Ian Worth needs a wife to avoid marrying a bride chosen for him by his father. Anne Lesley needs a husband to provide her with a home of her own where she can be as she wishes. Neither of them expects to love or even like each other, which is perfect because Worth intends to return to his position in the Royal Navy and leave Anne alone in her new home. But when Worth's overbearing father arrives at the same time as Worth and Anne are meeting for the first time, Worth impulsively lies and tells his father they are already married. Now, while trapped during a storm, they must keep his father from her parents and somehow avoid scandal.

This novella worked for me because Worth and Anne were so enchanted by each other. The more they learned about each other, the more they liked one another. They were interested and open, willing to be friends and lovers. They had fun together. As it should in a holiday romance everything worked out wonderfully for everyone, and they all lived happily ever after. Except maybe Worth's father but no one is really bothered about that.

(Provided by publisher) ( )

Maybe if I had read the series, or if it was a bit longer, I would have gotten into it more, but it just wasn't angsty enough for me. Great set-up, but then everything is resolved to fast and neat for my tastes. (2.5 stars) ( )

I can’t believe that I never read this author before! This is why I enjoy these short little novellas around Christmas time. I get to ‘sample’ so many ‘new to me’ authors and then decide if I’ll read them or not. In case of Elisabeth Essex, I’m sure to read her work in years to come.

I liked our timid, shy and plain heroine Anne, and I looked forward to this butterfly emerging out of a cocoon of her own making.

And then there’s our hero Ian who may seem shallow at first, but was actually a very devoted man and the more you discover about him, the more you realize that he’s much more than what he appears to be.

I really enjoyed Anne and Ian’s romance and hope you will too.

Melanie for b2b
Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley
( )

"3 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet historical romance that keeps entertained while allowing you to enjoy catching up with favorite past characters."

Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/12/made-grade-reckless-brides-ser... ( )

Wonderfully romantic novella! Just loved Anne! (and Pinky)

'Twas three weeks before Christmas,
And all through the house,
Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse.
The fire it crackled, a comforting sound
I grabbed a hot chocolate, and a novella I'd found.
Excitingly romantic, a handsome young hound,
Ordered to marry, he circled around,
A navel lieutenant, a younger son,
Suddenly found he was the one.
Viscount in waiting he was to be,
He stood his ground, wanting to flee.
He plotted a near treacherous course,
Down a path he was protestingly forced.
The answer he puzzled and wrestled and fought,
To do not what he wanted but just what he aught.
By magic and chance he found his true start
A wren by perception, an eagle at heart
All browns and greys, a shy little dove,
Hidden from light, a dark little glove
Transformed to splendour, when gifted by love
His spinster bride, Anne Lesley by name
Ian Worth's lady, really anything but tame.
Assisted by Pinky, valet and friend
Sailed into safe harbour right at the end.
A wondrous read, a sunshine, a ray,
Of romance and pleasure that lightened my day.

(apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, 'The Night Before Christmas.' 1822.
Ok, the original was going around in my head and I couldn't help myself)

A NetGalley ARC ( )