The Robber Bride

The Daring Debutantes, Book 1

By: Jerrica Knight-Catania

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

When Victoria Barclay, privileged daughter of the Viscount Grantham, has a life-altering experience as a young girl, it sets the course for the rest of her life. She is determined to make a difference in the world, no matter the consequence, and becomes a highwayman - or woman, as it were - robbing the rich and donating her pilfered gains to the poor. Life-long friend and neighbor, Phineas Dartwell, Earl of Leyburn, suspects his dear friend is up to no good. She's become evasive, and even worse, he cares that she's become evasive. When she refuses to confide in him, claiming it's for his own good, he severs the friendship out of wounded pride and a wounded heart. But when Victoria's activities are brought to light in the eyes of the magistrate, Phineas must find a way to acquit his friend - and dare he hope, future wife? - of the charges.

©2011 Jerrica Knight-Catania (P)2013 Jerrica Knight-Catania

This is a very cute fun story! Very entertaining.

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the heroine, Victoria, she was cute and sassy with a mind of her own. The hero, Phin was awesome. He was charismatic and sexy. There was no sex in this book so it is rated G. There is attraction and the mention of "breeches tightening" LOL so there is that.

The story line and plot was good. This book was full of great dialogue, lots of it. Since it was fairly short it wasn't full of filler nonsense. Always a plus not have to read or listen to all that filler nonsense.

The narration was good. I think I like Stevie Zimmerman historical romance narrations better than regular contemporary or paranormal. She gave everyone their own distinct voice and the men sounded like men. She could use a little more emotion in her reading but she does do some so it is not so monotone.

I got this as a free on amazon and 1.99 audible for whispersync so a great deal!

A good read..

Any additional comments?

I just bought this a while ago and enjoyed it immensely. There wasn’t any sex but there was a touch of sexual tension on Finn‘s part so anyone who wants to read a really cute love story this one is for you. As cute as the story was I don’t see where the title of The Robber Bride comes from. I almost considered not getting it for that reason but then my daughter read it and said it was so cute that I decided to get it. Victoria was definitely a robber but she was a Highwayman and she was not a bride until the last few pages so the name doesn’t really fit the book. It could have had a catcher name.

However, I did like Fin/Phineas (what a god-awful name for a hero) and Victoria and Thomas. The only other likable people in the book were the poor she helped. Victoria’s mother, Lady Grantham was a witch and Lady Beecham was a bitch.

The one thing I didn’t like about this book was the lack of descriptions. I really have no clue what Lady Beecham looked like, except at the masquerade ball when she looked like a whore. No idea what Tom looked like either, or Fin, for that matter. And all I remember about Victoria are her “mediocre looks” and her “front teeth that overlapped.” Not exactly the kind of description I want to read for a heroine. Therefore, I can’t see myself reading any other books by this author. Mediocre looks and overlapping teeth are part of my every day world and I read to get out of that world. I want handsome heroes and beautiful heroines or I'm not real interested in reading. And that's my opinion.

As to the narrator: Ms. Zimmerman was ok with her voices but sometime I think she lost track of who was talking. Sometimes Fin's voice was just too feminine and other times it was rather manly. Not the worst narration I've ever heard. I would listen to her again.

Sweet Historical Romance

I really fun little Historical Romance. This is the first book in a series with feisty gals and delightful rogues. This book sets the tone for the series and is terrific. These are clean romances, no steam, but they do have some lovely heart-stopping kisses.

Victoria is a great character, I am always a fan of a girl with courage and pluck. She thumbs her nose at typical things young ladies in London obsess over. A truly engaging and dynamic character. Although, she was a bit slow on the uptake with realizing her feelings.

I really liked Phineas, he is wonderful in his support of his lady. I do so love a guy who realizes what he wants and goes for it. They have a great connection and banter that will bring a smile to your face.

There is a touch of drag in the story, it was too drawn out in her plotting. Perhaps a touch more action or seeing her be the robber would have been nice. While it was an entertaining read it felt longer than a novella.

The mixed narrative is great, swapping between the two leads POVs, helps to bring insight into their actions. Phin might make you sigh with all he does to insure the safety of his love. There is a moment when you might need tissues, Vicky made me tear up a bit!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stevie Zimmerman, who is delightful. The British accent suited the setting of the book and was a lovely addition to the narration. She has a delightful way with the character voices. She managed to make them all distinct and consistent. I loved the Irish accent the best. She has a very brisk pace in the read, some might want to play at half speed to keep up, personally I like it quicker. I am definitely looking forward to hearing her read the rest of the series.

There is a weird quirk in the audio, it pauses after each chapter before it starts again. I like a smoother read and this was a distraction.

Overall this is a great story and sweet romance. I usually like the theme of brother's best friend and sister matching up. They have a wealth of connection already built into the relationship, they just need that moment of realization. While this is a short read it is very well paced. I can not wait to see where this series is headed!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Saccharine story-driven

The characters are driven by this too-emo story; not a real emotion or pretend reality-driven event among them; for me, nothing rings true. Reading it made my teeth ache. Stevie Zimmerman is, as always, near-perfect and the author can write, although it is as if she is channeling a day-dream for a 13 year old. Not my thing; YMMV.