The Bad Luck Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses, #1)

by Janna MacGregor

From an emerging new voice comes The Bad Luck Bride, a Regency romance that begins with a cursed bride and a plot for revenge. Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembrooke, will not rest until he gets vengeance on the man who destroyed his family. Just one more piece needs to fall into place for Alex to succeed: he needs to convince the man's fiancee, the tragically beautiful Lady Claire Cavensham, to marry him instead. Lady Claire's "curse" has left her one step away from social ruin: her past three engagements have gone awry, and now her fourth one is headed the same way. Before anyone can learn of her latest scandal, she's caught in an awkward situation with Alex who then shocks everyone by announcing their engagement. Forced into marriage, Alex and Claire find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. But as the two of them grow closer, will the truth of their union shatter their fragile feelings or is love strong enough to survive?

• ISBN10: 1250116120
• ISBN13: 9781250116123
• Publish Date: 2 May 2017
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 5 April 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Cocktails and Books]

3.5 Cocktails

It took me a moment to remember why I had picked up this book. Then we met the Earl of Somerton and I remembered how I loved the second book in this series and went back.

There was a lot to like about this book, but I found myself having a hard time believing Alex would go to such lengths for revenge (and not very good revenge it turns out). I could understand why he was upset and wanted to avenge his family, but to drag an innocent girl and her family into the mess didn't seem likely.

[stacey_is_sassy]

IT'S ALIVE!!!

Bad Luck...a curse...or just bad timing?

I admit it would seem that Claire was having a run of bad luck but I really think it was more a matter of bad timing. By timing, I mean set in a historical romance time instead of contemporary romance time. Her run of bad luck with marriage prospects has given her a reputation of having a curse. Poor Claire has had one fiancé die, one lose a leg and another lost a duel and was banished. You would think fourth’s the charm? Ah, not for poor Claire. Good old #4 is a lying, scheming and financially destitute Lord who can’t be bothered to turn up to his engagement announcement. For a historical romance heroine, these circumstances are BAD. She could end up on the shelf and alone for the rest of her life.

What if, poor Claire had all of this happen today in a contemporary romance?

Well, there would be sympathy because of her lost love (of course it’s love, who would marry for anything less these days), but eventually, she’d maybe…or maybe not move on. No pressure, her choice she won't die if she's not married. If fiancé #2 lost his leg? Well, because you love him, you’d get him as much help as he needs. Whether you stay together is your and your partner's call. Then there’s fiancé #3…duel ending in death. Sir, it’s straight to prison for you buddy. No fancy trips to America or Australia for you. Ummm…financially destitute #4, well buddy, that’s your problem. It's not hers because she was smart enough to have separate bank accounts and assets in her name only.

So, poor old Claire should have been born now instead of then.

With #4 on the way out, all hope is lost…until…what appears to be a knight in shining armour, dashes in and saves the day. While Claire gives the ton a smile of pure joy, she gives her knight, Alex, the side eye. Why is, all of a sudden, this Marquess willing to saddle himself with a curse?

Turns out our “knight” doesn’t keep his armour so shiny. Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembrooke, is rubbing his hands together with glee. His plans for ruin and destruction are falling into place. Except…ummm…he kind of forgot that Lady Claire could be affected by his plan. He was only out to make Fiance #4’s life a living hell. And, he kind of likes Claire, like heart kaboom, she’s a hot chicky kind of likes. If she finds out about his plans, poor Alex’s life would end. A slight exaggeration, but he’s one of those silly males who acts before he thinks and forgets about love ruling the world.

Now, maybe after reading my ramblings you would think that this story is a comedy? Well, I’m sorry to say but I kind of made fun of a very serious storyline. I hate to say it, but it wasn’t that funny. Claire’s life has been ruined by the death of her parents. She struggles with guilt for surviving and lives with haunted memories. Poor Alex isn’t just a villain/hero either. His path was set after the loss of his sister. His guilt for not protecting her set him on the path and it’s not until he meets Claire that he sees the errors of his ways.

I really enjoyed The Bad Luck Bride and it kept my attention from start to finish. I will admit to shedding a tear or two, smirking a few times and stuttering like a twit when my son wanted an update of my book. They do this (my boys 10 &13), and I like to give them the PG version. His walking in (of course) was right when things were getting interesting in the bedroom. *Ummm…son…it’s a good book…plenty of discussions…about stuff.* He came in again and I then went into an in-depth discussion of why lying is bad and dealing with the repercussions of bad decisions. My poor boys…

Anyways, if you’re a fan of historical romance and would like to read a story about bad luck turning into a happy ever after (eventually), I would definitely recommend The Bad Luck Bride.

Now, I need to know what on earth is going on with Somerton and Emma? Maybe, Somerton found a book that Emma will do anything for? I'll be back...




I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Lindsey Gray]

4.5 Stars!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lady Claire Cavensham’s bad luck started with the death of her parents in a violent carriage accident when she was a child. It followed her throughout her life and made another lethal appearance with the death of her first fiancee only a month before their wedding. Now on the brink of announcing a betrothal for the fourth time, Lady Claire’s curse appears again when the bridegroom ends the engagement.

Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembroke, believes Lady Claire’s fourth fiancee, Lord Paul, is the reason for his younger sister’s suicide. He will stop at nothing to ruin Lord Paul, including marrying Lady Claire himself. When Alex comforts Claire the night Paul breaks their engagement, they are found in a compromising position and announce they will be wed.

This debut novel from Janna MacGregor is a fantastic ride through a thrilling romance. It has all the best elements needed for success, witty dialogue, heart wrenching backstories, and charismatic characters. Alex is driven by grief, but that grief brings him the greatest gift of all, Claire. Even though I would never approve of the way Alex deceived Claire, it comes from a place of utter devotion. I love Alex’s transformation from grief stricken brother to besotted husband. Claire has her own transformation that is utterly mesmerizing. Her curse is so ingrained in her that it takes an epic event to bring her out of her despair and except the love before her eyes.

This novel ranks high with seasoned romance authors and I am ecstatic to read what is to come in this series. MacGregor has a cavalcade of developed secondary characters, but I’m hoping Claire’s cousin, Emma, is the next lady to find love.