Review & Giveaway: Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore (Blog Tour)

Title: Confessions of an Improper Bride
Series: Donovan Sisters, Book 1
Author: Jennifer Haymore
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult










Description via Goodreads:


TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

My thoughts:

Serena left London scandalized only to return six years later pretending to be her dead twin, Meg. Her younger sister Phoebe is accompanying her. Serena plans to marry Will, the man Meg was in love with. After she has secured her spot in society her younger sisters, who remained behind with her mother in Antigua, will join her. Not only is she concerned about convincing all of London that she is actually Meg, but she is afraid to come face to face with Jonathan (The Earl of Stratford) who seduced her and subsequently shunned her when her reputation was in tatters.

Confessions of an Improper Bride just might be the best historical romance novel I’ve read in 2011. I was wowed. I was initially concerned about how the twin identity switch storyline would play out. Turns out I had no reason to be. The author handled it perfectly from start to finish. This series debut features such a well crafted story with characters I immediately fell in love with. I adored Serena/Meg and her younger sister Phoebe. Their willingness to risk everything for love was admirable. I also liked that they were more adventurous and outspoken than most female characters you find in historical romance. 

Serena is such a well developed character. The author focused quite a bit on the inner turmoil she was experiencing over deceiving Will, as well as her disgust over her ability to simultaneously despise and desire Jonathan. Poor Serena was struggling with some serious guilt. I liked the unconventional love triangle that was happening between Serena, Jonathan, and Will, but couldn’t help but feel sorry for Will over the course of the novel. He was such a great catch, but unfortunately the sizzling chemistry between Serena and Jonathan made him seem almost dull. I imagine most men couldn’t help but appear dull in the presence of a man like Jonathan. He was the epitome of a reformed rake. Even with his reckless behavior after hearing of Serena’s death, I truly hoped they would find a way to achieve their happily ever after. They were without a doubt perfect for each other.

I also enjoyed Phoebe’s presence and felt it added something special to the story. I like the direction the author took with Phoebe and her love interest. It definitely helped to shape the outcome of Serena’s story. Two swoon worthy romances in one book equaled one very happy reader.

Confessions of an Improper Bride’s unique storyline has provided a stellar start to Jennifer Haymore's new series. I can’t wait to spend more time with the Donovan sisters in the next installment, Secrets of an Accidental Duchess.

My Rating:

Jennifer Haymore on the web:

Website | Blog | Facebook |  Twitter

Follow Jonathan, The Earl Of Stratford on Twitter. 

Giveaway Details:

I have 3 copies of Confessions on an Improper Bride up for grabs.

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O boxes please

Leave a comment with a way to contact you (Email, Twitter, etc) to enter

Keep in mind Hachette’s 1 copy per household rule. 

Ends 8/20