The Ideal Bride

The Ideal Bride
2 Stars

Laurens writes entertaining stories with appealing characters and interesting mysteries. However, this book highlights the main issue with many of her works, namely her overwrought, excessively wordy, and often melodramatic writing style.

Despite her tendency toward purple prose and obscure references to emotional responses, Laurens writes sensual sex scenes that highlight her characters' chemistry and intimacy. That said, there are simply too many of these in this installment, and I found myself skimming. Likewise, the overly detailed passages dedicated to Michael and Caro's political savviness detract from the otherwise engaging romance and intriguing mystery.

Michael and Caro's friends-to-lovers relationship does show more not start out on the right foot. Michael initially comes across as pretentious and pompous in his cold and calculating reasons for finding the ideal bride to advance his political career. Caro isn't all that likable at the beginning either. She deliberately manipulates and deceives Michael rather than simply explaining her concerns about his plans to marry her much younger niece. Thankfully, these issues are resolved quickly without to much angst, and their romance improves as the plot progresses.

In terms of the suspense, there are several interwoven threads that with more cohesive and succinct writing could have resulted in an intense and satisfying thriller. As it stands, the question of who is trying to kill Caro and why is lost in the convoluted and even boring writing.

In sum, Laurens works have such potential and I keep returning to them for the hidden gems amongst all the waffling. show less

I don't know if I'm just getting overwhelmed. After binge-reading all the Cynster series back-to-back, I think I need a break before diving into the next ones.

It was alright. I didn't warm up to Michael at all; he just rubbed me the wrong way. And Caro! I adored her and felt so sorry for her, wishing her nothing but happiness. Which is why I think it took a little longer to warm up to Michael. I was also, so happy in the beginning to finally have an experienced lady in the mix, but then it felt like we were back to the same ol' story.

The culprit seemed obvious right from the start, which was a bit frustrating. And the inclusion of the Brackenridge secret was predictable.

One thing I did appreciate was how involved Devil was in this show more story.

It wasn't until Chapter 20 that I finally started to like Michael, and the ending tied-up very nicely. show less

Michael Anstruther-Wetherby needs a wife to rise further in Parliament and fixes his sights on a young lady only to find an obstacle in the form of her aunt, the young widow Caroline Sutcliffe.

Caroline isn't really interested in marriage, her previous experience has her a bit embittered, however Michael is attractive and atttentive and distracting. She's also finding that life as a widow doesn't allow her to follow her ability to steer a diplomat's life.

The two of them are great together and seperately and the wooing you can see develop. I could see how she realised where her skills could be useful again in the world of diplomacy but her difficulty in coming to terms with wondering if that's what's missing in her life and maybe not a show more man, but that without a man she really can't do this kind of work.

I loved the story, and the characters and the way the Cynster family helped and hindered as things went on. show less

The Ideal Bride is exactly what I expect from Laurens--a fun, light read. Michael and Caroline are both enjoyable characters, and the background mystery helps move the plot along. If you've enjoyed the other Cynster books, you'll like this one; however, Michael, while he is an alpha, doesn't seem to be as much of one as Devil, etc.

I liked that even in the beginning they had an easy rapport and sought advice from each other and things. It was like the opposite of an enemies to lovers trope. And they were both generally considerate and worked well together, I liked them. And I found their feelings believable.

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!!

skimmed, not good