I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Wicked Pursuit by Isabella Bradford Also in this series: A Sinful Deception
Series: Breconridge Brothers #1
Published by Ballantine Books on February 25th 2014
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 337
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 0345548124
In Isabella Bradford’s enthralling new trilogy, three noble brothers—London’s most scandalous rakes—are about to do the unthinkable: settle down. Harry Fitzroy, Earl of Hargreave, is the first to meet his match and lose his heart . . . to a lady he least expected. As the eldest son of the Duke of Breconridge, Harry Fitzroy is duty-bound to marry—and marry well. Giving up his rakish ways for the pleasures of a bride’s bed becomes a delightful prospect when Harry chooses beautiful Lady Julia Barclay, the catch of the season. But a fall from his horse puts a serious crimp in his plans. Abandoned by Julia before he can propose, the unlucky bachelor finds himself trapped in the country in the care of Julia’s younger sister. Harry has never met a woman like Lady Augusta. Utterly without artifice, Gus is clever and capable, and seems to care not a fig for society. After a taboo kiss awakens passion that takes them both by surprise, Harry realizes he’d almost given his heart to the wrong sister. While London tongues wag, he’ll use his most seductive powers of persuasion to convince the reluctant Gus that she belongs with him—as his equal, his love, his wife.
Harry Fitzroy, has finally decided that it is high time he marry, so he picks the belle of the Ton, a beauty like none other, with grace and poise. So he heads to her country home, where he plans on proposing. But while on a wet morning ride, his finds that he is injured, and his leg broken and his fiancee has fled being “upset” over the situation, and her sister Gus, takes responsibility for him. Gus is appalled by her sisters actions, but not surprised. So Gus starts to tend to Harry’s injuries, and finds herself very protective of him and fights for his survival. When Harry finally breaks his fever, and starts to come back to his normal self, Harry and Gus end up spending more time together. At first they become close friends, but when a passionate kiss is shared, everything changes between them. A intimacy strengthens the bond between them, will Harry and Gus be able to accept the love that is right in front of them? Or are they even in for a bigger battle?
This is the first chance I have had to read from this author. I was able to obtain a copy of this ARC in return of a honest review. A Wicked Pursuit is the most recent series from this author, and A Wicked Pursuit is the first installment. I didn’t know what to expect from this book, especially when I haven’t read from this author before and haven’t read many ratings and reviews on her books, so I was heading into A Wicked Pursuit full throttle with no one man or machine stopping me. I found myself having a difficult time to put this down, which doesn’t always happen with a new to me author. The authors writing style was enthralling and I couldn’t help but find myself being fully entertained by this one. I definitely didn’t realize how much I would enjoy Bradford until now. I do love it when a author surprises you and in such a delightful way too. There isn’t a huge big conflict in the plot here, its more of a gentle and sweet romance that is very addicting to the reader. There are times when you just need a love story that warms your heart, and this one definitely won in that category. The romance at first isn’t hot at all, its more of a steady progression. You see how much they are attracted to each other, but I do love it at times when its more slow and you can keep up with the pace in a very comfortable way.
The Characters were quite fun to get to know in this one. Harry, oh Harry, how do I explain sufficiently how much I adored him as the hero. He is sweet and playful, a rascal and the loving sort of man. You start to really admire him, even from the beginning of the book. Once Harry and Gus start to get to know each other, you gain a higher respect for him. Oh how I wish more men today were like him, less broken hearts there would be. He isn’t afraid of his love he feels for Gus and doesn’t hide from it, he gives in to it and doesn’t act ashamed of it. Gus is a sweetheart but she does have a few vulnerabilities. I felt like I could relate to her in those vulnerabilities. She isn’t a great beauty, and doesn’t see how Harry could ever really love her except for gratitude. But you start to see how good Harry is for her, and she starts to gain more confidence in herself and in her abilities.
The story line was very enjoyable and romantic, and tender. It definitely would fit in the emotionally driven section. You might need a tissue or two especially if you fully get into the story. The bed scenes weren’t too smexy, but I like that. I prefer more focus on the relationship. There are quite a few heated moments, which are very tender, but one of my favorite aspects of this story, was that the “Sex” didn’t take control over the story. It was icing on the cake. You see quite a bit of substance to the plot and to the characters that is quite addictive. I loved seeing the quality of the story come through and it was very disarming. Overall a hypnotic love tale to overwhelm, excite, and endear you. A RARE TREASURE!!!
About Isabella Bradford
Isabella Bradford is the author of over forty historical novels and novellas. After getting her start writing historical romance as Miranda Jarrett and a brief respite writing historical fiction as Susan Holloway Scott, the author is back to writing historical romance this time as Isabella Bradford. Her bestselling books have received numerous awards and honors and with more than three million copies of her books in print, she has been published in nineteen foreign countries around the world. Her most recent historical novels have been set in 17th century England, in the decadent, politically-charged royal court of King Charles II.
Isabella is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family in a book-filled house outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Readers can learn what's new by following Isabella as half of the Two Nerdy History Girls (with fellow writer Loretta Chase) on their daily blog, Twitter Feed and Pinterest Boards. Facebook users can also visit Isabella's Facebook page for more info about her latest books.
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