The Stolen Bride

An intense, dark story.I was waiting for this book for a long time.The depth of Eleanor love for Sean is awesome.Sean's wounds are raw and bleeding.I loved the way Eleanor was so sure loyal and determined about her love for Sean and her path in life.It is very deep.She follows him blindly, with the belief that she can ease his pain.I liked that about her. But then there were times when i was wondering why the hell she did not let Sean go.And also that they were stepsiblings.You have to forget that part and read the story.Not that it is easy, since it does come up in the story. Not every person will like the story and the characters.I loved it for the intensity.You will either give it 5 stars or 1 star for this book , there is not in betweens here.

First off, she controlled her pacing much better in this story than previous works. You can skip all the italiziced 'flashbacks' to the couples' childhood. They were tedious reminders of their brother/sister relationship (ick) and had nothing to do with the storyline. I didn't mind that she deviated from the usual 'alpha-male' hero role. Sean was well written and had good dimension. The heroine is achingly annoying most of the time, but it doesn't hinder the plot too terribly. My only other beef was the setting. The majority of the book (and their falling in love) takes place in a dingy flat above the cobbler's shop. What happened to exotic locations? Her choice of setting left a great deal to be desired. This book is really not a five star rating, but I think it has been too harshly judged by others; therefore, I offset my rating with a higher than usual review. It is definitely a 4 star book and there is more substance and dimension to this pair than you usually see in some of her flat novels. I definitely recommend it as it is quite entertaining and a book you will get through quickly.

I loved this emotional upheavel of a story. The hero, Sean, was so emotionally scarred that only a woman like, Elle, could save him and give him enough strength to live and love. This was a story about a woman who did not give up on her love no matter what. She is so courageous and devout in her love. Elle has loved Sean ever since she knew him at the tender age of 2! Her faith in Sean is unshakeable and really admirable and the hero is such a human being, scarred and yet so protective of Elle. Even though he loves her to pieces he wants to send her away to a safe place away from him, because as long as she stays with him her life is in danger. And also loved learning about his hurtful past and the enchanting stories between Sean and Elle as they grew up. Such story! Such characters! And oh what a romance!!!

I love this story-it truly is heartwrenching throughout the whole story wondering what will come of it all. Though I do believe it to be more enjoyable having read the other stories as well. (The Prize, The Masquirade) I cannot wait to read A Lady at Last! I love this family and the stories.

Eleanor "Elle" de Warenne has loved Sean O'Neill since she was a little girl. He has always been her hero, best friend and confidant. When he leaves in order to find his place in life he promises he will return for her. Her romantic nature and trust allows her to believe him but when four years pass and he hasn't returned she accepts that she needs to move on with her life. She is engaged to a British peer who she respects and admires but doesn't love. On the eve or her marriage to Peter, Sean returns and all the old emotions are there only deeper. But the Sean she used to know is gone...lost due to his experiences over the past few years. She doesn't care--she wants to help him heal and she loves him enough for both of them until he figures it out. But, will Sean do that? Or will he work overtime to keep her safe from herself and the political fallout. He is a convict and must flee Ireland and he doesn't want to hurt Elle anymore than he already has. But the little girl is all grown up and is still head strong and he is highly attracted to her and this causes it's own problems for him. Can these two people find the love that has always been there? Brenda Joyce is phenomenal talent and I love her de Warenne series and I have been eagerly looking forward to this read. Normally her hero's are strong alpha male types that are aggressive and know what they want. This time around she allows herself to pen a wounded hero who will truly steal his way into the reader's hearts. Again we are treated to an epic style love story with plenty of historic details that will place the reader in the center of the story. They will feel, see, and smell all the things the characters do. Her wonderful care in expanding and exploring the various issues that plague Elle and Sean are important to the story and character development. I eagerly look forward to Cliff's story and highly recommend Ms. Joyce if you are looking for wonderful in-depth reads where romance is the key element and happy endings are not easily found but when they are...they're magic.