Welcome to a magical series -- The Brides of Wishmore - by Cathy Maxwell that takes place around 1807 and includes all the pomp and circumstance of that historical romance era. THE BRIDE SAYS NO brings us back to a time that on the outside appears so romantic and glorious with all the London activities of the ton. But what is most fascinating about this time are the secrets and subterfuge that those vivid gowns and lavish homes hide. Every time I read about this era I feel as though I am visit a time where people almost seemed to lose their humanity especially when it came to women. Women were no better than chattel -- bartered for the most advantage of their families. THE BRIDE SAYS NO by Cathy Maxwell is a fabulous example of why I am always so taken with this era.

It all starts in 1807 when Lady Aileen Davidson is leaving her home to be presented into society. Aileen looked forward to seeing more of the world outside of Annefield her homeland. The only down side was leaving her younger sister Tara. Aileen wanted her chance to meet and marry a man of means and dare she hope for love. Leaving Tara was something she would regret but in their world inevitable.

Love was not really a prerequisite for marriage -- more often than not it was a matter of finances and rank. Sounds cold and calculating and for the most part was just that. Women were practically sold to the highest bidder to help fill the family's coffers. Men needed heirs and the respectability marriage brought even if there was little if any true merit to the union.

But what happens when the potential bride and groom are not well suited -- here in lies the dilemma that is the core of THE BRIDE SAYS NO.

Aileen returns home years later with a societal stain on her reputation. She had divorced the abusive gentleman she had married and in addition was falsely accused of cheating on the monster. All Aileen's illusions were shattered.

Now Tara is preparing to wed Blake Stephens -- a very wealthy catch. Blake basically arranges the marriage with Tara's father knowing that his own father would be very pleased. And herein lies the twists and turns of what becomes a sort of labyrinth of lies and innuendos that threaten the future happiness of them all. Wonderfully done by Cathy Maxwell.

THE BRIDE SAYS NO is about the people affected by these arranged marriages. No one could predict how many lives would be touched and altered by this series of events.

Certainly no one expects to fall in love but love is definitely in the air in THE BRIDE SAYS NO -- but amidst so many societal rules the question is whether the heart will be the winner. The stakes are high and believe it or not the enemy is polite society. It's kind of like a game of chess -- better make the right move.

Book Summary

What happens when a bride says no?

He is the bastard son of a duke, arrogant, handsome, a little bit dangerous, and, of course, one of the most sought-after bachelors in London. He is also about to be publically jilted by some chit of a girl! Blake Stephens' pride isn't about to let him be humiliated, so he charges after his bride to the wilds of Scotland, determined to bring her to the altar.

What happens when the heart says yes?

He is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul stirred by . . . the chit's sister! Lady Aileen Davidson's reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold beauty threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if he has proposed to the wrong lass.

And now he must make a choice: marry for honor . . . or marry for love?