loathed the thought of a wife. Of the four, he chose Maeve O'Shea, even though she was betrothed. In fact, her betrothed, Quaid, was currently in a dungeon for killing two Englishmen. Only the youngest sister, Brighid, would even consider Kieran as a husband, but she was too young. The biggest problem was the brother, Flynn, who often disappeared to side with the rebellion. Maeve vowed to hate Kieran. She wanted freedom for Ireland, but not at the cost of lives. Kieran loved battle. That was obvious. Yet she saw him help her sisters when he did not have to. Slowly, Kieran and Maeve would learn about each other. But there were so many obstacles. **** An amazing story! The author was able to show what Ireland faced and the awful feeling of loved ones against loved ones! Recommended! ****

Kieran Broderick has known little but warring and fighting all of his life, taking satisfaction in life through his fits, his weapons, and in his bed. He plans to leave England for Spain where he will serve as a mercenary, until the King changes his plans. He tends to ignore court ritual and bed every pretty wench who looks his way, which has earned him the King's displeasure. He has therefore been made the earl of Kildare and King Henry decrees he must go to Ireland. He is half-English and half-Irish; consequently exempt from the law forbidding the English to marry the Irish. He's take possession of Langmore Castle, the home of the O'Shea family. The O'Sheas are a rebellious lot, and bear watching. Kieran is ordered to suppress the rebellion, enforce the peace, organize the army, and marry and breed one of the four O'Shea sisters. Recognizing Kieran for the rogue that he is, Maeve would like to dismiss Kieran out of hand for being English and a warrior. She considers him both primal and primitive. His kisses are like spiced mead, and he tastes like pure temptation. Betrothed to another, she's shocked he chooses to marry her, despite the fact she's not a virgin. Further, she had thought Kieran, who loves teasing and has a bloodthirsty nature, would consider the rape of women part of the spoils of war. So when he proves his heart by finishing a cradle for her sister, because the father is dead, and comforting another sister who was raped, Maeve finds herself torn between his warrior nature and his kindness. People listen to Maeve and respect her word. She refuses to present herself as challenging. Kieran would enjoy nothing more than conquering her. But she wants no part of him, only peace. Indeed, she only married him for the hope of peace in Ireland. As part of the rebellion, she must her role as scribe and messenger hidden at all cost. As Kieran comes to their chambers, Maeve desires him even as she believes that her body has betrayed her. To fight her attraction for him, she asks that he wait a fortnight before they share a bed, to give her time to grow used to their sudden marriage. During this time she must spend an hour alone with him each evening, and he will only touch her with one hand and his mouth. Shelley Bradley weaves a fascinating tale of desire and passion. Maeve quickly learns what a tease a single hand and a mouth can provide! These spirited and wonderfully believable characters provide a marvelous read. THE REBEL BRIDE's sensual love story stirs the senses and the emotions. Highly recommended.

Kieran Broderick was one of the fiercest warriors in King Henry's realm. Half Irish, half English, and well known for his deadly skills and lustful passions, Kieran was astonished to find out his next assignment for the English throne was perhaps the tamest he ever received. He must travel back to Ireland, take over as Lord of the Pale, and take an Irish miss for his wife. But not just any Irish lass, one of the ladies of the lawless O'Shea family. Kieran girds himself up for an unpleasant adventure, one that soon turns into an quest of romance and pleasure as he picks for his wife the beautiful but feisty Maeve O'Shea. Could he have fallen in love with the enemy?Maeve O'Shea was loyal to her country, but even more loyal to her family. When forced to wed Kieran, the new English Lord of her home, she goes about it steadfastly and resolved. However, the quick grin of her new master turns her head like no other ever has, even her betrothed but imprisoned fiancé. Soon Miss Maeve finds herself questioning her sanity as passion ignites her heart. As she observes her husband's kindness and gentle ways with her sisters and family, as well as his ferociousness and determination to protect her home, Maeve soon surrenders her heart to the enemy, her husband, her love.In the final installment of her thrilling series "Brothers In Arms," historic romance author Shelley Bradley wraps up her successful trilogy with the most intriguing of the three warrior knights, the Irish rogue Kieran, and his quest for true love. "His Rebel Bride" has to be the most intriguing of the series, featuring the mysterious Irish lad and his buddies Aric and Drake. Mixing in just the right amount of good-natured humor with sensual passion, Bradley concludes this series on a high note. All three men find the women that match them in love, and you just know the couples go on to lead eventful lives. It would be fun down the road to visit the threesome's children and see how they turned out! Watch for Shelley Bradley to continue to rise as one of the most accomplished new writers in the romance industry. She should have lots of good things to offer for a long, long time.

Kieran Broderick, whom is half Irish, must travel to Ireland to take an Irish wife and bring a stop to the rebellion of the people. He is not pleased with the King's order but ever faithful to the English crown, he reluctantly agrees. Of the four O'Shea sisters, Maeve is the one that catches Kieran's eye but the Irish beauty is against what he stands for and vows not to submit her body or her heart to this handsome rogue.Kieran and Maeve's story is a very satisfying conclusion to Ms Bradley's medieval trilogy which left me quite fulfilled. With lots of action but most importantly tender moments that I believe readers look for in a romance story. And the love scenes were very nice too! Also hopefully there will be more stories from generations to come. As someone that had never read medievals before reading this trilogy, this author proved to me how great a romance story can be told in this time era. Five hearts all the way around....I loved it!