Book Review: The Bride


Title: The Bride (Book One of the Lairds' Fiancees Series)
Author: Julie Garwood

Synopsis:

By the king's edict, Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride. And Jaime the youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, is his choice. From his first glimpse of the proud and beautiful English lady, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him. This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior's spirit. And he aches to touch her, tameher, possess her...forever.

But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledges her own secret oath: She will never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian. He was everything her heart warned her against -- an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks and seductive embrace fire her blood. But when strange accidents begin to threaten Jamie's life and an old rumor that Alec killed his first wife spreads anew, something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer he senses.

With all the storytelling power and insight into the human heart that have made her one of the bestselling authors of our time, Julie Garwood takes readers on an unforgettable romantic journey rich in humor, suspense, and historical detail.

Thoughts on the Book

This books was amazing! I'd give it a ten if I have to. It's a shame that I haven't given it the attention it deserves. I should have placed this on the top of my to-read list. It has taken me quite sometime to write this review because I can't find the exact words that would describe my emotions towards this book. god, Julie Garwood! You're gained another fan. I'm looking forward to reading all of your books.

THE STORY.  In his efforts to seek peace and unity between Scottland and England, King Edgar commanded Alec Kincaid and Daniel Ferguson to marry Lord Jamison's daughters. They were given the freedom to choose their brides among his daughters. Little did they know, Lord Jamison is planning to exclude his youngest daughter from the choices. On the other hand, Beak is against Lord Jamison's treatment of Jamie (the youngest). So when the two Lairds arrived three days earlier, he decided to take matters at hand. He'd have to know if the Lairds can be trusted before he divulge the issue. When he was certain Jamie will be in good hands, he told them about her. Having a background of her wild nature, he chose the more ferocious and fierce looking between the two. He entrusted Jamie to Alec Kincaid and let him promised that he will choose her. The Laird agreed. That started Jamie and Alec's journey toward married life.

ALEC KINCAID. He is a Highlander and is very loyal to his folks. He is a warrior and is known for his invincibility. One grim look can make his opponent back out. He is a giant and has a body designed for battlefield. He may be inconsiderate and cold when it comes to his enemies but when it comes to his wife he becomes a totally different person. He says that he never loses his temper but nobody can provoke him as much as his wife does. I guess it only seems right for Jamie to end up with him because if there's anyone who can put up with her wild nature, it's Alec Kincaid.

JAMIE JAMISON. Wow! I'll definitely include her to my all-time favorite heroines. I so love her. She has a swag, mind you! she's really fun. She's worthy of love and care which she doesn't seem to get from his father. Her mother was fat with her when she met Lord Jamison. Jamison accepted her and considered her his real daughter. When her mother passed away, she took charge of the household. She acted more like an heir rather than an heiress. She became involved in doing household chores and later chores that are meant for a man. She became a skilled hunter and can ride on a bareback horse. She was seen as a strong force by her sisters even if she was the youngest. She had seen it as her duty to protect her sisters and they came first before her. She's the one who fixes the chaos inside the house when her father has made a mess. She has a gift of healing too. With Beaks' help, she was able to learn the Gaelic language. It only seems right for Beak to inform Kincaid of Jamie's presence in the house because it saved her from being sold to Andrew. There's one weakness of her though, she doesn't have a sense of direction. She always gets lost. At the end of the story, she paved way to the union of the Highlander clans.

BEAK. He's a Scott but he serves Lord Jamison. He was very fond of his mistresses but Jamie has taken a spot in his heart. He considers her the son he never had. She was her baby. He had taught Jamie all things she needed to know which has given her an advantage over Kincaid because Kincaid thought she wasn't that skilled and was raised to be prim and proper.

GAVIN & MARCUS. I like this pair. They're loyal friends. I like how they stick to Alec and how determined and dedicated they were in protecting Jamie. It's really funny when they made fun of Alec especially when they found the Laird's behavior odd when their mistress is around. All of Kincaid's soldier, and these were no exception, were all mesmerized by Jamie's beauty that they found it difficult to concentrate on what they're doing and not to smile at her.

MARY & DANIEL. I like Daniel because smiling is one of his thing. He's not as domineering as Alec. I wonder what would have happened if he ended up choosing Jamie. I know he hates coward and weeping women so I understood why he must have been angry with Mary when she had hidden behind Jamie when the bandits attacked them. Their lover's quarrel added fun to the story especially when Jamie provided sanctuary for his wife. It almost ended up in war if Kincaid hadn't refused Daniel's declaration.

FATHER MURDOCK. He's the coolest priest ever! He seems unperturbed by Alec's towering figure. He's considerate with people who comes to him to confess. He doesn't take coins for indulgence. This is one of the funny part because Jamie gives coins to him every time she did something she thinks was wrong. She always say that Kincaid was responsible for her behavior and always pay for his indulgence instead.

MARY KATHLEEN. She's such a sweet and charming kid. She's Helena's daughter but Jamie claimed her as her own child. She took her back from Mary's relatives who had abused her. She's such a delight especially when she told the full account of Jamie and Mary's conversation to Alec Kincaid. And to think that was her first time to speak?

THE SUSPENSE. Aside from the fact that the story was funny and convincing, there was also some suspense that added thrill to it. Helena, who was Kincaid's first wife, was believed to have taken her own life by diving over a cliff. After how many years, they've discovered that it may not be a suicide after all. This was proven when an accident happen to Jamie in one of the cottages. I thought the culprit was among Father Murdock, Gavin or Marcus. I was so disappointed when it turned out to be Annie. It would have been more exciting if it was either of his two friends. Just so you know, Annie was once betrothed to Alec but King Edgar decided it would be better if Alec married Helena right away because Helena was pregnant and her husband dies in a war.

This book is an epic. I never expected to have so much laugh reading it. I give credit to Garwood for this. I had fun and I enjoyed it. If you're looking for a good laugh, I really recommend this book to you. You'll never regret it. It's one of the best historical romance novels I've read so far. Read it now!

Quotes from the Book
Jamie: You've made Andrew a very rich man.
Alec: No, Jamie. I'm much richer. I have you. 
Rating: 5/5

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