The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London Series: The Cabot Sisters #2
Publisher: HQN Books on January 27, 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Adult
Pages: 362
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
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A plan born of desperation…
Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace's wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.
…and altered by passion.
Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Geoffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace's temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can't resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Geoffrey might just see it as a new beginning.
At A Glance
Started out great then it fell apart .
The Good
Grace is a saint for putting up with what she did. She was a bad girl for pretty much forcing Geoffrey into a marriage, so she deserved it a little bit, but I would have shot him like the second day I knew him. But not our Grace, she sticks it out because marriage is pretty permanent in the 1800’s, what else are you going to do? I did love her positive attitude and how much hard work she put towards her marriage. Right on, sister!
I loved that Julia shows us a man from the 1800’s dealing with OCD before it was even a thing. How sad to think you are crazy or deranged just because you don’t understand why your have peculiarities. Luckily, we know the cure to OCD now, just a little bloodletting and you are good to go!
The Bad
Caution: ‘asshole’ is used way too much in this section.
I just couldn’t get into any of the characters (Grace was cool though). Geoffrey is an asshole to Grace the majority of the book because he has OCD and naughty fantasies in his head. Get over it, bro. There was no slow build of Geoffrey softening, he’s just an asshole who screws Grace no matter how much she doesn’t enjoy it for half the book. Then the sex gets better, but Geoffrey is still an asshole for another 45%. Then the last 5% he flips the script and is the perfect husband that accepts everybody despite his hate-on for being around people. Same goes with his brother, John, who is an even bigger asshole with womanizing tendencies thrown in. He tries to scare Grace with messed up stories about her husband. WTF? She’s already stuck with him, why make it worse? Then, in the last 2% of the book he does a 180 and he’s pretty much a saint now. *throws hands up*
Almost nothing interesting happens in this book. A few secrets being revealed and….that’s it. *throws 3 pieces of confetti*
The Snuggly
The sex was very uncomfortable in the beginning because Geoffrey pretty much forces himself on Grace the first few times. Obviously, it wasn’t considered rape back then. The sex got a lot better though and it was pretty hot for the time period the story was set in, but the beginning sex still bugged me too much through the rest of the book.
Final Thoughts
The premise was great. The OCD things really brought it to another level, but then the characterization ruined everything! I will not be reading the rest of the series. Not recommended.
Quotes
He knew that people perceived him to be aloof and haughty, but it wasn’t true. The truth was that he was frozen, locked into the madness that had consumed his life. In his life, society was the most dangerous ground he walked.
“I’m quite sturdy.”
His smile deepened. “You are very sturdy.”
“And you aren’t afraid for me or of me.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. “The only time I am afraid of you is when you take the pianoforte.”
Grace’s eyes widened with surprise, and then she laughed. “Do my ears deceive me? Does my husband jest?”
Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons
Sorry this one didn’t work out for you. I don’t think it would’ve worked for me either. I hope you have better luck with your next book.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Thanks. I hope so too.
Lekeisha
No. Just, no. I already don’t want to read this because of the forced sex. I don’t give a flying hoot if the couple are married. Forced sex is rape. Ugh, I’ll pass.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Exactly!
kindlemom1
I can stand some attitude as long as there are some redeeming qualities along the way but this just doesn’t sound like there were any.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Nope, no redeeming qualities.
Nitzan Schwarz
Well, this sounds sucky.
The minute you said “asshole” I was like; NOPE.
I *hate* douches in books, and I find an author manages to redeem one only 1 in fifteen times… which is fourteen times too many lol
I like the sound of Grace but everything else… not for me.
Thanks for the heads up Jen! 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
It’s hard to redeem an asshole. Takes a lot of talent.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Aw too bad. This one looked good. I hate that trope where he is an @ss but then totally flips that script. Really? I’ll never understand that trope. *sigh*
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
It’s just stupid. Authors should avoid it.
Let's Get Beyond Tolerance
Thanks for sharing. I’m sorry that the good did not outweigh the bad with this one. Definitely doesn’t sound like one I’d enjoy.
-Lauren
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
No, you wouldn’t enjoy this one.
Melliane
Too bad abot Geoffrey… I understand. I haven’t tried a book by the author yet but I heard great things about her. Mybe one day… another book
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yeah, maybe another book. Just not this one.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Haha, oh boy. He sounds like a peach.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Like a peach you want to cut!
Anna
I’m with the rest of the gang here. I’m out. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
LOL, good call.
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Oh that sucks 🙁 I read book 3 and enjoyed it so have this one on my tbr pile. I wouldn’t like the sudden flip. I want to actually SEE the change happening no oh damn books almost over gotta make him likable now!
I do like seeing some of the medical things from back in the day. One of my favorites is a Jennifer Ashley where the hero has Aspergers and they thought him mad/committed him/etc. Can’t imagine!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I did love the medical condition aspect. I could do with more of that.
Jaclyn Canada
Gotta love that character growth that happens out of the blue with no real catalysts 😉 Sorry you didn’t enjoy this one. Great review though!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yeah, so annoying. It’s like they tried to show growth but it got lost and then it was instant.
Nathan
I agree this book doesn’t sound like its bad will weigh on it.
Hopefully your next read will be better.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
It was. 😀
Bookworm Brandee
It’s too bad the story has so many assholes, Jennifer, because it does have an interesting premise. 😉 The character growth sounds like it’s a little much too late. I’ll steer clear of this one.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
The premise was pretty awesome. Stupid assholes ruined everything.