You May Kiss the Bride: The Penhallow Dynasty (Penhallow Dynasty, #1)

by Lisa Berne

In an unforgettable debut, Lisa Berne introduces you to the Penhallow Dynasty-men destined to marry, but hesitant to love. Wealthy and arrogant, Gabriel Penhallow knows it's time to fulfill his dynastic duty. All he must do is follow "The Penhallow way"-find a biddable bride, produce an heir and a spare, and then live separate lives. It's worked so well for generations, certainly one kiss with the delectable Livia Stuart isn't going to change things. Society dictates he marry her, and one chit is as good as another as long as she's from a decent family. But Livia's transformation from an original to a mundane diamond of the first water makes Gabriel realize he desperately wants the woman who somehow provoked him into that kiss. And for all the ladies who've thrown themselves at him, it's the one who wants to flee whom he now wants. But how will he keep this independent miss from flying away?

• ISBN10: 0062451782
• ISBN13: 9780062451781
• Publish Date: 6 April 2017 (first published 28 March 2017)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 6 July 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Avon Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

At thirty-years-old, Gabriel Penhallow needs a wife after avoiding family expectations whilst serving in the Diplomatic Corps. Now back in England, his Grandmother's determined for him to find a bride and an heir to continue the family line. When Grandmama finds a perfect match for him, he accepts his fate, only what happens next is quite what she'd intended for her grandson.

Livia Stuart has lived with her Uncle Charles and Aunt Bella since she becoming orphaned in India as a small child. She's lonely except for the miserable visits from Cecily Orr. When Cecily's parents Lord and Lady Glanville announce there's to be an engagement announcement at the Ball they are hosting for their daughter and one the Marriage Mart's most eligible men; Gabriel Penhallow, there's an offer for Livia to attend and view the proceedings from behind a palm display in the Egyptian themed ballroom. Only, the proceedings at the Ball doesn't go quite to plan and Livia somehow managed to get herself engaged.

Humour and melodrama by the plenty in this wonderful début novel by Lisa Berne. The protagonists play a delightful game of push and pull, as they tentatively try to build a relationship. Both are stubborn when pride obstructs common sense. Nothing is plain sailing as someone tries to sabotage the highly improper engagement more than the couple themselves. Then there's the formidable force that's Mrs Penhallow, who's determined everything should be done her way...if only her Grandson would listen.

"Perhaps," he suggested to his grandmother, irony in his tone, "I ought to propose first"

All in all, a well written and highly entertaining Regency novel, with a devilishly handsome hero and a strong, determined and beautiful heroine who against all the odds find their perfect happy ending at Surmont Hall. With the mention of an unsavoury Scottish cousin, Alasdair and an amusing cameo appearance from Hugo Penhallow, we're given a little taste of what is to follow in this delightful new series.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Books via Edelweiss+***