THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET by Liz Carlyle

St. James Society Series book 2
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: July 26th, 2011
ISBN: 9780061965760
Historical Romance
Mass Market paperback (ARC)
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Anais de Rohan has a gift, one she embraces with all her heart. Trying to get into the secret St. James society, she finds herself forced to team up with Lord Geoffrey Bassett in a daring plan to rescue a gifted child from nefarious people who would use that gift against the crown and the country. What should have been an uncomplicated plan quickly turns into one fraught with passion, tempers and many adventures for these two. Can Geoff and Anais find a way to let go of their secrets and find a way to trust the love blossoming between them?

Liz Carlyle is a wonderful talented author who knows how to hook her readers the minute they open one of her books. In THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET, the reader is taken on an adventure with a feisty heroine determined to run her life her own way while using the gift she has in the process. I have got to admit, I loved Anais a lot. She wasn’t the typical wilting heroine I have come to expect in a historical romance but one with spine, intelligence and a little paranormal power tossed on top make her different. Plus she is spunky. I love spunky characters and Anais has it in spades. The characters are well written, the storyline moves quickly and engages the reader and Ms. Carlyle delves into the world of paranormal gifts in regency London. I loved how this author gives us some intriguing characters to explore and fall in love with. Even the secondary characters are interesting as they kept the story moving along smoothly.

The main characters, Geoff and Anais, are multi-dimensional and quite enjoyable. I loved the way they pushed at one another even as the passion between them grows into something that explodes half way through the story. When we first meet Geoff and Anais, we know they are perfect for one another. What we get in THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET is the ride of your life as these two find the strength to believe in their love while battling a nasty bad guy on top of it.

When you open a Liz Carlyle book, you are getting a top-notch written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the first book, ONE TOUCH OF SCANDAL, and found the second book to be just as good if not better. If you are looking for a different kind of regency story, then grab THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET. I just recommend you read book one first in order to understand some references to that story. I am eager to see who is next to fall in love in the St. James society. I just hope I don’t have too long of a wait for it.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.