Historical
The Notorious Bridegroom
By Pamela Denise
Feb 4, 2010 - 2:05:14 PM

Since her parents passing, Patience Mandeley has appointed herself caregiver over her four brothers. As such, she will do anything to see to their wellbeing. When her little brother Rupert is shockingly accused of treason and turns up missing, Patience takes things in her own hands to prove his innocence. She takes on the guise of a maid to find work in Lord Lordringham’s home; the man whom she believes is the real culprit.

Bryce, Lord Londringham, once known as the “Black Ghost” when he served as a spy for the Crown, is loyal to England and will go to great lengths to protect his country.  Now he is determined to find a French spy who has been leaking information. When his appealing new employ draws suspicion, he decides its best to keep her on so that he can closely watch her.

The more time Patience and Bryce spend in each others company the more each begins to doubt the other’s guilt. Neither can disregard the strong attraction they feel, but can’t ignore the possible dangers at stake in becoming involved with one another. Soon Patience and Bryce are wound in a tangled web of betrayal and deceit, including a murder and a plot to attack England.  In order to help Rupert, save their country, avoid death, and find love, they’ll have to do one of the hardest things possible… trust each other.

THE NOTORIOUS BRIDEGROOM presents webs of deceit, a passionate romance, and a chance at redemption. It is obvious that Karen Donner possesses a good amount of knowledge of the Regency time period which shrines through in her writing. Her protagonists and the descriptions used to describe the setting made for a memorable story. The subplots and fun cast make this all the more enjoyable.  The way Ms. Donner weaves comic relief into the somewhat tumultuous storyline is brilliant. This a promising debut from Ms. Donner that I think historical fans will enjoy.