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Secret Brides #1
Secrets of a Wedding Night
How to Stop a Wedding
Young, widowed, and penniless, Lily Andrews, the Countess of Merrill,has strong opinions on marriage. When she spots a certain engagement announcement in The Times, she decides to take action. She will not allow another hapless girl to fall prey to a man—particularly the scoundrel who broke her heart five years ago. Anonymously she writes and distributes a pamphlet entitled “Secrets of a Wedding Night,” knowing it will find its way into his intended’s innocent hands…
How to Seduce a Widow
Devon Morgan, the Marquis of Colton, desires a good wife and mother to his son—someone completely unlike Lily Andrews, the heartless beauty who led him on a merry chase five years ago only to reject him. When Devon’s new fiancée cries off after reading a certain scandalous pamphlet, he vows to track down the author and make her pay. But when he learns it’s his former fiancée Lily, he issues a challenge: write a retraction or prepare to be seduced—to find out how wonderful a wedding night can be…
Young, widowed, and penniless, Lily Andrews, the Countess of Merrill,has strong opinions on marriage. When she spots a certain engagement announcement in The Times, she decides to take action. She will not allow another hapless girl to fall prey to a man—particularly the scoundrel who broke her heart five years ago. Anonymously she writes and distributes a pamphlet entitled “Secrets of a Wedding Night,” knowing it will find its way into his intended’s innocent hands…
How to Seduce a Widow
Devon Morgan, the Marquis of Colton, desires a good wife and mother to his son—someone completely unlike Lily Andrews, the heartless beauty who led him on a merry chase five years ago only to reject him. When Devon’s new fiancée cries off after reading a certain scandalous pamphlet, he vows to track down the author and make her pay. But when he learns it’s his former fiancée Lily, he issues a challenge: write a retraction or prepare to be seduced—to find out how wonderful a wedding night can be…
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2012
About the author
Valerie Bowman
47 books1,271 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes Regency-set historical romance novels aka Racy Regency Romps!
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 11, 2012
Ergh.
Was in the mood to read this one, but that passed quickly. Didn't want to spend more time with these characters and had no hope it would get better.
- We start with very awkward intro - the heroine decides to tell pertinent background info to her dog. Whenever characters spontaneously start spouting exposition in an empty room, the author is right there. Pulling the strings. Illusion broken. Ergh.
- Hero enters, angry. They bicker. Squabble, even. Any infantile description will do. Not present: witty banter. Ergh.
- Heroine is 22. A young 22. And I didn't like her. Her parents apparently weren't very supportive, so she had made a point of always telling her sister (who she is taking care of) that she is pretty. Not good or smart or interesting or anything substantial. Pretty. Because that is apparently the most important thing. What a twit.
- Hero states he wishes to seduce her to show her that her pamphlet is wrong. He kisses her. She melts. I didn't. I thought we had dispensed with the punishing kisses in romance. I thought we had agreed that they belong in the 80s. Apparently not. Nothing worse than expecting a heroine to apply a judicious use of force of the knee-to-groin variety and then the twit sighs and melts in his arms. She seems like a invertebrate and he seems like a molester of innocents (and the mentally infirm).
So I no longer liked these characters, a quite important part of reading romance, when we come to a scene between the hero and his friend, Sequel Bait. Mr. Bait asks the hero why he insists on keeping his fortune secret, letting the ton believe he is destitute (cleverly weaving this piece of knowledge that they both possess into conversation - exposition!). He talks about this well-hidden secret... in a public park. In front of several footmen.
And that was when I checked out. DNF. The author and I was clearly not seeing eye-to-eye on how to tell a story (exposition!) and I found the characters TSTL and unlikeable. Having footmen present in this scene seems like a minor detail - and it is - but the author had squandered my trust. That basic faith you have in an author that she will tell you a good story so you can just relax and enjoy, she knows what she's doing. I didn't believe this author did.
So I stopped reading because I didn't think the author meant to be awkward or write unlikable characters or that the servants overhearing and spreading the gossip would become a plot point. I think these were the kind of problems that indicate nothing better is to come. I'll never find out because finishing this seemed like a chore and I read for pleasure, so I didn't. DNF
Was in the mood to read this one, but that passed quickly. Didn't want to spend more time with these characters and had no hope it would get better.
- We start with very awkward intro - the heroine decides to tell pertinent background info to her dog. Whenever characters spontaneously start spouting exposition in an empty room, the author is right there. Pulling the strings. Illusion broken. Ergh.
- Hero enters, angry. They bicker. Squabble, even. Any infantile description will do. Not present: witty banter. Ergh.
- Heroine is 22. A young 22. And I didn't like her. Her parents apparently weren't very supportive, so she had made a point of always telling her sister (who she is taking care of) that she is pretty. Not good or smart or interesting or anything substantial. Pretty. Because that is apparently the most important thing. What a twit.
- Hero states he wishes to seduce her to show her that her pamphlet is wrong. He kisses her. She melts. I didn't. I thought we had dispensed with the punishing kisses in romance. I thought we had agreed that they belong in the 80s. Apparently not. Nothing worse than expecting a heroine to apply a judicious use of force of the knee-to-groin variety and then the twit sighs and melts in his arms. She seems like a invertebrate and he seems like a molester of innocents (and the mentally infirm).
So I no longer liked these characters, a quite important part of reading romance, when we come to a scene between the hero and his friend, Sequel Bait. Mr. Bait asks the hero why he insists on keeping his fortune secret, letting the ton believe he is destitute (cleverly weaving this piece of knowledge that they both possess into conversation - exposition!). He talks about this well-hidden secret... in a public park. In front of several footmen.
And that was when I checked out. DNF. The author and I was clearly not seeing eye-to-eye on how to tell a story (exposition!) and I found the characters TSTL and unlikeable. Having footmen present in this scene seems like a minor detail - and it is - but the author had squandered my trust. That basic faith you have in an author that she will tell you a good story so you can just relax and enjoy, she knows what she's doing. I didn't believe this author did.
So I stopped reading because I didn't think the author meant to be awkward or write unlikable characters or that the servants overhearing and spreading the gossip would become a plot point. I think these were the kind of problems that indicate nothing better is to come. I'll never find out because finishing this seemed like a chore and I read for pleasure, so I didn't. DNF
January 27, 2021
I was introduced to Valerie Bowman with the Playful Brides series. Her writing is not historically accurate or even plausible. The stories are more farcical. I enjoy the removal from reality, so I decided to add her debut series to my challenge this year.
This was not bad for a debut. It was just as implausible as her newer stories, but it somehow didn't feel like it was intended to be. I don't know. Maybe because it was not as lighthearted? This was a second chance story, which is already a strike against it for me. It is difficult to make a fun book when there are two young people in love who have been broken hearted for 5 years due to lack of communication. I get that they were young and immature, but it's always so frustrating when they don't even try to speak with each other.
After being apart for 5 years, during the course of the story they spend a lot of time with each other but never actually get to know much of anything. Fortunately, it's a happily ever after, so they will have a lifetime of marriage to introduce themselves.
All that being said, I do not regret putting this on my Challenge and I do look forward to the next book.
This was not bad for a debut. It was just as implausible as her newer stories, but it somehow didn't feel like it was intended to be. I don't know. Maybe because it was not as lighthearted? This was a second chance story, which is already a strike against it for me. It is difficult to make a fun book when there are two young people in love who have been broken hearted for 5 years due to lack of communication. I get that they were young and immature, but it's always so frustrating when they don't even try to speak with each other.
After being apart for 5 years, during the course of the story they spend a lot of time with each other but never actually get to know much of anything. Fortunately, it's a happily ever after, so they will have a lifetime of marriage to introduce themselves.
All that being said, I do not regret putting this on my Challenge and I do look forward to the next book.
September 29, 2012
This was a very engaging, delightful debut! Five years ago Lily and Devon fell in love and were determined to be together until Lily believed Devon left her and, in turn, Devon thought Lily left him for a wealthy earl and had led him on a merry chase. Now widowed and penniless, Lily sees an announcement for Devon and his newly betrothed wealthy heiress, Lily decides to pen a scandalous pamphlet that scares off Devon's fiancee. Knowing Lily is behind this act, Devon confronts her and tells her he will show her a true wedding night, as surely her husband failed. However, Lily is hiding a little secret and she is determined to resist Devon...or maybe she should seduce him? What follows is a sexy battle of wills that keeps getting wrenches thrown into it--a bet, Lily's sister, Devon's gambling and the refusal of either party to tell the truth of their current situations and their shared past.
Valerie Bowman is now on my auto-buy list with this debut and I am already anxious for the next two books which will feature her sister and then the man who becomes her dear friend (he is very proper and I can't wait to see him fall). The main reason I don't bump this up to a five star read is the fact Lily and Devon just can not talk to each other. It is always frustrating to me as a reader when the couple don't just clear the air and move on, yet I know for the story it needed to be held in for quite some time so its a hard balance. Lily is smart, protective, kind, loyal and has some spunk that flairs up after being called predictable. Devon is sexy (yum), confident, strong and stubborn and together they make a very sexy, fun couple. I did find it a bit odd that we did not see anything that was written in the pamphlet. Usually when a scandalous bit of gossip is written, we as the reader get to see some of that but it wasn't a big deal, just different :) So while parts of the story frustrated me just a tad, the writing and pacing was excellent. I loved all the characters and I am looking forward to catching up with them again. I loved the chemistry between Lily and Devon and Devon certainly delivers on his promise about showing Lily a proper wedding night! Overall, a splendid debut full of wit, emotion, heat and love. 4 1/2 stars
Valerie Bowman is now on my auto-buy list with this debut and I am already anxious for the next two books which will feature her sister and then the man who becomes her dear friend (he is very proper and I can't wait to see him fall). The main reason I don't bump this up to a five star read is the fact Lily and Devon just can not talk to each other. It is always frustrating to me as a reader when the couple don't just clear the air and move on, yet I know for the story it needed to be held in for quite some time so its a hard balance. Lily is smart, protective, kind, loyal and has some spunk that flairs up after being called predictable. Devon is sexy (yum), confident, strong and stubborn and together they make a very sexy, fun couple. I did find it a bit odd that we did not see anything that was written in the pamphlet. Usually when a scandalous bit of gossip is written, we as the reader get to see some of that but it wasn't a big deal, just different :) So while parts of the story frustrated me just a tad, the writing and pacing was excellent. I loved all the characters and I am looking forward to catching up with them again. I loved the chemistry between Lily and Devon and Devon certainly delivers on his promise about showing Lily a proper wedding night! Overall, a splendid debut full of wit, emotion, heat and love. 4 1/2 stars
September 14, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
This book was an utter delight. From the first page to the last, Miz Bowman caught my attention and I just could not stop reading. I loved her voice and the way she developed her characters. I loved the way Lily and Devon interacted with one another. There was just so much sparks and passion brewing between them, and when they finally came together it was explosive and I loved ever moment of it.
Five years ago both Lily and Devon were in love and had planned to marry, but as with most romance novels a wrench was thrown into their plans and they never made it down the aisle. Each is under the impression the other stood them up for various reasons. Devon believes Lily didn't love him and was only concerned with gaining a title and a fortune. While Lily was sent a letter saying that Devon was crying off. Neither has spoken to one another in the five years that have passed and they both have tried their hardest to ignore the other.
Five long years have passed and Lily is now a widow. Left penniless by her late husband she has very strong views on marriage. When she comes across the engagement announcement of her former love Devon Morgan, Marquis of Colton she knows she must take action. She decides to anonymously write and distribute a pamphlet to warn of young ladies about the Secrets of a Wedding Night.
When Devon's fiancee' calls off their engagement after reading the pamphlet he is enraged. He immediately sets off to find the author of the pamphlet to make them write a retraction. Imagine his surprise when he when finds out that the author is none other than the woman who jilted him five years earlier, Lily. Devon is enraged and when Lily scoffs at the idea of writing a retraction Devon issues a challenge, either write a retraction or be prepared to be seduced.
I loved watching these two together. From the first moment they are on the page together you get a real sense of their emotions for one another. Yes they are both hurt, but both still feel so strongly for one another. I loved seeing them both interact together and I kept turning the pages so enraptured with what was going on. Both characters have a lot of baggage and past issues that they had to work through in order to finally be together and I found that when they finally do achieve their HEA it was well worth the wait.
Secrets of a Wedding Night is very good and I definitely can't wait to read more from Miz Bowman.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
This book was an utter delight. From the first page to the last, Miz Bowman caught my attention and I just could not stop reading. I loved her voice and the way she developed her characters. I loved the way Lily and Devon interacted with one another. There was just so much sparks and passion brewing between them, and when they finally came together it was explosive and I loved ever moment of it.
Five years ago both Lily and Devon were in love and had planned to marry, but as with most romance novels a wrench was thrown into their plans and they never made it down the aisle. Each is under the impression the other stood them up for various reasons. Devon believes Lily didn't love him and was only concerned with gaining a title and a fortune. While Lily was sent a letter saying that Devon was crying off. Neither has spoken to one another in the five years that have passed and they both have tried their hardest to ignore the other.
Five long years have passed and Lily is now a widow. Left penniless by her late husband she has very strong views on marriage. When she comes across the engagement announcement of her former love Devon Morgan, Marquis of Colton she knows she must take action. She decides to anonymously write and distribute a pamphlet to warn of young ladies about the Secrets of a Wedding Night.
When Devon's fiancee' calls off their engagement after reading the pamphlet he is enraged. He immediately sets off to find the author of the pamphlet to make them write a retraction. Imagine his surprise when he when finds out that the author is none other than the woman who jilted him five years earlier, Lily. Devon is enraged and when Lily scoffs at the idea of writing a retraction Devon issues a challenge, either write a retraction or be prepared to be seduced.
I loved watching these two together. From the first moment they are on the page together you get a real sense of their emotions for one another. Yes they are both hurt, but both still feel so strongly for one another. I loved seeing them both interact together and I kept turning the pages so enraptured with what was going on. Both characters have a lot of baggage and past issues that they had to work through in order to finally be together and I found that when they finally do achieve their HEA it was well worth the wait.
Secrets of a Wedding Night is very good and I definitely can't wait to read more from Miz Bowman.
**ARC copy provided by NetGalley**
April 21, 2013
The first book in the Secret Brides series by new author Valerie Bowman. Lily Andrews was ready to marry Devon Morgan about five years ago but he broke her heart. When she saw the announcement of his engagement, she felt obligated to warn the girl. So she wrote the scandalous pamphlet "Secrets of a Wedding Night", anonymously, of course. Devon Morgan is sure that Lily Andrews is behind the pamphlet that causes his fiancee to break off their engagement. He doesn't understand why she rejected him five years ago and now is out to sabotage his life.
A nice, fun, light read. There may not have been anything overly special about the story but it was worth reading. It moved smoothly and wasn't too cookie cutter in content. I'd recommend it.
A nice, fun, light read. There may not have been anything overly special about the story but it was worth reading. It moved smoothly and wasn't too cookie cutter in content. I'd recommend it.
Read
August 31, 2014I wrote this book with the tropes of a virgin widow and a plot based on a misunderstanding with great glee and a wink and a nod to the old-school romance novels that I absolutely adore!
March 27, 2020
Misunderstandings are one thing, but this ended up feeling like willful misunderstanding. AT SOME POINT, you've got to go, "Hm, that's strange. We seem to have drastically different memories of this really important event."
I do want to read the next one though!
Owned physical book 2/2 for the month
Overall owned book 3/5 for the month
I do want to read the next one though!
Owned physical book 2/2 for the month
Overall owned book 3/5 for the month
October 6, 2012
Mild spoilers ahead:
I gave up on this after three chapters. I was put off by the opening scene, when we are thrown in to the story without any set up. The h/h argue, kiss, then he tells her he is going to seduce her. He has come to confront her about her scandalous pamphlet titled "Secrets of a Wedding Night" that has frightened his fiance into breaking their engagement. So his motivation is to either punish her for the loss of his fiancee, or to educate her on how to be properly bedded. Great guy.
Not a promising beginning, but I gave up after the third chapter when a secret is revealed. Our heroine, a widow, is still a virgin, yet she assumes the authority to reveal the secrets of the wedding night. I noticed a few other pieces of illogic such as the heroine is in debt but is assumed to be wealthy, the hero is wealthy but assumed to be broke, and the heroine is giving her sister a debut, but is trying to sour her on marriage.
I gave up on this after three chapters. I was put off by the opening scene, when we are thrown in to the story without any set up. The h/h argue, kiss, then he tells her he is going to seduce her. He has come to confront her about her scandalous pamphlet titled "Secrets of a Wedding Night" that has frightened his fiance into breaking their engagement. So his motivation is to either punish her for the loss of his fiancee, or to educate her on how to be properly bedded. Great guy.
Not a promising beginning, but I gave up after the third chapter when a secret is revealed. Our heroine, a widow, is still a virgin, yet she assumes the authority to reveal the secrets of the wedding night. I noticed a few other pieces of illogic such as the heroine is in debt but is assumed to be wealthy, the hero is wealthy but assumed to be broke, and the heroine is giving her sister a debut, but is trying to sour her on marriage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
I'd heard great things about this author and was looking forward to it.
Unfortunately this drug on and was difficult to finish. I am hesitant to read the next book in the series, but will endeavor!!
Unfortunately this drug on and was difficult to finish. I am hesitant to read the next book in the series, but will endeavor!!
May 22, 2012
Five years before, Lily Andrews and Devon Morgan were utterly devoted to one another and on the verge of running off to Gretna Green to marry. But two traitorous, false notes and three heinous parents join forces to thwart their love. As in many tales of love and poverty, money is at issue. Both their fathers gambled away their fortunes and need to wed their offsprings to spouses with money. Lily marries a much older man and becomes Lady Merill. She’s widowed almost immediately thereafter. Devon inherits his father’s title and becomes the Marquis of Colton, but doesn’t gain much else besides a stack of bills.
Five years later, after avoiding one another and holding grudges because they each think themselves jilted by the other, an engagement announcement and a secretly authored and thoroughly scandalous pamphlet throw them back into each other’s paths. When Lady Merrill refuses to right the “wrong” Lord Colton believes has been done to him, he makes a vow. A sexy, glorious, wonderful vow and we’re off to the races, so to speak.
This is a wonderful book, with a hero and heroine who are both responsible and loving to their remaining family members and who care deeply for one another. There are the usual tropes of misunderstanding and even a secret offspring but the tropes are so very well done (some of them with very clever twists) that you’ll be cheering for them to get together. I admit, I wanted to shake Lily sometimes but Devon Morgan is a hero who’ll be added to my favorites. There’s also a cast of wonderful and sometimes quirky characters whom I’d be pleased to read about in subsequent books. I’m reminded of Lisa Kleypas’s much beloved Hathaway series with Secrets of a Wedding Night. I can’t wait to read more.
Five years later, after avoiding one another and holding grudges because they each think themselves jilted by the other, an engagement announcement and a secretly authored and thoroughly scandalous pamphlet throw them back into each other’s paths. When Lady Merrill refuses to right the “wrong” Lord Colton believes has been done to him, he makes a vow. A sexy, glorious, wonderful vow and we’re off to the races, so to speak.
This is a wonderful book, with a hero and heroine who are both responsible and loving to their remaining family members and who care deeply for one another. There are the usual tropes of misunderstanding and even a secret offspring but the tropes are so very well done (some of them with very clever twists) that you’ll be cheering for them to get together. I admit, I wanted to shake Lily sometimes but Devon Morgan is a hero who’ll be added to my favorites. There’s also a cast of wonderful and sometimes quirky characters whom I’d be pleased to read about in subsequent books. I’m reminded of Lisa Kleypas’s much beloved Hathaway series with Secrets of a Wedding Night. I can’t wait to read more.
September 10, 2020
So many things didn't make much sense in this book 
1. She pretended to be rich for 4 YEARS - While using the same gowns over and over while attending society functions? Give me a break.
2. They just needed to talk to each other - How could they be supposedly in love when they knew nothing important about the other? The reason she detested gamblers? That he had a son? And every time they would be willing to talk, something or someone would conveniently interrupt. It was maddening!!
3. Who's going to gamble with a guy who'd kill you if he loses? I mean, for real.
4. She preferred to be destitute than fight her husband's heir in court? She had a settlement! Legal documents!! The heir couldn't get out of that!!
5. The title of the book was said over and over!! It was freaking annoying. And to be frank, if a woman confessed to be terrified during her wedding night, she would be the object of pity, not interest. And who wants people to pity you?
Definitely not continuing the series and unlikely to read something by this author again.
1. She pretended to be rich for 4 YEARS - While using the same gowns over and over while attending society functions? Give me a break.
2. They just needed to talk to each other - How could they be supposedly in love when they knew nothing important about the other? The reason she detested gamblers? That he had a son? And every time they would be willing to talk, something or someone would conveniently interrupt. It was maddening!!
3. Who's going to gamble with a guy who'd kill you if he loses? I mean, for real.
4. She preferred to be destitute than fight her husband's heir in court? She had a settlement! Legal documents!! The heir couldn't get out of that!!
5. The title of the book was said over and over!! It was freaking annoying. And to be frank, if a woman confessed to be terrified during her wedding night, she would be the object of pity, not interest. And who wants people to pity you?
Definitely not continuing the series and unlikely to read something by this author again.
November 5, 2018
2.5 stars - Historical Romance
The H/h drove me nuts! One freaking honest conversation would have resolved the whole thing!
The H/h drove me nuts! One freaking honest conversation would have resolved the whole thing!
January 26, 2019
This book got on my last nerve. The hero and the heroine had a misunderstanding in the past, they can't find time to talk about it and clear it up, but they can find time for sex. The heroine's sister is a pain in the you know what, I wanted to choke her. I could not finish this book. Too annoying for me.
December 7, 2012
This is the author's debut book. I feel so au courant, reading a debut book and all! :-) And, it makes me very reluctant to be blunt in this review, in case the author is reading it.
This book started out great - words like "delicious!" and "delightful!" spring to mind. Young widowed Lily has always been in love with the handsome, dashing Devon Morgan, Marquis of Colton. They had a misunderstanding way back when (you know how these things go) and parted with broken hearts. Now they have crossed paths again, and that old spark is still there. You know the drill: they are still madly in love but they don't know it.
Then the book just fell flat. And I realized, the heroine is a controlling, manipulative, close-minded twit, and she's not going to change. I started to really dislike her. Then (and YES this is STUPID) I looked at the cover and decided those two aren't hot at all, and that made me dislike the book more. There is much navel-gazing, so we learn a lot about one or two things - well, basically, we learn that the heroine is a controlling twit - but nothing about other things. Heroine repeatedly refers back to how awful it was to be married, but we never learn why. Other characters even ask her why, and she won't answer. Dear Heroine: I, too, wanted to know why! This would be the close-minded twit part of her personality, I guess - she decided it was horrible, and THAT'S THAT.
On page 202 I really started hating the book - that was when they were having sex, and we are suddenly told that Lily knows that Devon is done letting her have her way and now he's in charge. Excuse me?? Whose fantasy is THAT? If I'm having sex, it's a mutual thing, and no one is "in charge."
I've read this book before. It was Meredith Duran's At Your Pleasure. Young and madly in love, they part ways, she marries someone else, she's widowed, they cross paths, they spar, parry, and fall into bed. Except Duran did it better.
This book started out great - words like "delicious!" and "delightful!" spring to mind. Young widowed Lily has always been in love with the handsome, dashing Devon Morgan, Marquis of Colton. They had a misunderstanding way back when (you know how these things go) and parted with broken hearts. Now they have crossed paths again, and that old spark is still there. You know the drill: they are still madly in love but they don't know it.
Then the book just fell flat. And I realized, the heroine is a controlling, manipulative, close-minded twit, and she's not going to change. I started to really dislike her. Then (and YES this is STUPID) I looked at the cover and decided those two aren't hot at all, and that made me dislike the book more. There is much navel-gazing, so we learn a lot about one or two things - well, basically, we learn that the heroine is a controlling twit - but nothing about other things. Heroine repeatedly refers back to how awful it was to be married, but we never learn why. Other characters even ask her why, and she won't answer. Dear Heroine: I, too, wanted to know why! This would be the close-minded twit part of her personality, I guess - she decided it was horrible, and THAT'S THAT.
On page 202 I really started hating the book - that was when they were having sex, and we are suddenly told that Lily knows that Devon is done letting her have her way and now he's in charge. Excuse me?? Whose fantasy is THAT? If I'm having sex, it's a mutual thing, and no one is "in charge."
I've read this book before. It was Meredith Duran's At Your Pleasure. Young and madly in love, they part ways, she marries someone else, she's widowed, they cross paths, they spar, parry, and fall into bed. Except Duran did it better.
September 26, 2012
What a charming read!! When his fiance breaks their engagement after reading a shocking pamphlet regarding wedding nights, Devon Morgan, the Marquis of Colton, just knows the anonymous author can be none other than Lily Andrews, the young woman who jilted him five years ago. While he’d prefer to never see her again, he must do so if he has any hope of repairing his shattered betrothal. When the stubborn Lily refuses to admit she even wrote the pamphlet, let alone consent to printing a retraction, Devon threatens to seduce her into seeing just how wonderful a wedding night can be.
A widowed countess now, Lily has no time for Devon and his demands of retraction. Left penniless, it's up to her to find a way to take care of herself, her sister, and the two bungling yet loyal servants left in her charge. Attractive as he may be, Lily cannot forget how Devon broke her heart five years ago, nor how he has spent the time since being a gambler and a wastrel. The last thing she needs is another mouth to feed!
Filled with witty dialogue, fun scenarios, and sensual stolen interludes, Secrets of a Wedding Night is a wonderful debut novel. Valerie Bowman has given us a hero and heroine to love and root for, and provided a terrific cast of supporting characters that I know I will be looking forward to seeing again in the coming series. Regency fans can rest assured that the future of the genre is in good hands!
A widowed countess now, Lily has no time for Devon and his demands of retraction. Left penniless, it's up to her to find a way to take care of herself, her sister, and the two bungling yet loyal servants left in her charge. Attractive as he may be, Lily cannot forget how Devon broke her heart five years ago, nor how he has spent the time since being a gambler and a wastrel. The last thing she needs is another mouth to feed!
Filled with witty dialogue, fun scenarios, and sensual stolen interludes, Secrets of a Wedding Night is a wonderful debut novel. Valerie Bowman has given us a hero and heroine to love and root for, and provided a terrific cast of supporting characters that I know I will be looking forward to seeing again in the coming series. Regency fans can rest assured that the future of the genre is in good hands!
May 15, 2012
A light-hearted romp. I love how the heroine is not a woman to sit back and let things happen to her. She's in financial difficulty so she takes charge of that situation by publishing a scandalous pamphlet. This sets her straight in the hero's path, since the hero's intended reads the pamphlet and cries off their engagement. He's out for a retraction, and if he doesn't get that, he's intent on showing Lily what a proper wedding night ought to be. And of course, the two of them have a past. Great fun all around. I loved the author's sense of humor and the chemistry between the leads. Don't miss this debut.
December 30, 2011
This book doesn't officially come out until September of 2012. BUT I have read the book because the author, Valerie Bowman, is one of my critique partners. This book is funny and sexy, a delightful Regency romp. Valerie's humor reminds me very much of Julia Quinn, with her own unique twist. So, if you like Julia Quinn, add Valerie Bowman to your watch list. This is her debut novel, and there are two more in the series coming after this one.
June 7, 2012
This was a great regency romance. It had all the ingredients, spunky heroine, hot hero, snappy dialogue. Ms Bowman did a great job of not only making her main characters come to life, but also fleshing out her secondary characters. I felt the interaction between the heroine and her sister was right on. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you are a fan of regency romance this is a book you don't want to miss.
September 27, 2012
More like 4.5 stars... brilliant debut.. cannot wait for the next book in this series.
December 26, 2019
This book was kind of hit or miss for me, with a lot of misses. The premise itself sounds okay, but it was just executed poorly, and I had a lot of "huh?" moments when it came to this story.
For the love of god, will people just TALK to one another in books? So much could have been revealed and solved SO QUICKLY if the two leads had just had a five minute conversation with one another. They both said things that didn't jive with the other's recollection of events, and they both COMMENTED about that in their heads at least once, but NEVER did they ask one another to explain what was being said. I HATE this literary device! JUST TALK DAMMIT.
And when they finally DID talk,
Also, I REALLY wanted to read at least a part of the scandalous pamphlet.
My verdict: meh.
For the love of god, will people just TALK to one another in books? So much could have been revealed and solved SO QUICKLY if the two leads had just had a five minute conversation with one another. They both said things that didn't jive with the other's recollection of events, and they both COMMENTED about that in their heads at least once, but NEVER did they ask one another to explain what was being said. I HATE this literary device! JUST TALK DAMMIT.
And when they finally DID talk,
Also, I REALLY wanted to read at least a part of the scandalous pamphlet.
My verdict: meh.
April 4, 2014
SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT, the first book in Valerie Bowman’s Secret Brides series, is a delightful tale of secrets, seduction and second chances, written with warmth, wit and style.
The things I love about this book:
Sexy, confident, strong, compassionate but stubborn hero ~
Society sees Devon as a gambler, a drinker and a rake. The reality is very different. Using his skill with numbers, Devon has accumulated a large fortune at the gaming tables and invested it wisely. Now he gambles in the squalor of the Rookery for one reason only…. to restore a family heirloom which was a symbol of his ancestry. Having once been deserted by the woman he loved in favour of an older, richer man, Devon now hides his true financial situation. The woman he marries must love him for himself and not his money. His love for his illegitimate son, Justin, and his rescue of an adorable puppy reveal a kinder and softer side to Devon. When Lily needs a knight in shining armour, he comes to her aid.
Resilient, protective, loyal and equally stubborn heroine ~
Left in financial straits after her father dies, Lily is determined to keep her “ragtag little household” together. Nothing is more important than her sister’s happiness and I can understand why Lily is overprotective. She wants Anne to have the freedom she didn’t enjoy whilst under the control of firstly her father and then her elderly husband. I can also understand her reluctance to trust Devon with her heart. To all appearances, he is a carbon copy of her father who drank and then gambled away everything. I love the fact that she is scared of spiders…something so many of us ladies share. It gives her a very human edge.
Delicious sexual tension and steamy passion ~
I enjoyed all the varied nuances of Devon and Lily’s romance.
The feelings of hurt and anger reflected in their barbed remarks to each other…
“I see in addition to your renowned gambling and rakishness, you’ve also turned to the bottle. Are you trying for all the seven sins?”
His voice was calm. “And I see in addition to your renowned flirtations and fickleness, your skills as a hostess leave much to be desired.”
The strong attraction that still simmers below the surface…
He was a drug. That’s what he was. Like opium. A maddening, unhealthy pleasure that left her senses reeling.
Blast it. He was already plagued with indecent thoughts. This entire seduction plot would be much easier if he weren’t driven half mad just looking at her.
The seduction…
She moaned when his warm lips finally touched hers. The contact was almost unbearable. It was the softest, smoothest, least aggressive kiss he’d ever given her. It demanded nothing from her and made her feel more than all the other kisses combined.
The lies…
“Damn it, Lily. Will you listen you me? I never intended to profit from it. You must belive me.”
She clenched her fists at her sides. “Believe you? A liar? A gambler? A man who prizes money above all else? What sort of fool do you take me for?.”
A lasting love…
Tears flowed down Lily’s cheek. She smiled through them. “I love you, Devon. I always have.”
An engaging cast of secondary characters ~
I adore Lily’s loyal servants – Evans, the butler who had the habit of falling asleep at the most inopportune moments and Mary, the lady’s maid with an unfortunate memory problem. I love the way in which Lily’s sister, Anne matures during the course of the story:
Oh, Anne, when did you become so wise?”
Anne smiled a knowing smile. “When you weren’t looking, dear sister.”
I also enjoyed the interactions between Devon and his friend, Jordan Holloway, Earl of Ashbourne and Devon’s jealousy of Lily’s friend, Viscount Medford.
Overall, this was a charming fast-paced story filled with humour and passion and a very impressive debut novel from Ms Bowman. I will definitely be reading the other books I have in this series.
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 Stars
The Secret Brides series (click on cover for more details):
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
The things I love about this book:
Sexy, confident, strong, compassionate but stubborn hero ~
Society sees Devon as a gambler, a drinker and a rake. The reality is very different. Using his skill with numbers, Devon has accumulated a large fortune at the gaming tables and invested it wisely. Now he gambles in the squalor of the Rookery for one reason only…. to restore a family heirloom which was a symbol of his ancestry. Having once been deserted by the woman he loved in favour of an older, richer man, Devon now hides his true financial situation. The woman he marries must love him for himself and not his money. His love for his illegitimate son, Justin, and his rescue of an adorable puppy reveal a kinder and softer side to Devon. When Lily needs a knight in shining armour, he comes to her aid.
Resilient, protective, loyal and equally stubborn heroine ~
Left in financial straits after her father dies, Lily is determined to keep her “ragtag little household” together. Nothing is more important than her sister’s happiness and I can understand why Lily is overprotective. She wants Anne to have the freedom she didn’t enjoy whilst under the control of firstly her father and then her elderly husband. I can also understand her reluctance to trust Devon with her heart. To all appearances, he is a carbon copy of her father who drank and then gambled away everything. I love the fact that she is scared of spiders…something so many of us ladies share. It gives her a very human edge.
Delicious sexual tension and steamy passion ~
I enjoyed all the varied nuances of Devon and Lily’s romance.
The feelings of hurt and anger reflected in their barbed remarks to each other…
“I see in addition to your renowned gambling and rakishness, you’ve also turned to the bottle. Are you trying for all the seven sins?”
His voice was calm. “And I see in addition to your renowned flirtations and fickleness, your skills as a hostess leave much to be desired.”
The strong attraction that still simmers below the surface…
He was a drug. That’s what he was. Like opium. A maddening, unhealthy pleasure that left her senses reeling.
Blast it. He was already plagued with indecent thoughts. This entire seduction plot would be much easier if he weren’t driven half mad just looking at her.
The seduction…
She moaned when his warm lips finally touched hers. The contact was almost unbearable. It was the softest, smoothest, least aggressive kiss he’d ever given her. It demanded nothing from her and made her feel more than all the other kisses combined.
The lies…
“Damn it, Lily. Will you listen you me? I never intended to profit from it. You must belive me.”
She clenched her fists at her sides. “Believe you? A liar? A gambler? A man who prizes money above all else? What sort of fool do you take me for?.”
A lasting love…
Tears flowed down Lily’s cheek. She smiled through them. “I love you, Devon. I always have.”
An engaging cast of secondary characters ~
I adore Lily’s loyal servants – Evans, the butler who had the habit of falling asleep at the most inopportune moments and Mary, the lady’s maid with an unfortunate memory problem. I love the way in which Lily’s sister, Anne matures during the course of the story:
Oh, Anne, when did you become so wise?”
Anne smiled a knowing smile. “When you weren’t looking, dear sister.”
I also enjoyed the interactions between Devon and his friend, Jordan Holloway, Earl of Ashbourne and Devon’s jealousy of Lily’s friend, Viscount Medford.
Overall, this was a charming fast-paced story filled with humour and passion and a very impressive debut novel from Ms Bowman. I will definitely be reading the other books I have in this series.
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 Stars
The Secret Brides series (click on cover for more details):
This review is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
June 17, 2017
When Lily discovers that Devon, the man who broke her heart is about to be engaged, she writes a pamphlet that is sure to make his spineless fiance call off their engagement. Devon is furious when her plan succeeds and vows to get his revenge by seducing Lily. The problem is that the connection between them hasn't really diminished over the years and they both clearly still have feelings for each other.
At first the whole revenge plan seemed incredibly stupid to me. It seemed like a really weak plot device. However it is carried off really well in this book which surprised me. I found myself enjoying this book immensely. Devon and Lily have a very clear chemistry which I enjoyed reading about. I also loved the colourful and well-developed supporting characters. This is a series that I am definitely going to follow. This book was compelling and well-written. Fans of romance and historical fiction will definitely enjoy this book and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
At first the whole revenge plan seemed incredibly stupid to me. It seemed like a really weak plot device. However it is carried off really well in this book which surprised me. I found myself enjoying this book immensely. Devon and Lily have a very clear chemistry which I enjoyed reading about. I also loved the colourful and well-developed supporting characters. This is a series that I am definitely going to follow. This book was compelling and well-written. Fans of romance and historical fiction will definitely enjoy this book and I recommend it whole-heartedly.
Read
February 6, 2013Our book begins with widow Lily Andrews attempting to find money in her account books that don't exist. Lily, her sister Anne, their butler and one maid have lived off of 10 pounds a year for the past 5 years and the money is just not enough. Lily's good friend James Medford is sponsoring Anne's debut ball but they still need money to eat! The ironic thing is that everyone in the ton is under the impression that she's rich. Not soon after the book begins Lily is visited by her old beau, Devon Morgan. Devon is pissed off that Lily wrote a pamphlet called Secrets of a Wedding Night and because of its content it has caused his fiance to call off the wedding. Devon doesn't actually know for sure that Lily wrote it but that's the rumor. I have no idea how that rumor is started or why anyone would think it was Lily but there you have it. Lily denies it but Devon is pissed and wants a retraction written. When Lily refuses Devon swears revenge. He assures Lily that since she wrote about the horrors of the wedding night that she just hadn't been with a man who knew what he was doing. He tells her that he intends to seduce her and prove to her how wrong her pamphlet is. Right away I knew that the characters in this book were going to be overly dramatic. It didn't bode well for the rest of the book but I read on.
The couple tends to ebb and flow in their love and hate for each other. They don't trust each other, they don't believe in each other – it doesn't set things up for a solid HEA. Five years ago they were in love but she received a note on the morning that she was to elope with him saying he was crying off. He received basically the same note. For the last five years they've believed the worst about each other and for all of the conversations that are had over the course of the story they don't clear that up until the end of the book. Why, oh why, did we have to wait? The story could have gone on had they known that info earlier! *sigh* She's destitute but he just lets everyone think that he's poor but he's really quite wealthy. I understood this to a point but after all was said and done it just didn't make that much difference in the story even though it was brought up constantly.
Anyway, Lily is shy and quiet one minute and saucy and provocative the next. It was a bit disconcerting going into each chapter not knowing what to expect. At times I really liked the couple but most of the time I found them childish and not all that likable. The heroine was controlling and manipulative and so was the hero in his own way.
When I finished the book and Lily and Devon had had their happily ever after I can't say I was all that satisfied. The story is filled with dishonesty, rumors, innuendos and not so witty banter. I found the book to be frustrating and in the end just an ok read.
Oh...and an aside...see the man on the cover? Is he wearing a corset? I swear at first I thought it was her sleeve but when you look closely it's black and very, uh, corset-like. Opinion???
Rating: 2 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
The couple tends to ebb and flow in their love and hate for each other. They don't trust each other, they don't believe in each other – it doesn't set things up for a solid HEA. Five years ago they were in love but she received a note on the morning that she was to elope with him saying he was crying off. He received basically the same note. For the last five years they've believed the worst about each other and for all of the conversations that are had over the course of the story they don't clear that up until the end of the book. Why, oh why, did we have to wait? The story could have gone on had they known that info earlier! *sigh* She's destitute but he just lets everyone think that he's poor but he's really quite wealthy. I understood this to a point but after all was said and done it just didn't make that much difference in the story even though it was brought up constantly.
Anyway, Lily is shy and quiet one minute and saucy and provocative the next. It was a bit disconcerting going into each chapter not knowing what to expect. At times I really liked the couple but most of the time I found them childish and not all that likable. The heroine was controlling and manipulative and so was the hero in his own way.
When I finished the book and Lily and Devon had had their happily ever after I can't say I was all that satisfied. The story is filled with dishonesty, rumors, innuendos and not so witty banter. I found the book to be frustrating and in the end just an ok read.
Oh...and an aside...see the man on the cover? Is he wearing a corset? I swear at first I thought it was her sleeve but when you look closely it's black and very, uh, corset-like. Opinion???
Rating: 2 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
March 9, 2014
Reviewed by
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is one historical romance book that everyone should read.
Lilly Andrews is a woman that has to let her dreams of marrying the man she loves and marrying someone that her parents want her to marry. She was going to run away to Gretna Green to marry but the groom never showed up. She is ussed to always making sure that everyone is taken care of no matter what she has to do to get it done. So when she writes “Secrets of a Wedding Night” to make ends meet she gets more than she bargained for.
Devon Morgan is the Marquis of Colton and the man that Lily was in love with five years ago. When the woman he was going to marry reads the “Secrets of a Wedding Night” and calls off the wedding he see’s red and decides to do something to Lily to make her regret what she wrote and get her to admit that she wrote it.
When she says no, that is when things start heating up in the story.
I loved watching these two hide their feelings for each other. It made my day watching them fight back and forth. Sometimes I even wondered who was seducing who. They both had secrets that they didn’t want the other to find out. I love when I get the chance to read a great historical romance. I don’t read them all the time, but when one gets my attention I know that I better read it.
The cover of the book really caught my attention and that is what made me read what the book was about. I had to see what Secrets of a Wedding Night was about. What could scare all these women off of marriage? It had to be something good and I just had to get to the bottom of this. I loved the plot of the story. I enjoyed how the characters interact with each other. Made me feel like I was in the story and experiencing everything for myself.
This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I will be looking for the next book in this series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I get so excited just thinking about it. I know that Lily is a handful so that means that her sister Annie will be even more.
I would recommend this book to everyone who love a great romance read. It is one that will keep you on your toes and make you laugh out loud. Made me wonder what the characters would do next.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is one historical romance book that everyone should read.
Lilly Andrews is a woman that has to let her dreams of marrying the man she loves and marrying someone that her parents want her to marry. She was going to run away to Gretna Green to marry but the groom never showed up. She is ussed to always making sure that everyone is taken care of no matter what she has to do to get it done. So when she writes “Secrets of a Wedding Night” to make ends meet she gets more than she bargained for.
Devon Morgan is the Marquis of Colton and the man that Lily was in love with five years ago. When the woman he was going to marry reads the “Secrets of a Wedding Night” and calls off the wedding he see’s red and decides to do something to Lily to make her regret what she wrote and get her to admit that she wrote it.
When she says no, that is when things start heating up in the story.
I loved watching these two hide their feelings for each other. It made my day watching them fight back and forth. Sometimes I even wondered who was seducing who. They both had secrets that they didn’t want the other to find out. I love when I get the chance to read a great historical romance. I don’t read them all the time, but when one gets my attention I know that I better read it.
The cover of the book really caught my attention and that is what made me read what the book was about. I had to see what Secrets of a Wedding Night was about. What could scare all these women off of marriage? It had to be something good and I just had to get to the bottom of this. I loved the plot of the story. I enjoyed how the characters interact with each other. Made me feel like I was in the story and experiencing everything for myself.
This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I will be looking for the next book in this series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I get so excited just thinking about it. I know that Lily is a handful so that means that her sister Annie will be even more.
I would recommend this book to everyone who love a great romance read. It is one that will keep you on your toes and make you laugh out loud. Made me wonder what the characters would do next.
December 6, 2012
I actually really enjoyed the premise of this novel. Lily and Devon were believable as a couple, and their antics were delightful. The foreplay and sex scenes were decent as well.
However, there were some aspects of this novel I found underdeveloped or pointless. For example, I think Bowman should have developed Devon's story with Justin more. Justin should have played a bigger role to begin with. In addition, I didn't really buy into the series of events that drove the couple apart five years ago. Devon and Lily's characters come off too strong for me to believe they'd be so passive and gullible.
In regards to the pointless bits, they would have been more relevant, if they'd been more developed. For instance, Lily's dog Leopold and sympathy for stray animals is only briefly mentioned; then, Devon presents Lily with a puppy he rescued in a mugging and, later, a brooch in the dog's likeness. The dog and stray animal thing made no sense to me. It felt thrown in haphazardly in an attempt to illustrate an aspect of Lily that really had no bearing on the story. Also, a big opportunity was missed out on with Lily's marriage. I think it was a mistake to have made her a widow after one month of marriage (without consummating that marriage). Her character could have been more complex and intriguing if Bowman had put her through the ringer a little.
Moreover, the reactions of the ton were not proportional to Lily and Devon's actions; or, so I thought. And, Lily is supposedly destitute; however, I did not see her as the destitute heroine doing all she could to provide for her dependents. This bothered me. Her purported level of destitution did not match up with her actions, or how I believed she would act.
Overall, the story was a good idea, but more time spent on development would have made the book better. The next book in the series addresses Annie and Jordan. I'll probably pick it up some time just because I quite liked Jordan's character. However, I have reservations about Annie; she appeared too weak, flighty, naive, superficial, and emotional in this book. I'm not sure if - when reading her story - I would be rooting for her or heckling her.
However, there were some aspects of this novel I found underdeveloped or pointless. For example, I think Bowman should have developed Devon's story with Justin more. Justin should have played a bigger role to begin with. In addition, I didn't really buy into the series of events that drove the couple apart five years ago. Devon and Lily's characters come off too strong for me to believe they'd be so passive and gullible.
In regards to the pointless bits, they would have been more relevant, if they'd been more developed. For instance, Lily's dog Leopold and sympathy for stray animals is only briefly mentioned; then, Devon presents Lily with a puppy he rescued in a mugging and, later, a brooch in the dog's likeness. The dog and stray animal thing made no sense to me. It felt thrown in haphazardly in an attempt to illustrate an aspect of Lily that really had no bearing on the story. Also, a big opportunity was missed out on with Lily's marriage. I think it was a mistake to have made her a widow after one month of marriage (without consummating that marriage). Her character could have been more complex and intriguing if Bowman had put her through the ringer a little.
Moreover, the reactions of the ton were not proportional to Lily and Devon's actions; or, so I thought. And, Lily is supposedly destitute; however, I did not see her as the destitute heroine doing all she could to provide for her dependents. This bothered me. Her purported level of destitution did not match up with her actions, or how I believed she would act.
Overall, the story was a good idea, but more time spent on development would have made the book better. The next book in the series addresses Annie and Jordan. I'll probably pick it up some time just because I quite liked Jordan's character. However, I have reservations about Annie; she appeared too weak, flighty, naive, superficial, and emotional in this book. I'm not sure if - when reading her story - I would be rooting for her or heckling her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2012
Secrets of a Wedding Night is my favorite type of story: a reunion romance set in the glittering world of Regency London.
Recently widowed Lily has a young sister, a charming dog and two hapless servants all in her care. Broke and struggling, she refuses to give into despair or let anyone know her means are so thinly stretched. She writes a pamphlet warning young women about the horrors that await them in the marriage bed. The pamphlet becomes a sensation and brings her both the satisfaction of ending her first love’s engagement and some much needed money to help her through her sister’s season.
Lily’s first-love Devon reacts in rage, vowing to seduce Lily if she does not write a retraction. He believes Lily purposefully abandoned him on the night of their elopement five years ago and he cannot countenance the fact she is also responsible for his fiancée’s cold refusal. He will make her pay…one sizzling kiss at a time.
I sighed, laughed out loud and bit my lip in worry as I followed Lily and Devon through a wonderfully woven web of secrets, lies, sensuality and, ultimately, redemption. The Author’s wit and humor are a rare find. I highly recommend Secrets and look forward to more of Valerie Bowman’s titles.
Recently widowed Lily has a young sister, a charming dog and two hapless servants all in her care. Broke and struggling, she refuses to give into despair or let anyone know her means are so thinly stretched. She writes a pamphlet warning young women about the horrors that await them in the marriage bed. The pamphlet becomes a sensation and brings her both the satisfaction of ending her first love’s engagement and some much needed money to help her through her sister’s season.
Lily’s first-love Devon reacts in rage, vowing to seduce Lily if she does not write a retraction. He believes Lily purposefully abandoned him on the night of their elopement five years ago and he cannot countenance the fact she is also responsible for his fiancée’s cold refusal. He will make her pay…one sizzling kiss at a time.
I sighed, laughed out loud and bit my lip in worry as I followed Lily and Devon through a wonderfully woven web of secrets, lies, sensuality and, ultimately, redemption. The Author’s wit and humor are a rare find. I highly recommend Secrets and look forward to more of Valerie Bowman’s titles.
December 23, 2012
She wrote an advice pamphlet for the soon-to-be-wed called Secrets of a Wedding Night.
He's out for revenge after his fiance' reads the pamphlet and calls off their engagement. His plan for revenge? To discover the author and seduce her.
Being a writer and fan of Science Fiction Romance, I don't read many historicals, but this novel was a pure delight. I loved the premise and the characters--a feisty but destitute heroine and an admirable but misguided hero--and completely enjoyed the read.
The backstory of why these two lovers were forced apart and then remained apart for many years might not have worked in other genres, but for me it made sense for a time period with strict social rules and an uneven moral code. Colton (the hero) was a standout character for me and I found the dialogue and interaction between the main characters fresh, witty, and engaging.
A highly recommended read.
He's out for revenge after his fiance' reads the pamphlet and calls off their engagement. His plan for revenge? To discover the author and seduce her.
Being a writer and fan of Science Fiction Romance, I don't read many historicals, but this novel was a pure delight. I loved the premise and the characters--a feisty but destitute heroine and an admirable but misguided hero--and completely enjoyed the read.
The backstory of why these two lovers were forced apart and then remained apart for many years might not have worked in other genres, but for me it made sense for a time period with strict social rules and an uneven moral code. Colton (the hero) was a standout character for me and I found the dialogue and interaction between the main characters fresh, witty, and engaging.
A highly recommended read.
July 22, 2012
I just finished the ARC for Secrets of a Wedding Night. Wow.
Ms. Bowman weaves a story with focus along with charm. Devon Morgan is the ultimate hero, determined to win but with a real reason that made this reader fall for him. Bowman's heroine is the girl I want to be, even with her problems, Lily's strong and focused. Of course the love scenes are HOT.
Looking forward to more by Ms. Bowman.
Ms. Bowman weaves a story with focus along with charm. Devon Morgan is the ultimate hero, determined to win but with a real reason that made this reader fall for him. Bowman's heroine is the girl I want to be, even with her problems, Lily's strong and focused. Of course the love scenes are HOT.
Looking forward to more by Ms. Bowman.
August 14, 2014
I really shouldn't like this book. This debut author used two weary tropes that should probably not be used any more: the BIG misunderstanding and the virgin widow. BUT in spite of this I really enjoyed the book. What saved it was breezy writing and good dialogue. I also enjoyed the characters. Valerie Bowman will have a good career as an author, I predict. Waiting to read the next one.
September 15, 2012
I devoured this book. Compelling situation with an intriguing mystery to the main characters' mutual past that unfolded naturally through the story. I could identify with the heroine and loved the hero. Brava, author Valerie Bowman!
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