The Bride Thief

I have read and enjoyed other books by this author but this left me cold. In fact I struggled to get through it at all. In this genre an unlikely plot is forgivable but here even the characters are flat and although they should have been interesting they are one dimensional and quite boring. As are the secondary characters. This rather feels like an new author feeling her way - the whole thing seemed to me rather juvenile. And NO humor:( Sorry - straight to the donation bin.

What to say about Ms. D'Alessandro's sinfully delicious novel....I just couldn't get over her main characters. Samantha, I thought was hilarious with her obssession with science, but she compares nicely to some of the more modern day, "nerdy" girls who actually get the guy in the end. Lord Wesley....who could not help but fall for the handsome, passionate man on a mission? As a distinguished gentleman, he's the kind of guy who could treat a girl like a princess. As the Bride Thief, he's the guy who can sweep a girl off of her feet with just a few words, and a sauve hand gesture. The only thing I did not like about this book was that it was a way too fast read!!!!!! Anyway, this was absolutely delicious and worth your precious reading time. Give this book a try. You'd be surpised.

I just finished reading one of the best books I've read this year and probably one that deserves a place in my all time top 5 list! Lately I read several romance books, all of them nice but nothing to rave about. Well, this is cartainly not thie case with the Bride Thief. Thanks to Jaquie d'Allessandro, I spend a most delightful weekend (and came to work after only 5 hours of sleep, since I couldn't out it down)! I've read "Whirlwind wedding" and "Red roses mean love" and liked her style very much, but this time she wrote a novel that could only be described as perfect. What I find most amazing about her writing style, is her ability to blend humorous, lighthearted scenes with heartwrenching ones with extreme efficiency, making you pass from laughter to tears and vice versa with ease. This is a book that has it all: tenderness, humor, friendship and of course -what most romance readers crave for- Passion. The characters don't stare at each other and find themselves immediately in love or in lust as is the case with many books: their relationship and feelings for each other evolve as they spend more and more time together, until they realize they can't keep their hands to themselves and get caught in a very compromising situation. The story is fast paced, humorous, witty, the heroine lovely (who else can write a book about a 26 year old, average looking bookworm with spectacles and make the reader actually believe she is desirable???) and the hero is to die for!!! Do yourself a favor and buy this book as soon as possible. You certainly won't regret it! At the least, you'll have an entertaining evening. But what I think, is that you'll find a new keeper. If you haven't read other books by Jaquie d'Alessandro this is definately the place to start.

Samantha Briggeham - Sammie to most - was resigned to spinster hood at the ripe old age of 26. She was intelligent, kind and very happy in her own little world - happy that is, until her mother was determined to have her last daughter married off. It didn't seem to matter to anyone but Sammie that the chosen bridegroom was not anyone she was the least bit interested in or wanted for that matter. Enter the notorious "Bride Thief". He heard of the plight of poor Sammie and set in motion her kidnapping. Unfortunately for him, Sammie, had solved her own problems with her betrothed and by the time she was kidnapped, her problem betrohtal was resolved to be dissolved. The bigger problem was that now, the Bride Thief had to return his victim, and hope that her reputation was not diminished.Eric Lansdowne, the Earl of Wesley, was actually the Bride Thief with a huge bounty on his head, that would get him hung if caught. He felt responsible for Sammie and set out to make sure that she suffered no ill effects from her kidnapping. Quite by accident, he found himself drawn to this young woman who was like no other he had ever met, and he began to feel things that for him could prove dangerous to his health.Ms. D'Allesandro serves up another wonderful cast of characters in this tale. A brilliant younger brother, the meddling marriage minded mama, and the intelligent lovely Samantha. The dialog is witty and fast moving. Scenes of Sammie and her sisters discussing ways to prevent pregnancy are a hoot. The romance and seduction of the Earl are hot and sizzling! A wonderful story. Can't wait for more for this amazing talent!

Samantha Briggeham was nothing like other society women. Sammie was intelligent! While other women flirted, wed, and had children, Sammie preferred being with her younger brother, Hubert, in "the Chamber (his laboratory), working on their experiments. In fact, Samantha was on the verge of a breakthrough with her's. However, her mother decided to play matchmaker and force Sammie into a marriage she did not want. Eric Landsdowne, Earl of Wesley, was a confirmed bachelor. He never intended to marry. Yet he was also the notorious Bride Thief that everyone was after. The price on his head was constantly growing. Eric abducted women who were being forced into unwanted marriages and gave them money to begin life anew elsewhere. Samantha was the first woman who had not been happy when she was rescued. Samantha thought the Bride Thief was a blood pain in the arse! She did not need his help. She had already rescued herself! But she did admire what he did for the other poor women. The abduction made Sammie into the toast of the ton and she was overwhelmed by suitors. She did not want their attention! The only exception was for Lord Wesley, who paid much wanted attention to Hubert. As their attraction grew, Sammie decided that for just once in her life she would have an affair and know love! ***** Oh Readers, books get no better than this! Jacquie D'Alessandro has become one of my all time favorite authors! I read this book twice! My husband would come up to me and ask what had me chuckling. So I began sharing sections with him. I urge all romance lovers to purchase this book! I have absolutely no doubt that you will love it! Long live Jacquie D'Alessandro! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch

Samantha Briggeham is independent and unconventional (she is often referred to as "eccentric" by those who know her) for any century, but she happens to be living in 1820 when young women often find themselves in arranged marriages and being "independent" is not something that is encouraged in a young woman. Samantha's father, Charles Briggeham, believes Major Wilshire is perfect for Samantha and has made the arrangements for her to marry. Samantha, who enjoys reading and carrying on scientific experiments with her younger brother, Hubert, has other ideas and they do not include being married off to the dour Major Wilshire, who she considers a "tiresome dolt". Although Samantha's three younger sisters are married and seem to be happy, Samantha has no desire for the married life especially to a man she does not love. Samantha decides that since she can't convince her father that she is not suitable marriage material, she will speak to Major Wilshire and convince him. Samantha's meeting with Major Wilshire is successful and he is quite sure he doesn't want to marry such a "strange" woman. When Samantha is returning home from her meeting with the Major, she is kidnapped by a masked man on horseback. The mysterious masked rider is the infamous "Bride Thief" who rescues ladies from arranged and unwanted marriages. Samantha is terrified, then intrigued, by the mysterious kidnapper and she explains to him that she is no longer in danger of being married off since she had just convinced Major Wilshire that she is completely unsuitable for marriage. The Bride Thief returns Samantha to her home and news of her adventure spreads rapidly through the social circles making Samantha a much sought after guest at numerous parties.At one of the parties Samantha attends she meets the Earl of Wesley, Eric Landsdowne. Samantha is very intrigued by the Earl and finds him to be somewhat familiar to her in his mannerisms and speech. The Earl of Wesley and the Bride Thief are one and the same person. Samantha is unaware of the earl's secret identify and finds herself inexplicably drawn and attracted to him. Sadly, she feels he is much too good looking and sought after by too many women to be interested in someone like her. Ms. D'Alessandro's books are always filled with witty scenarios and dialog as well as heart warming scenes and this book is no exception to that rule. The Bride Thief is one of the best of Ms. D'Alessandro's books, perhaps the best or at least it's a tie between The Bride Thief and Whirlwind Wedding. The Bride Thief won't disappoint Jacquie D'Alessandro fans it will only add weight to the conviction that Jacquie D'Alessandro is one of today's hot regency romance writers!