A mad heiress and a false fiancé…The younger son of an earl, Dominic Renbourne is offered an irresistible bribe by his arrogant, identical twin brother, Kyle, who is heir to the earldom. All he must do is take Kyle’s place at Warfield Manor, where he is to politely court Lady Meriel Grahame, the orphaned and vastly wealthy heiress Kyle is pledged to marry. The deception need only take a few … need only take a few weeks and no one will be the wiser because the fey Lady Meriel lives in a world of her own. The last thing Dominic expects when he arrives is to be entranced by a silent sylph whose ethereal beauty is as stunning as her passionate love for Warfield’s flowers and fields and creatures.
Until now, Meriel has kept her distance from normal society, spending her days at one with nature and safe from the nightmare that nearly destroyed her as a child. She is content to live alone, until the handsome intruder begins to inspire dreams of the world beyond her sanctuary. He understands her as no one else ever has–and because she lives outside society’s rules, she sees no need to restrain her desire for the man who is surely her destined mate.
Though Dominic’s sense of duty helps him control his longing for his brother’s future bride, Meriel’s untamed spirit proves more powerful than he can resist. In her garden paradise, passion binds them body and soul despite the agonizing consequences.
Can Meriel forgive Dominic’s deceit once she learns he is not Kyle, and can Kyle forgive the betrayal of the brother who had once been closer than his own shadow? Then past and present collide in a dangerous cataclysm that may bring destruction–or lasting love and a hope for beginnings.
The Bride Trilogy
Book 1: The Wild Child
Book 2: The China Bride
Book 3: The Bartered Bride
more
An unexpectedly delightful story. Very original & interesting. I actually got so lost in the story I couldn’t put it down.
I found this book to be boring. I’ve read other books by this author that I really enjoyed, so was disappointed in this one.
THIS BOOK WASN’T YOUR TYPICAL ROMANCE. I ENJOYED READING SOMETHING WITH A UNIQUE LOVE STORY. IT STILL CONTAINED CONFLICT AND DRAMA. AN ENTERTAINING READ.
Can the wrong man be the right man for a beautiful young girl who has suffered tragedy. Can Dominic pretend to be his twin Kyle. They are so different. This story is unique and wonderful. True love comes to those who least expect it. I recommend reading this very romantic story.
Excellent book! Intriguing story; loved the character development; story told from several points of view with a “build” that kept my attention every minute. I could hardly put it down and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Putney gets real life issues, weaves them into her stories. This is one of her better ones, with a bit of “magic” woven in as well.
Always enjoy Mary Jo Putney
Unpredictable right to the ending, hard to put down. Great book — loved it!
This book has to grow on you, but it has an interesting plot which is quite belelievable. Managing difficulty wives made this a solution for many men right into the 20th century.
would not recommend
Could not put it down
Loved it didn’t expect the outcome of the storyline
A beautifully written book with a non-traditional main character and a love story that is haunting and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy this surprise of a story and could not put it down;
Really enjoyed the story line it was something different and a little unusual. Mary Jo didn’t fail to keep me entertained throughout the whole book. I would highly recommend.
Mary Jo Putney always writes an interesting romance.
Loved this story and characters. Lessons on love and not trying to change the person you love. Acceptance is beautiful
The characters were original and unpredictable. The ending was a surprise.
I love everything Ms Putney writes. She is very entertaining and I have trouble putting her books down. I have read several tiles by her more than once.
A good read.
Loved it enough to get the audiobook