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The WEDDING

The WEDDING

List Price: $7.99
Your Price: $7.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A "So-so" Read...
Review: Since Julie Garwood is one of my favorite historical romance author, I've read and enjoyed all of her works in that genre. However, I am sad to admit that I didn't particularly enjoy this one. I didn't even want to write a review here for fear of ruining her overall rating. Inasmuch as I admire Julie Garwood, I also must be honest. In my opinion, THE WEDDING fell short in compare to her other works. The usual Garwood magic that draw readers to the story wasn't in this book at all. The primary characters was not as impressive but then they are not disappointing either. They are just alright. The plot also didn't seem to pull me in. However, it is not dragging nor boring either. The first part was funny and somewhat interesting but the latter part became a "so-so" read. Perhaps it is only me and my expectations of Ms. Garwood's work. Perhaps it is because I've read all of her books which made Connor and Brenna's story simple and somewhat familiar to me? I don't know. I only know that this book was just an ordinary read. It was not as "drawing", "pulling" nor impressive as I expected it to be. The add-on consolation of this book are the secondary characters especially the appearance of Alec and Jamie. They are the main characters of THE BRIDE, which is the prequel of this book. I enjoyed Alec and Jamie's story way better than this one. Perhaps I am even being generous by rating this book a 3 stars but as a Julie Garwood fan, I couldn't bring myself to give her a lower rating than this. Afterall, I thought THE WEDDING was overall a "so-so" read. It wasn't worst nor bad at all.... Only, it's also not Julie Garwood's best work...far from it. Now, that's only my own opinion. If you are a first time Julie Garwood reader, pick up any of her books but don't start with this one. She is truly a gifted and an amazing author. This one just happens to be a short flaw. I guess, everyone is entitled to that.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: An Unforgetable Non-stop Romantic Adventure in the Highlands
Review: This was the first book of Julie Garwood that I read and was totally hooked by the first chapter. Julie Garwood has a great talent for getting you to care about the characters and creating the perfect setting/scene. The Wedding got me totally hooked on her books and found other great treasures in her collection. If you're looking for unforgettable romantic adventures of clan wars, powerful lairds and strong-willed ladies set in the Highlands of Scotland, then look no further beyond Julie Garwood's collections. I highly recommend The Bride, The Secret, Ransom and Saving Grace.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A bit disappointing......
Review: Lady Brenna's father has decided she is to marry a Scottish Highlander and quickly packs her up to marry her betrothed. During her trip from England to Scotland, her party is waylaid by a war-painted band of warriors, who insist Lady Brenna marry their laird, Conner MacAlister. Brenna remembers how, as a child, she proposed to Conner while he visited her family's home. Conner was raised and taught by Alec Kincaid (from "The Bride") after his father and family were ambushed and killed while he was a child. Brenna is unaware their marriage is merely one step in the revenge plot against her betrothed. She has many obstacles to deal with once she reaches her Scottish Highland home. She must learn their customs in order to fit in & she has to deal with her controlling mother-in-law, a lecherous brother-in-law, and her rather aloof husband who doesn't plan on sticking around much.

The prequel, "The Bride", was the first book I had read by Julie Garwood and I read this one right after. While "The Bride" was wonderful, this novel just didn't measure up. I found the character of Brenna rather annoying with her losing things all the time, and letting her mother-in-law continually run over her. I mean I can understand initially how she would want to fit in with her new family, and try to please the old battle-axe, but enough is enough! What woman would really believe her mother-in-law when she tells her it's okay to allow her husband's stepbrother's sexual advances?!! This would be weird in most cultures & especially in a culture where the men are so possessive of their women.

Overall the story wasn't bad, but too much of it was similar to "The Bride", and it's rather lackluster in comparison. I liked some of the secondary characters- Quinlan comes to mind, and there were some humorous moments. My actual rating would have been 2 1/2 stars if that were possible, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and 3 stars for: the overall writing which was good, the characters other than Brenna, a decent mystery plot, and the humor. My recommendation though would be to read "The Bride" and skip this one. You won't be missing much.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A nice read, but...
Review: If you are looking for a real romantic story to spend your time and money on, don't get this one. I personally found it really hard to finish. The beginning of the book started off really well, but by the middle (when Brenna meets Jamie and Alec), the story started to lack. There are some scenes which are utterly silly. The heroine, I believe, is very childish and immature, and that made it really hard for me to continue. If you want a really well-written novel by Julie Garwood, you should try The Secret, Ransom or Honor's Splendour. You will want to read those more than once.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great light fair...
Review: I just finished reading this book and I have to say I liked it a lot. Garwood is not currently one of my favorite authors, but I always like her books when I come across them. This one was very funny and very cute. If you are looking for a serious book, this is not the one for you. This is an entertaining, humorous, quick read. I laughted out loud a lot with this book and the love story was sweet if simple, but it was very well written, the dialouge was great, the wording very well done. It sets you up in the Prolouge to be serious but once you read the first chapter you know it's never going to be serious again. It's just not a deep book it's a Romantic comedy not a drama, so don't expect anything deep from it.

The one disapointment I had with the book was her reaction to her stepmother. What a b***h! She really should have stood up more to her, or perhaps simply been more cool and reserved toward her which would not have changed the plot any. Still it's a minor foible in an otherwise very entertaining book.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: The Garwood Formula
Review: I have to admit to being rather bored with this book because it was just like all the other Garwood books. I have to wonder that Garwood can't come up with a versatility of story lines and characters. The Garwood formula: feisty and naïve heroine is small, has a sprinkle of freckles across her nose, and has long curly hair (always curly). The hero is a giant of a man, stands a head above all other men, has longish hair, has no need for a woman or love, and is intimidating to all who approach. In some clash of wills, the two end up, irrevocably, married. She is terrified on wedding night, but she loses control of her reactions when hero kisses and touches her. Although losing her innocence is quite painful, somehow she manages to not only have an orgasm her first time at lovemaking, but a simultaneous one with her mate, at that! The two are off on their new life together and sparks fly as the two have their battle of wills. He doesn't understand why his new bride is not listening to his heavy handed commands and meekly submitting to him (while at the same time this is why he likes her). She doesn't understand his culture and gets into all kinds of mischief that incites both his anger and his love. Eventually, there is some misunderstanding and our heroine chooses to believe her hero will never love her or come after her.

The Wedding was good enough, though, if this kind of plot is one you feel comfortable with. I thought Brenna was an annoying airhead and she never learned to stand up for herself with her husband's family. Anyone with common sense (or any sense at all) would NOT go to an evil stepmother they don't trust for advice on Connor's lecherous stepbrother! She should have gone straight to her husband! She doesn't even stand up for herself when the old hag tells her she should submit to the stepbrother's ways. This part of the plot just didn't make any sense to me.

If you are new to Garwood, I would start with Honor's Splendour, Saving Grace, The Prize, and The Bride (the prequel to this one). If you have already read The Bride, you could skip this one. I gave this three stars to give Garwood the benefit of the doubt and because my reaction is mostly because I have read too many Garwood books that are too similar.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great story.
Review: I accidentally read this one first, not knowing that Garwood's "The Bride" was actually written first and features two of the secondaries from this cast. Anyway, I fell in love with this book.

The heroine, Brenna, is adorable. I laughed out loud at her many times. She is charming and doesn't grate my nerves with an overabundance to prove herself independent. I really did like her more than any heroines that I've read lately.

Connor, what can I say? He was dark, distant, and charmed with Brenna for most of the book. I was impressed by Garwood's creation of him. Put the two together and there's a fantastic story.

The plot isn't too complicated. It isn't overly political, and the storyline is mainly about her characters, which is the reason I read so much in this genre.

I find the dialogue isn't overly forced which is, absolutely, a dealbreaker for me in romance novels...I can't finish a book if their dialogue bores me.

By far, this is probably my favorite romance novel that I can remember. One of the few that I won't pass along to friends for fear I won't have it returned.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Eh. Not good, not great, not horrible, either.
Review: Garwood is one of my favorite romance authors. I'm absolutely devastated that she wandered from the path of historical romance. (Killjoy and the rest are still great, but every once in a while, would it kill ya to return to the past, Julie? Puh-Leaze?)

Anyway, The Wedding is, in my opinion, the weakest of her historical triumphs. I figured this out upon a second read. Why do I dislike it? Connor - the hero - is a jerk. Plain and simple. Normally I can deal with the dark brooding male . . . by the end of the book, he becomes attached to the heroine and the ice melts, forcing us (as readers) to fall in love with him as he realizes the extent of his feelings for his wife/lover/mistress.

Never happened with this one . . . at least for me. I thought Connor treated Brenna like a piece of luggage. I was actually furious with the character on occasion, and that's not good. I don't read romance to get angry. I read it for a nice vacation from my brain.

Garwood's romances have always followed a formula: she creates a heroine who is strong but flawed. The Wedding is no different. There is humor and a sense of sweetness to the English Lady Brenna. She finds herself saddled with a brute of a husband (a 'barbarian' Highlander)and mystically melts in his arms. I just can't figure out why. Connor's self absorbed, obsessed with revenge, and an all around miserable man. Course, by the end of the book he's as soft as milktoast for his wife, but I just didn't feel that he deserved her - even though he realizes the prize he has in his wife.

For great Garwood, there are other places to turn. If you want romance set in the Highlands, look at The Secret or Ransom. I also really liked The Bride. If you're looking for London victorian style stuff, Guardian Angel, Castles, and Lion's Lady are excellent.

Happy Reading!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Funny, Funny, Funny,
Review: I LOVED this book. I have to say that I laughed through the majority of it. The dialog between the two was hilarious. If you decide to read this book, you will not be disapointed. I still, a few days latter, find my self laughing as some of the comments made. I love how Brenna had to show him how to "comfort" someone. Cute! I also recommend Honor's Splendor by Julie Garwood as well.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Julie Garwood is the best!
Review: Any time I have a Julie Garwood book in my possession, I always read it as soon as I can! This book turned out to be just as good as all of her others! I love Julie Garwood's writing and know that any time I pick up one of her books, Im gonna laugh and cry and smile right along with the characters. This was absolutley the case with Brenna and Connor. I loved them! I cannot wait until Quinlan and Faith get their own story!!! Im definitely going to grab it right up!


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