THE STOLEN BRIDE

Author: Brenda Joyce ISBN: 0373771843 10/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Time Period: Regency - 1818

Her heart belongs to an outlaw . . . Sean O'Neil was once everything to Eleanor de Warenne—but since he disappeared from his ancestral home, there has been no word, and even Eleanor has abandoned hope, promising her hand to another. Then, just days before her wedding, Sean reappears . . . but the boy who was once her protector is now a stranger, hardened by prison and on the run. Weary and haunted, Sean is shocked to find that little Elle has become the beautiful, desirable Eleanor. Though he refuses to endanger her by pressing his claim, his resolve to stay away is sorely tested by the determination of a woman who will not be forsaken again. And when, in a moment's passion, Sean steals another man's bride, it is Eleanor who has the power to steal his heart . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Brenda Joyce never disappoints, and THE STOLEN BRIDE is no exception.

If you have been following this series, then you first met Sean O'Neill as a little boy watching his father being beheaded by British soldiers in THE PRIZE. If this is the first book of the series you've read, then do yourself a favor and pick up THE PRIZE and THE MASQUERADE, book one and two of the series.

Sean's life has been a good one with his brother and their new step family. This family includes three brothers and a little sister named Elle. Elle and Sean are inseparable as children, and Elle's love for Sean continues growing into womanhood. She is devastated when Sean leaves home, and she pines away for three years, until realization of his never returning forces her to choose a husband.

Sean has returned home a fugitive and a stranger to the man he once was, and he is determined that Elle go through with her wedding. When Elle refuses to let him leave her again, they find themselves thrown together and on the run from the British. Elle refuses to let Sean wallow in guilt and self hatred, and Sean slowly realizes his feelings for Elle have transformed into much more than brotherly love. Sean may be scarred inside and out from the past, but Elle knows that if he would only give them a chance, they could heal those wounds and build a happy life together.

The de Warrene/O'Neill family set out to clear Sean's name and prepare his escape if they fail in doing so. This family is full of charismatic men and loyal women, and one you won't want to say goodbye to. Luckily, there are at least two more stories coming—Cliff de Warren's story this December and Rex de Warrene's next August. If you are already a fan of Brenda Joyce' novels, then nothing more needs to be said. If you are not, don't waste another moment to get this series and prepare to lose yourself in the history and passion of the de Warrene Dynasty!

Happy Reading!

Deana Monteleone