A friend’s newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she’s secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family. Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly–to a woman of good character. And … character. And smart, beautiful Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies prove to be a more treacherous stage than either imagined. Infatuation and a mutual love for Shakespeare might not be enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of family and the past.
Each book in the Advertisements for Love series is STANDALONE:
* The Bittersweet Bride
* The Bashful Bride
* The Butterfly Bride
* The Bewildered Bride
more
/ Love the fact there is a series of historical novels focused on
Other races!!!
Miss Ester Croome’s friend has advertised in the paper for a husband. Tonight is when she will meet him for the first time, so she needs Ester to be her chaperone and support. Ester is unfortunately a little distracted by events at home, and her fascination for a famous actor.
Mr Arthur Bex is an avid abolitionist, because of his past. He uses his famous voice to persuade others to take up the cause. He needs to feel there is someone in his life who will believe in him when the truth comes out.
This is a story about a mixed race romance in a difficult time .
Secrets have a way of coming to light no matter how hard you try to bury them. There is some danger for our characters to face and a lot of prejudice .
You can quite easily read this as a stand alone, but it is part of a series so you will meet characters from the other books.
A sweet clean romance.
A sweet, tender romance fulled with wonderful characters and suspenseful moments. Ester Croome is set to marry a man her father has picked out when she has her 21st birthday. The man is a known rake and Ester holds little interest for the marriage. She has held a crush for Auther Bex, a well known actor who has many secrets and problems of his own. When she sees an advertisement in a newspaper, they meet and as one thing leads to another marry! But there is so much more to this story. Both had so many insecurities and Bex especially had trust issues. Can they find their happy ever after based off their short acquaintance and secrets each holds? This story contains a lot of history not touched upon that often and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. It made me do more research. This was the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to many more!
The Bashful Bride (Advertisements for Love #2) by Vanessa Riley is an interesting and unique story of secrets, abolitionist, romance and so much more. While, 2nd book in the ADVERTISEMENT FOR LOVE, it can be read as a stand alone. See THE BITTERSWEET BRIDE, book 1.
Well written in Ms. Riley’s uniquely thought-out writing style. Based on factual historical events, THE BASHFUL BRIDE, will swept you away into another world. I enjoyed Arthur Bex, a famed actor in London and Ester Croome, a shy heiress’ story. Ester and Bex’s story is harrowing, dangerous, romantic and challenging. The storyline is unpredictable, intriguing and challenging. Ms. Riley did an amazing job with this incredible, sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
3.25 Stars
A friend’s newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex,. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she’s secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family.
Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly—to a woman of good character.
This is the second book in the series but could very easily be read on it’s own. I have mixed feelings about the book, I enjoyed reading it but didn’t love it. The characters were well portrayed & had plenty of depth, the story was well paced but everything just didn’t gel for me & what could have been so very very good just fell a bit flat. I think it was because I found the chemistry between Bex & Ester lacking.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read