Limecello’s review of The Bachelor’s Bought Bride by Jennifer Lewis
Contemporary Romance released by Silhouette Desire 11 May 10
I enjoyed this book but even more, it’s important to me because I realized I don’t hate all heiress books. (Just the vast majority.) Here, that’s not an issue. While the heroine Bree seems to fit into any number of stereotypes, she’s still a unique character and person, and quite likable. While the ending is ultimately predictable (it is a romance, after all), what happens in between is not at all trite, and I found it quite enjoyable.
Bree Kincannon is your typical wallflower heroine who gets a makeover and is beautiful. However what saves it from being trite is that Gavin truly is attracted to her before she makes physical changes. Also, Bree doesn’t do anything too drastic, like change her hair color, etc. That, and Gavin is actually confused and can’t quite figure out what’s different. Apparently he’s one of those super non-observant guys when it comes to women. Anyway, Bree is pretty clueless as well. She’s incredibly sweet and kind, but unsure of herself, and has never been assertive. It’s nice to see her developing as a person and fall in love.
Gavin Spencer is an idiot. But in a good, clueless hero sort of way. He thinks Bree’s father is crazy, and undervalues her. However, Gavin doesn’t tell Bree that, nor does he tell his father-in-law. Of course that’d lead to some interesting and awkward conversations, but the point is Gavin doesn’t consider the payoff or money to really be part of his marriage. He considers it an investment, and not at all related to his relationship with Bree. It’s kind of cute how absolutely clueless Gavin is, for someone who is so put together and on top of everything in all other aspects of life.
Bree really comes into her own, and realizes things about herself and her strength. I loved that. And Gavin had some important wake up calls as well. This story packs a lot of character development into a small package, and a rather sweet romance as well. The chemistry between Bree and Gavin is there, but it wasn’t what caught my interest. Really I wanted to see how everything would play out, and what the “big reveal” would be.
Normally I dislike the fortune hunter stories – but here it works because Bree was so aware it might happen, and then Gavin never considered it a bargain for marriage. Strange logic or justification, but he just approached it in an entirely different way. More importantly, Gavin realizes he’s stupid, and does some stupendous groveling. That really worked, and the time apart developed their characters even more. Bree and Gavin realize important parts of themselves and their love. There were also some sweet notes, with Bree’s friends coming out of the woodwork to take Gavin to task. It also helps show that Bree wasn’t really as pathetic as she made herself out to be in her own mind.
I did find the ending to be a bit trite, and the courtship or initial romance to be a bit off. Gavin decides to take things slow, even though he’s determinedly pursuing Bree, and she’s rather confused as to the whole thing. And then suddenly they’re getting married. It seemed neither character really knew what he or she was doing, and why. This kept me from enjoying the book even more, although I did like it quite a bit.
This is a really cute story and a great summer read- I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy category romances and especially if you’ve read any of the other Kings of the Boardroom series.
Grade: B-
Quietly attractive, sweet natured…and filthy rich, Bree Kincannon was just the bride ad exec Gavin Spencer had been looking for. And Bree’s father had secretly offered him a cool million to take her off his hands. With the chance to start his own agency, it took the bachelor no time to turn the heiress into his loving wife.
Yet it didn’t take Bree long to discover the real reason behind Gavin’s whirlwind courtship. And the bedroom door was slammed in his face…. Too late, he realized his feelings were very real. But could he convince his bought bride that his motives for marriage had changed?
Read an excerpt here.
