The Stage Bride

The Daring Debutantes, Book 3

By: Jerrica Knight-Catania

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Setting: Regency England

Sensuality: Kisses Only

Thomas Barclay has had a rough year, to say the least. After being jilted by the only woman he ever loved, he's sworn off love for good, along with any semblance of respectability, by attempting to drink away his sorrows. However, when his meddling sister sends him off to the country to pull himself together once and for all, he finds himself trapped with the most vexing and obstinate creature he's ever been forced to encounter.

Amelia Harding has more than overstayed her welcome at Ms. Denby's School for Girls. At the ripe age of eighteen, she's finally being forced to enter the marriage mart, which also means returning to her father - a prospect she refuses to even entertain. So she decides to run away to London to pursue a life on the stage. Unfortunately, her plans go awry and she finds herself in a carriage bound for the country in the company of a drunkard. A handsome drunkard, but a drunkard, nonetheless.

Now they both must decide if they will continue to let their pasts define them, or if they will start anew in each other’s arms.

©2013 Jerrica Knight-Catania (P)2014 Jerrica Knight-Catania

Cute story 3.5 stars.

This was a cute story. Entertaining. The heroine, Amelia had spunk, not a crybaby simpering heroine. Which is always good. I was looking forward to Thomas's story since the first book. I really liked him. Although I was a little annoyed at how he was sooo in love with the heroine from previous book, hence the 3.5 stars. There was some good chemistry between the two of them but this is a rated G book. There was a couple of kisses and tight breeches but that is it for the heat level.

There was lots of dialogue throughout the entire book and that was good. The story line flowed nicely. It was a short book so not full of filler nonsense, that's a plus too.

As for the narration. It was good. The men sounded like men and everyone had their own distinct voice. It was easy to follow along without the text.

Sweet Historical Romance

Another solid read in the series. They are great stories with feisty gals and a touch of adventure. The only down side is that there are times when they feel like they are dragging. The pace gets slow towards the middle, but things pick up in the end.

The romance is strictly clean, only some steamy kisses no bedroom action. It was nice because I was in the mood for romance, not smexy scenes. The feelings happen quickly, I find the connection more tentative than flat out love. I am willing to believe they are on their way to love at the end. Of course, the Epilogue shows that to be true!

I was so happy for Thomas to get his HEA, although I thought his downward spiral was a touch much. I don't think he ever really loved Bianca. He just needed someone to connect with and mistook his friendship with her. Now the connection with Amelia felt real. I loved their saucy banter!! I do love a couple that bickers at first!

The story is intriguing and entertaining. I generally liked the premise, it just dropped many plot points. This tends to be a theme in the series, but it isn't something that makes you stop reading. You feel the plot holes and wonder where characters got their info. There was at least one character that completely disappears with no explanation.

I loved the fact that past couples popped up again in this story. They are integral parts of this plot and keep things moving along. I also loved Amelia's sweet friend Meg, I hope she gets a HEA. I would love to see more books in this little series.

I listened to the audiobooks narrated by Stevie Zimmerman, who has been with the series from the beginning. I love her swift pace and soothing tone. She adds just the right amount of energy into the read. I love the British accent and it totally suits the setting. I will definitely be looking for more reads by her.

As with the rest of the series there is a weird pause between chapters. It is like listening to a cd and having a gap between songs. It was a touch annoying, I prefer a smooth read with no breaks.

Overall this was a really enjoyable read and gave me warm fuzzies. I like a Historical read and do not see many novellas in the genre. These are terrific quick listens for the commute or evil gym time. I hope to see more from Ms Knight-Catania.

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