At the Bride Hunt Ball (Devine & Friends, #1)

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At the Bride Hunt Ball (Devine & Friends #1)

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 · rating details · 2,216 ratings · 142 reviews

To Snare a Bride . . .

To Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, the bonds of marriage are nothing more than shackles. But if he's to remain a lifelong bachelor, that leaves only his younger brother to carry on the family name. Inviting the ton's most eligible ladies to an elegant ball, Gabriel is certain any one of them would be all too eager to become the next duchess and pro...more

ebook, 384 pages

Published July 1st 2008 by HarperCollins e-books (first published May 27th 2008)

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May 01, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Julie Garwood, Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn lovers.

Recommended to UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish by: Cheryl

Shelves: recd-by-friends, 5-stars, 2010-reads, author-olivia-parker, historical-romance-series, keepers, reviewed-by-me, favorites, series-devine-and-friends, first-in-series, debut-novel, starts-with-a-thru-d, format-paperback

This was one of the most delightful novels I’ve read in a long time. It was low on angst, filled with humor, and I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to have found another Historical Romance author whose writing and characters reminded me of my three favorite writers in this genre; Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas. The wit, the passion and the lighthearted but touching story made At The Bride Hunt Ball a book I couldn’t put down.

We first see Madelyn Haywood as she’s runn...more
This was one of the most delightful novels I’ve read in a long time. It was low on angst, filled with humor, and I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to have found another Historical Romance author whose writing and characters reminded me of my three favorite writers in this genre; Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas. The wit, the passion and the lighthearted but touching story made At The Bride Hunt Ball a book I couldn’t put down.

We first see Madelyn Haywood as she’s running through Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest’s garden, trying to escape his solicitor’s attempt at giving her an invitation to the Bride Hunt Ball, where his younger brother, Tristan, is to choose a wife. It is one of the funniest scenes I’ve read in a long, long while. Honestly, this story has many funny, tender and steamy moments. I laughed out loud more than a few times as Madelyn made her way across the pages of this book, stumbling, fumbling, interfering and making a nuisance of herself, and doing it all unapologetically. I absolutely adore her acceptance of herself, knowing that she doesn’t quite fit the norm and honestly, not caring one bit.

Gabriel Devine is an amazing hero, not the callous, mean spirited, self absorbed man everyone thinks he is. Memories from his childhood have instilled in him the importance of monogamy and integrity, and although he’s not a tortured or terribly tormented soul, he’s not entirely trusting of those around him, which is why he can’t fathom that Madelyn wasn’t out to snag either he or his brother for a husband. So his untrusting nature, coupled with Madelyn’s determination to make sure her best friend, Charlotte, does not become Tristan’s bride, makes this story a unique, charming, passionate joy to read.

After reading this and the sequel, To Wed a Wicked Earl, Olivia Parker is now on my “auto buy author” list and I am so looking forward to Lady Rosalind's story in Guarding a Notorious Lady coming out this summer! Cheryl, thank you for recommending this book!(less)

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Nov 19, 2011 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Don't you love it when you don't have high expectations about a book and it turns out to be a delightful read? That's what happened with this book. Knowing its premise was similar to the TV show The Bachelor - a group of girls gathered in the same house for a period of time with the sole objective of catching the coveted bachelor -, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this read. Well, I'm glad I overcame my initial prejudice because At the Bride Hunt Ball ended up being a very entertaining read.

Gabriel Devi...more Don't you love it when you don't have high expectations about a book and it turns out to be a delightful read? That's what happened with this book. Knowing its premise was similar to the TV show The Bachelor - a group of girls gathered in the same house for a period of time with the sole objective of catching the coveted bachelor -, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this read. Well, I'm glad I overcame my initial prejudice because At the Bride Hunt Ball ended up being a very entertaining read.

Gabriel Devine, the Duke of Wolverest, has sworn off marriage but he knows he needs to start "producing" heirs to carry on the title, so he decides his younger brother, Lord Tristan, is to be married and to take care of the "heir issue". Gabriel's plan is quite simple: invite seven young ladies (and their chaperones, of course) to a house party at his country estate, so his brother can get acquainted with them, "evaluate" them and, after a fortnight, choose the "winner".

Madelyn Haywood is one of the seven ladies selected to participate in the "contest". She doesn't really want to go because she doesn't have any interest in mingling with the "rakish" Devine brothers, but her stepmother forces her to go. Madelyn finds another reason to go when she discovers that her friend Charlotte, who's been in love with Lord Tristan for years, is also one of the selected ladies, and Madelyn vows to protect her too dreamy-eyed friend from Lord Tristan's wicked ways.

At first, Gabriel plans to make himself scarce during the house party, as he has no interest in getting himself involved in the "contest" as long as Tristan comes out of it with a bride in tow, but he can't resist Madelyn. She isn't like any other woman he's ever met, and he can't help falling in love with her and questioning his decision to never marry. On her side, she slowly realizes that he isn't the cad she thought he was, and falls for him too. He blunders his marriage proposal but, as this is Romancelandia, it's just a tiny bump in their way to the HEA.

As described above, the plot of this story was quite simple and straightforward, with no unexpected twists. What made this book so enjoyable was watching Gabriel and Madelyn interact and fall in love with each other. I smiled, laughed, sighed and, at one point, even hurt with them. Gabriel was a bit arrogant sometimes - after all, he was the Duke of Wolverest and he could do anything he wanted! - but he was completely helpless when it came to Madelyn. She was adorable in her clumsiness, and I was very happy to see how Gabriel helped her overcome her insecurities.

All in all, I had a great time reading this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a light and sweet romantic comedy set in Regency England.
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Feb 20, 2010 Eastofoz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lovers of Julia Quinn & Suzanne Enoch style romances

Recommended to Eastofoz by: Pamela

Shelves: historical-regency, favourites, 2010

Big tsk tsk on me for not picking up this hidden gem of a read sooner. And why? Well for two reasons: the cover (yes I said it “the cover”) looks old fashioned and too stereotypical older style romance (I know, don’t judge a book by its cover and I’ve been burned before for doing just that but I guess I’ll never learn—lol!) and the second reason is that it’s OOP. It’s been my experience that OOPs are out of print for a reason (they suck) but I can’t for the life of me understand why this little...more Big tsk tsk on me for not picking up this hidden gem of a read sooner. And why? Well for two reasons: the cover (yes I said it “the cover”) looks old fashioned and too stereotypical older style romance (I know, don’t judge a book by its cover and I’ve been burned before for doing just that but I guess I’ll never learn—lol!) and the second reason is that it’s OOP. It’s been my experience that OOPs are out of print for a reason (they suck) but I can’t for the life of me understand why this little beauty is no longer in print. If you like authors like Julia Quinn or Suzanne Enoch you HAVE to read this book. It’s great if you’re looking for a light read after something heavy or if you just need a good book to unwind and make you feel that happy all is right with the world feeling.

Briefly, this story is about Madelyn the bluestocking with a head on her shoulders who’s unfortunately somewhat clumsy and gets into more than her fare share of social “faux-pas”, and Gabriel Devine, future duke and part of a band of brothers known for their roguish ways. The brothers organize a bride ball to find a bride for the second brother. Over a two week period the potential brides are invited to their country estate with their parents to basically strut their stuff. Now you might be thinking, O-M-G a meat market story and that’s supposed to be good!?! Ever watch the tv show “The Bachelor”? A bit of a guilty pleasure right even if you’re mocking all those ~~winners~~ contestants for whatever reason you’re still watching it religiously. Well this book is the regency version of The Bachelor with the rose ceremony and the whole kit and caboodle. There’s the back stabbing and the cry babies, the pseudo-helpless, the skanks, the ones who think they’re a cut above and even the normal. It’s all just hilarious and totally brilliant on the author’s part to have come up with it I thought. So back to the overview of the story: Maddie wants nothing to do with this ball especially since its being hosted by the notorious brothers. Turns out though that she made the cut for the guests but she does everything she can to refuse until she meets Gabriel and the story starts off with a bang without stopping until you get to the end.

What I loved most about this book is that the h/h were the focus from beginning to end. The tension building was there from the get-go and didn’t falter once right up to the end of the story. No silly capers, annoying sub-plots or filler characters that add nothing to the story’s development. That is soooo refreshing! Though the novel is light and fun for the most part, there are some heart twisting moments with Maddie’s witchy social climbing whore of a stepmother. She was so mean and hurtful you just want to gouge her eyes out. Maddie though rises above all that and even though she feels hurt she still finds joy in life and laughs at the troubles she manages to get into which was why Gabriel falls for her.

Then there’s Gabriel. Oh swoon worthy Gabe :D He’s a man who knows what he wants and gets it but he’s not an annoying jerk or Mr Boss Man. He’s a great alpha hero who has his reasons for not wanting a relationship and never wanting to get married –until he gets to know Madelyn. The author does a fantastic job of showing this blossoming love affair. There’s no left-field “I love you” or eye-rolling “whatever”, not even a gag-me with undying love scene even once in this story and that’s something in itself. There are some parts that if someone described to you you might think it’s just plain corny, like when they dance together alone in the ballroom, oh sigh sigh sigh that was just so good :D Reminded me of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and god knows I hate the sappy syrupy read. It was so well done.

The novel is fast-paced, well-written and very hard to put down mostly because the story flows so well, it’s smart and funny, doesn’t lag and has a very nice dollop of healthy steam in the unlikeliest of places ;) No shrinking violets here which makes for some great heart stopping catch your breath scenes.

I could really go on and on about this book but then we’d be getting into spoilers, so just suffice it to say that this book is really damn good. So go scour the UBSs and the swap sites or wherever some fool decided to ditch this baby because there’s some fine keeper shelf material to be read here people :D
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Jun 26, 2009 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, rakes-rogues-womanizers, hr-georgian-regency, own, klutzy-accident-prone, redhead-heroine, 1st-in-series, dukes-earls-viscounts-etc, my-5-star-romances

The first book in the Devine & Friends series. I saw this one get some good reviews but was worried I'd be disappointed as I have with many highly rated novels. But truly I loved it. This was a dialogue driven novel. The dialogue was witty and entertaining for me.

The hero, Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, was a confessed rake and didn't want to give up his lifestyle to marry and produce the required heir. So he has decided to make his younger brother his heir and find him a bride. Seven yo...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: character-duke-or-maybe-1-in-story, genre-romance-historical, m-library-sj-e-book, challenge-heac-brides, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, authors-o, authors-p

★★★★☆ I really enjoyed this one, so much so, I was very tempted to give it 5 stars. It was fast-paced and entertaining and slightly different. The characters were likable, believable , and held my attention at a time when that was all but impossible to do. There was a tiny inconsistency: (view spoiler) - but nothing to write home about. The author copped out a bit at the end with a ~~Big~~ Little Misun...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Putri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is a very much Julia Quinn type of book. I really wanted to give it a 3.5 but goodreads just won't allow it.
I absolutely loved the fast paced plot of the story, this book is definitely not one with tiresome dialogues and lengthy descriptions. H/h dialogues were amusing, and their encounters are too amusing too be sensuous. There are so many parts that made me laugh so loud just because they were out of the blue.
However... Parker did not spend much time characterising the h/h. They seem...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Ghostwriter added it · review of another edition

This was a sweet story and i really enjoyed the author's style of writing.I will not add anything to that aspect of my review since i see that many other reviewers have already said what it needs to be said about the actually story.
The only thing that kind of bothered me in the book was the fact that the heroine was so eager to sleep with the hero,not ask anything in return even turn down his marriage proposal.And yes, i do understand why she had to turn him down but considering the era that th...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Marcia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

2.5 stars, I think. So, the other day, I wanted a light historical romance, and I chose this one purely because it was available immediately from the library (ah, e-readers, allowing me to check out book in my pajamas. The future is a beautiful place). The Goodreads reviews were strong, so I figured it was worth a try.

It was fine, really. I felt like it was basically two books squeezed together. One book was clever, with some witty dialogue and likable characters, and the other relied overmuch o...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: appealing-characteristic-character, historical, part-of-a-series, romance, 2011

It's this series that is fast making Olivia Parker one of my must-read romance authors.
Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, has never thought to marry. He instead decides to hold a "Bachelor"-type contest to net his supposedly profligate brother the perfect bride. To that end, his Gabriel and his sister have chosen eight of the most eligible women on the marriage mart to a gathering at the family seat.
Two of those women are Charlotte Green and Madelyn Haywood. Charlotte has been in love with Tri...more

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Jul 28, 2009 Shelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Gabriel vows never to marry as he watched his mother suffer from the pain of caring for his father, while his father went off with other women. He doesn't want to put anyone else through that or himself for that matter. When he meets Madelyn, he is intrigued by her.

Madelyn is a clumsy woman who has been told by her stepmother one to many times as to how awkward and plain she is. All Madelyn wants is to go back to her childhood home. Madelyn's stepmother makes a deal with her, attempt to catch G...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Daneesha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

i so enjoyed this book. i'm a 1st-timer to olivia parker's books. after reading this, i would definitely read more of her novels.

the premise: darkly handsome gabriel wants to avoid marriage. he saw how his mother was destroyed by unrequited love. so, he wants to set it up so that his younger brother may pick from a group of brides. if his bro marries and provides an heir, then good ole gabe is free to continue his life a permanent bachelor. oh and gabriel's a duke, by the way.

he picks 6 women by...more

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Jan 03, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another great find thanks to Good Reads and Misuzmama's Amazon lists.

Olivia Parker has a great talent for writing physical comedy. Even though I predicted a couple of the gags before they actually came to fruition, she still had me laughing out loud.

A clumsy heroine, Madelyne Haywood is still a delight. She's stubborn and uninterested in the two Devine brothers who are holding a house party in order for the youngest to find a bride. The duke himself doesn't wish to ever marry, having seen the d...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Neko rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gabriel thinks he can only be interested in perfect, flawless women. But he doesn't want to marry a flawless women, because eventually perfection would become boring. He'd like to delegate the task of marrying and carrying on the family name to his younger brother, who is equally reluctant to commit. Gabriel decides the solution to this problem is to pick a bunch of eligible women and seclude them all at a house party with his brother under his watchful eye. He is surprised to find himself drawn...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Lina Hunger rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Well well well.. Gabriel was damnnn fine. And the lead girl Madelyn.. Uhh I like her a lot. I like that she's different and clumsy. I LOVE her clumsyness. And they make a dreaming couple together. I enjoyed this light read. Even though it was a predicting read I loved it anyways. And yesss.. I read it till 2 in the morning. I just wanted to finish it and see them together together. Hehe xD

Storyline HIHI:
Madelyn doesn't know her own attactness, because of that she always gets critisized almost b...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Tracie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, regency, read-in-2011

This was my 2nd time reading this book and I'm sure it won't be my last.

When I was going through my extensive TBR pile, I came across Olivia Parker's latest book To Wed a Wicked Earl. I remembered just how much I had loved At the Bride Hunt Ball when I read it several years ago. I had found it at my library and was intrigued by the story. I'm always weary of new authors. Olivia Parker didn't disappoint in her debut novel. I loved it when I first read it years ago and was glad I reread it to fall...more

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Jul 01, 2009 Sheila rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Sheila by: Julia Quinn

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 19, 2010 Amelia Fransiska rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, in-english, i-m-laughing-out-loud, read-in-2010, drop-dead-gorgeous-hero, hardcore-heroine, man-of-my-dreams, favorites, reread-more-than-third-times, owned-books, keeper, 4-and-a-half-stars

Pengen reread, reread, reread, n reread lagiiiiiii…

FOR A DUKE , THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE THRILL OF THE CHASE……

Tagline nya ajah dah kerenn n bikin penasaran.

Krna penasaran jg gw nekaaaaaaaaaaaaaat bgt baca ni ibuk yg kaga ada tanda kutip nya biar atu biji *siaaaal*
Worthy kah? Ato Cuma sekedar membuang2 waktu?

Gilaaaaa , abso-freaking-lutely worthy

Waktu bca review2 member laen ttg gimana mrka ngakak guling2 dr awal novel ampe epilog nya, reasksi gw>> aah ada gak y novel HR selaen To ca...more

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Jan 19, 2010 Rane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: regency-romance-napoleonic-era, keeper

Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest has a plan, snare his younger brother a wife to carry on the Devine line, leaving him free to go on about his life in an unwanted marriage, but when social disaster Madelyn Haywood walks in his life, his life is turned upside down!

Olivia Parker debut is such a fun read, with some slap-stick comedy that will have any reader laughing out loud as some of the things that Madelyn gets into!
Madelyn is pretty klutzy and always ends up in a some sort of disaster or an...more Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest has a plan, snare his younger brother a wife to carry on the Devine line, leaving him free to go on about his life in an unwanted marriage, but when social disaster Madelyn Haywood walks in his life, his life is turned upside down!

Olivia Parker debut is such a fun read, with some slap-stick comedy that will have any reader laughing out loud as some of the things that Madelyn gets into!
Madelyn is pretty klutzy and always ends up in a some sort of disaster or another, wanting to be free and from under her scheming stepmother’s thumb, Madelyn is surprised when she’s invited to the so called Bride Ball for young brother of the Duke of Wolverset, that she even runs away from accepting the invite hearing tales of the charming rakes of the Devine males, when she runs across a kind stranger...a Mr.Devine... Madelyn still doesn’t wish to attend the ball, but when her friend whom has been in love with the young Devine brother is also invited. Madelyn knows she can’t let her friend go alone to the wolf’s den and with her stepmother wanting for Madelyn to caught the Duke’s eye, Madelyn is in for a fix when she finds herself drawn the Gabriel...
Gabriel finds marriage a lifetime prison, so to avoid this outcomes, he’s arrange a Bride Hunt Ball for his younger brother so he’ll be able to carry on the Devine and Gabriel can go on with his life. When Gabriel sees Madelyn running away, he meets up with her to find out her story only to be told he’s a wolf and a rake, unknown to her though Gabriel is the Duke whom she talks bad about. Gabriel finds her a refreshing and very truthful, that when she arrives at the Bride Hunt Ball, he can’t seem to keep away from her and keeping her out of trouble she always seems to land in! When the plan goes wary Gabriel finds himself in love and thinking the unthinkable..marriage to Madelyn!

The Bride Hunt’s Ball, was just a light fun read though and through with just enough depth to understand where both Gabriel and Madelyn come from in their thoughts and actions. Gabriel saw what a loveless marriage did to his mother and never wanted that for himself or any woman, he loved his freedom, but is floored when he meets Madelyn, everything she does is crazy, but to him she’s a breathe of fresh of air. Madelyn has been put-down by her stepmother for many years, but she’s always seem to look on the bright side of things with these things just seeming to happening to her no matter what laughing off falling into a pond or off a crazy wagon ride. Gabriel and Madelyn were great foils for one another, and even with a slight misunderstanding toward the end, they were perfect for one another, Gabriel taught Madelyn to believe in herself while Madelyn taught Gabriel to have fun!

The pace and comedy was fast paced, with all the events taking place at the Bride Ball, and Devine Home. There was a few surprises and some great steam scenes between Gabriel and Madelyn that topped it off. The secondary characters were also added perfectly to the story, with mousey and BF of Madelyn, Charlotte trying to win the bride hunt ball and have the younger Devine brother notice her, I just loved this book with all’s charm!

Overall: charming, light and some very laugh out loud moments, The Bride Hunt’s Ball is a real joy with it’s it romance and it’s HEA for Gabriel and Madelyn.(less)

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Jun 11, 2009 Jasmine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 24, 2008 AzuresHeart rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Regency Era fans

A light read, no dark mystery. Just a fun loving read about mutual attraction. The heroine has some quirky behaviors and they are amusing not annoying. And the hero is besotted but tries to fights the feelings. I think this was a great debut for this new author and I am looking forward more from her!! A keeper for sure!

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Apr 06, 2009 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, historical-romance

If you like lots of humor in your romance, this is for you!

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Feb 08, 2013 Leya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first couple of thoughts that came to my head after I read the blurb was, it’s sounds so much like The Bachelor, and it’s different. And different it was…

Madelyn is a heroine after my own heart. Unconventional. She’s clumsy, doesn’t care for “social graces”, and cannot abide beautiful men. Especially the Devine men. Gabriel, is looking for a wife for his heir, his brother Tristan. He doesn’t want to marry, because he demands perfection and it’s ultimately impossible to find the perfect woman...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

A fast paced quick- witted story of a handsome, never gonna get married duke who falls Madelyn, for the lovely yet clumsy and innocently reluctant bride. Gabriel doesn't want to marry so conviences his younger brother to help organize a week in the country to spend time with her and about 8 potential brides. Sort of "The Bachelor" situation. Forced to attend, Madelyn, captures the attention of the duke and they become infatuated with each other. Madelyn tells herself she is there for her friend,...more

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Jun 05, 2009 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who enjoys light-hearted, humor loaded regency romance novels

Shelves: favorites, historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 27, 2013 Perla333 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Книгато определено ще се нареди сред любимите ми - страшно много ми хареса. Има си всичко - любов, интриги и голяма доза смях.
Честно, на моменти със сълзи съм се смяла - то не бяха случки, реплики, действия на някои от героите, които просто толкова добре бяха описани, че имах чувството че съм там и всичко става пред очите ми. Маделин и Гейбриъл са супер големите сладури, но са и много инати. Влюбиха се, но никой от тях не искаше да рискува да бъде наранен, а в крайна сметка само се нараняваха до...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm usually pretty secure in choosing to read a book by an author I've never read before as long as the Avon Romance label is on the side and for that reason alone I chose this one while visiting my local used book store the other day. Boy, was I glad I did!

"At the Bride Hunt Ball" had everything I look for in a great read:
Instant chemistry (though both characters are determined to deny it)
Great secondary characters
Strong emotion and just the right amount of sensuality.
A plotline that keeps the...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Nana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: delightful-delicious-etc, satisfaction, light-and-easy-reads

I'm so lucky I've read this. Goes to show how reliable friends are with books. <3 And just like what I did in To Wed a Wicked Earl, I made my own cover of the book.

A redhead kirsten dunst had been the image in my head when I read this. Idek. It just flashed in my mind. I imagine that's her stepmother beside her. loljk

I love everything in this book, every beautiful scene, every characters, every dialogue. It's light, easy and what else can I say? satisfying.

I hope they print a new edition of...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Vivian Archer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-hist

I contemplated really hard on the rating for this book. I liked the premise, the protagonists, and the writing style. I did have problems with some elements, like awkward character responses to situations or personality changes and the execution of the primary conflict of the hero and the heroine.

For a debut novel, it is really good. I sincerely look forward to reading other books by Parker and tracking her maturation. (I have read the second in the series) She is a tongue-in-cheek humorous reg...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Krishawna Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: plain-curvy-imperfect-heroine

First time reading this author and I loved it! I am most definitely going to read more of her. In fact I can't wait to get to book 2 of this series. It of course has my favorite kind of h(imperfect). I just love when we have a h that is insecure or thinks of herself as not attractive and yet the H is drawn to her at first sight despite all of her flaws. I read this book straight through. It's been a while since I have done that actually. It was a light read. By that I mean no heavy plot or villa...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Claudia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Claudia by: Rane's review

Shelves: historical-romance

this books was an absolute delightful, funny and romantic read - I am so glad I picked it up. It was perfect in its pacing, the funny moments - there were a lot of situations when I had to laugh out loud.

Both Gabriel and Madelyn are great characters with flaws and a lot of good points as well. the tension between these two was a well written and there were a lot of really hot scenes.

the secondary characters were interesting as well - some more likeable some less, but great anyway.

I absolutely l...more

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Romance

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Regency

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Historical Romance > Regency Romance

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Historical Fiction

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Humor > Funny

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About Olivia Parker

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author

When I was sixteen, I discovered my grandmother's historical romances. At first I would just sit on the bed, spread them all around me and gaze at their lovely covers. And then one day I read one. It was bliss! Woodiwiss, Rogers, and eventually Garwood. I quickly became a romance book addict and...more

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Books by Olivia Parker

To Wed a Wicked Earl (Devine & Friends, #2)

Guarding a Notorious Lady (Devine & Friends, #3)

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Trivia About At the Bride Hunt...

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Quotes from At the Bride Hunt Ball

“You are beautiful and humble and sensitive and the keeper of my heart.
I know it will take some time, growing up with a beast of a guardian as you did, but there will come a day when you no longer criticize yourself, no longer believe less of yourself, and you will come to love yourself just as much as I love you.
Well, almost as much, I imagine.

-Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest-” — 23 people liked it

“The captain of this sailing vessel has requested a private audience with you in his quarters. It seems you’ve a treasure map hidden on your person, and I mean to explore every inch of you until it is discovered.” — 20 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10167806-at-the-bride-hunt-ball?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355128444l/10167806.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10167806-at-the-bride-hunt-ball?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker[/url]

At the Bride Hunt Ball (Devine & Friends #1)

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