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Runaway Brides #1
Devil In My Bed
The three-year-old girl sitting on the steps of Brown's Club for Distinguished Gentlemen insists that one of its members is her papa. Aidan de Quincy feels obligated to help the wee thing, even though she certainly isn't his―or is she? To find answers, Aidan must first track down the lovely widow he swore to forget when their passionate affair came to a painful end. It doesn't help that Madeleine Chandler is as sensual and enticing as ever… For three years, Madeleine had dreamed of seeing Aidan on her doorstep. The secret that once forced her to leave him now compels her to pretend that this sweet child is hers―a lie Aidan will surely never forgive. Yet the contented days and exquisite nights that follow are worth the heartbreak she knows must come. The truth will out―and when it does, there will be the devil to pay…
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2009
40 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Bradley
42 books1,813 followersVisit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 20, 2015
Devil in my Bed is the first book in the Runaway Brides trilogy and my first read by author Celeste Bradley. I went into this trilogy with no idea of what to expect from this author, and I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed.
We’re introduced to an adorable little girl named Melody, when Aiden de Quincy finds her sitting on the front steps of Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen, a London club where he resides when he’d rather not be at home with his mother, the Dowager Countess, and his cousins who have come for a visit.
Melody has only a small satchel with her few belongings and a note pinned to her coat that reads:
The mony stopped coming from the mother. I can’t keep her no more. The father can take her now. Don’t know his name. He’s a memmber of Brown’s.
After reading the note and surmising her age to be about three years old, he realizes that Melody might just be his child, the result of an affair he’d had some years earlier, an affair that left him with painful memories of the woman who laughed at him when he asked her to marry him. He’d left Madeleine Chandler that day, vowing to himself to forget her and move on with his life, but the memories of those months together weren’t quite so obliging. And now, this new adorable development has him rethinking that vow and searching for the woman who still holds his heart, determined to reunite mother and child and make Maddie his bride.
As I said, this was my first book by this author, and it took me a bit of time to get into it. There were things I definitely loved about this story, and yet at times those same things, in different situations, didn’t work for me. There were moments I was laughing at loud at the ridiculous actions of both Aiden and his almost friend Colin, whom I came to adore, and of course Melody, affectionately nicknamed Little Milady. Her innocent comments and curious nature made for some very sweet moments, but from time to time I felt they were overdone.
Ms. Bradley gave us a great supporting cast in Sir Colin Lambert, Aiden’s friend, Sirs Bartles and James who spent most of the book engrossed in their never ending chess game, Sir Aldrich who wasn't as blind or deaf as he pretended to be, Wilberforce, Brown’s all too observant Chief of Staff, Bailiwick, the shy footman and finally, Sir John Redgrave, also known as Jack, who had gone off to war and returned a broken man. And even though we don’t meet Jack in this book I still came to care a great deal for the man he was and the man he became.
The bottom line – Despite some predictable situations and the occasional too-sweet Melody moments, I really enjoyed this story. Yes, in my opinion it does suffer from a case of the FITs (First in the Series syndrome) but not so much that I had to skim or skip through it. In fact, by the end of the book I felt a deep affection for all of the characters and immediately started reading the second book, Rogue In My Arms.
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars for Madeleine and Aidan's love story. 4 stars for the side characters and creative telling of the story. This is an instant love story with a hidden past by Maddy that causes issues. Favorite person in the story was the three year old Melody. Both the heroine and the hero might have you rolling your eyes at them in this one.
Reread January 2022 Love Melody. Love the side characters like Colin and the side characters of the men's club. Madeleine and Aidan chemistry was good. 3.5 stars for the couple romance parts. Perhaps a bump in rating 4.5 stars for the story as a whole now that I see where the author was going with this.
Reread January 2022 Love Melody. Love the side characters like Colin and the side characters of the men's club. Madeleine and Aidan chemistry was good. 3.5 stars for the couple romance parts. Perhaps a bump in rating 4.5 stars for the story as a whole now that I see where the author was going with this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2013
Once upon a time, a very little princess was left on the stairs of a castle of bachelors. A note pinned to her little jacket said that one of those bachelors was her father. Now, it happens that most of the bachelors in residence were older than God, and any offspring they might have fathered would be older than dirt. But there were three handsome young princes….
Aidan, Lord Blankenship, does the math (it takes awhile—lots of fingers and toes involved) and realizes that little Melody could be his. He had an affair around the crucial time—it ended badly after he proposed marriage. He was so aggrieved by the rejection he never bothered to check back…
Madeline Chandler (correctly known as Madeline, Lady Whitaker, but she doesn’t want anybody knowing that) has just about run out of stuff to sell—and out of luck as well. The other day she saw a man she’d hoped never to see (or smell) again—she ducked away, but she thinks he saw her. So she’s going to sell her last possession—the pearls lovely Aidan gave her—to purchase passage on a ship headed, well, anywhere (at this point even Armpit Texas looks good). She’s schlepping her one bag of clothing out the door when the stinker she’d hoped to avoid arrives and intrudes upon her person.
For the second time in four years, Aidan shows up to save the day.
He politely asks her if she might have given birth to a bastard, say, nine months after they last, uh, met. She jumps to a number of conclusions. First, she senses that if she says yes, Aidan will get her out of this fix (while if she says "nope," he'll probably invite Smelly Guy to "carry on," and leave). Second, Aidan apparentlyhas a daughter a little over three years old—and since she didn’t birth the kid that means Aidan must’ve cheated on her. Shame, that, since the affair meant so much to her. But she’s desperate, so she fesses up to being his babymama.
Turns out Maddie is not the widow Aidan believes her to be. Oh, she was previously married. In point of fact, she is currently married—to a real winner….
She escaped her prison when someone set fire to the house. Everyone assumes she died that day, and she's let it stay that way. Since then, she's done her best to blend into the woodwork.
There's some really nice suspense here in that Maddie's X is way off the Richter Scale in terms of sadistic creepiness. So if the denouement was a little out of the blue, I was OK with it. And I look forward to seeing how Captain Jack fares finding his lost love.
Best quote, spoken by Aidan's "frenemy" Colin: "So, why would a discerning fellow such as yourself fall prey to a designing female with no conscience?"
4 stars.
Aidan, Lord Blankenship, does the math (it takes awhile—lots of fingers and toes involved) and realizes that little Melody could be his. He had an affair around the crucial time—it ended badly after he proposed marriage. He was so aggrieved by the rejection he never bothered to check back…
Madeline Chandler (correctly known as Madeline, Lady Whitaker, but she doesn’t want anybody knowing that) has just about run out of stuff to sell—and out of luck as well. The other day she saw a man she’d hoped never to see (or smell) again—she ducked away, but she thinks he saw her. So she’s going to sell her last possession—the pearls lovely Aidan gave her—to purchase passage on a ship headed, well, anywhere (at this point even Armpit Texas looks good). She’s schlepping her one bag of clothing out the door when the stinker she’d hoped to avoid arrives and intrudes upon her person.
For the second time in four years, Aidan shows up to save the day.
He politely asks her if she might have given birth to a bastard, say, nine months after they last, uh, met. She jumps to a number of conclusions. First, she senses that if she says yes, Aidan will get her out of this fix (while if she says "nope," he'll probably invite Smelly Guy to "carry on," and leave). Second, Aidan apparentlyhas a daughter a little over three years old—and since she didn’t birth the kid that means Aidan must’ve cheated on her. Shame, that, since the affair meant so much to her. But she’s desperate, so she fesses up to being his babymama.
Turns out Maddie is not the widow Aidan believes her to be. Oh, she was previously married. In point of fact, she is currently married—to a real winner….
She escaped her prison when someone set fire to the house. Everyone assumes she died that day, and she's let it stay that way. Since then, she's done her best to blend into the woodwork.
There's some really nice suspense here in that Maddie's X is way off the Richter Scale in terms of sadistic creepiness. So if the denouement was a little out of the blue, I was OK with it. And I look forward to seeing how Captain Jack fares finding his lost love.
Best quote, spoken by Aidan's "frenemy" Colin: "So, why would a discerning fellow such as yourself fall prey to a designing female with no conscience?"
4 stars.
April 12, 2025
Books I Own. Mad About Series Challenge 2025. HRBC. Tropes:
MC's
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MC's
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2009
Celeste Bradley has a new historical romance series called The Runaway Brides. The first book, Devil in My Bed is so unrealistic and loopy. There is that “big misunderstanding” plot device and a cute little toddler who takes up many of the scenes she is in that may annoy. If you like your villains, who remind you of those old fashioned ones that twirl their mustaches and tie the poor woman to the railroad tracks, give this one a go.
Aidan de Quincy has never gotten over the widow he had a passionate, all consuming love affair with. Madeleine Chandler leaves him when he expresses his desire to marry her. Because Madeleine just wanted him for sex and not his name, he becomes bitter and heartbroken. How dare the woman blow his mind and his body with wonderful bed play and run away from him because he wanted to marry her Now three years later he still cannot forget the one woman who he gave his heart to, or rather the woman he is obsessed with. But this is quite alright because Aidan is the hero. While he is at the Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen, he notices a small child named Melody who is only three years old. Melody was left there by her mother who can’t support her anymore. Aidan knows this poor child’s father is not part of the club because most of the men are well past their prime to have a child. Aidan has no choice but to take care of this little girl until he can figure out who her father is.
Madeleine had to end her affair with Aidan because she is hiding from her husband who is an abusive psychopath. She pretends to be a widow and has kept hidden for three years. But the jig is up because a friend of her husband has spotted her. Aidan finds her once again and rescues her because he comes to the conclusion that she is Melody’s mother. He hides Madeline in his rooms. For some reason Madeleine doesn’t tell Aidan that he is mistaken, but he thinks she is a lying wench anyway, so what would be the point? Even though he thinks Madeleine is a lying, deceitful woman who broke his poor heart, he will get to the bottom of this so they can finally be together.
Madeleine’s psycho husband figures out she is in London and will make her pay. All she wants is her freedom and a future with Aidan and little Melody, but her lies and deceit have become too much to keep under control.
Devil in My Bed has some moments of comedic relief that are bound to make you groan more than laugh. I will say that Aidan and Madeleine are crazy for each other and there is one scene where they are playing hide and seek with Melody and hide in the wardrobe. Aidan’s hands go a wandering and Madeleine combusts into a puddle of mushy lust. Watching Aidan and Sir Colin Lambert, who also resides at the club, figure out how to take care of Melody is quite hilarious. These two reminded me of the movie, Three Men and a Baby.
I guess you could say this a screwball regency romp. The out of the blue scenes that are dark and full of tension come out of left field and just don’t fit. And again, the situation Aidan places himself in with Madeleine and Melody is a bit unbelievable. You will have to suspend your belief because the majority of the story is a bit fantastical. Fans of Celeste Bradley know what they are getting and if you have enjoyed her past work, I think you will feel the same way with Devil in My Bed.
Aidan de Quincy has never gotten over the widow he had a passionate, all consuming love affair with. Madeleine Chandler leaves him when he expresses his desire to marry her. Because Madeleine just wanted him for sex and not his name, he becomes bitter and heartbroken. How dare the woman blow his mind and his body with wonderful bed play and run away from him because he wanted to marry her Now three years later he still cannot forget the one woman who he gave his heart to, or rather the woman he is obsessed with. But this is quite alright because Aidan is the hero. While he is at the Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen, he notices a small child named Melody who is only three years old. Melody was left there by her mother who can’t support her anymore. Aidan knows this poor child’s father is not part of the club because most of the men are well past their prime to have a child. Aidan has no choice but to take care of this little girl until he can figure out who her father is.
Madeleine had to end her affair with Aidan because she is hiding from her husband who is an abusive psychopath. She pretends to be a widow and has kept hidden for three years. But the jig is up because a friend of her husband has spotted her. Aidan finds her once again and rescues her because he comes to the conclusion that she is Melody’s mother. He hides Madeline in his rooms. For some reason Madeleine doesn’t tell Aidan that he is mistaken, but he thinks she is a lying wench anyway, so what would be the point? Even though he thinks Madeleine is a lying, deceitful woman who broke his poor heart, he will get to the bottom of this so they can finally be together.
Madeleine’s psycho husband figures out she is in London and will make her pay. All she wants is her freedom and a future with Aidan and little Melody, but her lies and deceit have become too much to keep under control.
Devil in My Bed has some moments of comedic relief that are bound to make you groan more than laugh. I will say that Aidan and Madeleine are crazy for each other and there is one scene where they are playing hide and seek with Melody and hide in the wardrobe. Aidan’s hands go a wandering and Madeleine combusts into a puddle of mushy lust. Watching Aidan and Sir Colin Lambert, who also resides at the club, figure out how to take care of Melody is quite hilarious. These two reminded me of the movie, Three Men and a Baby.
I guess you could say this a screwball regency romp. The out of the blue scenes that are dark and full of tension come out of left field and just don’t fit. And again, the situation Aidan places himself in with Madeleine and Melody is a bit unbelievable. You will have to suspend your belief because the majority of the story is a bit fantastical. Fans of Celeste Bradley know what they are getting and if you have enjoyed her past work, I think you will feel the same way with Devil in My Bed.
September 16, 2018
Wonderful! I'll admit, that I was a bit confused in the beginning. Once I saw where the author was going with this, I couldn't put it down. It's not a conventional historical romance which most of us are used to. Flashes of the past are mixed in with the present. This is Madeleine and Aidan's story.
November 24, 2010
At first I really didn't like this book. At times I found myself rolling my eyes at the absurdities, like Lord Bartles and Sir James....However, about 1/3 into the book I was hooked. By the end, I found myself purchasing the next book in the series. Call me crazy, but the ending leaves you kind of hanging, so you have no choice.
I probably would have never purchased this book on my own. I borrowed it using the Lend Me feature on my book. So many publishers seem to be against the lending of Ebooks, which is crazy because I borrow books I probably would never buy and end up enjoying them so much that I buy even more books from the author.
I probably would have never purchased this book on my own. I borrowed it using the Lend Me feature on my book. So many publishers seem to be against the lending of Ebooks, which is crazy because I borrow books I probably would never buy and end up enjoying them so much that I buy even more books from the author.
May 24, 2011
This story seemed flat to me. I enjoyed it as I generally do, but it felt like something was missing. Maybe it was the chemistry. We missed the whole part of them falling in love, only saw it in glimpses to the past. In the present we had to deal with Madeleine lying. I understand her reasons, however at some point I would have confessed it all to him.
She was so close to doing that too, if she just told me everything and not half truths then she wouldn't have had to end up where she did. I felt like I was living in the gray area with all this exciting coloful world arond me. Hearing about it, talking about it, but never truly being there in the moment when it happpens.
Adian on the other hand, for all his solemn showing he is just another example of a stupid man. COlin has more in his brains than he did. Which is ok, but still you were so distracted by sex that you couldn't see the shabbyness in front of you? Mhmm....men may have two heads but they can't be that stupid. Why would Madeleine want him after years of simply ignoring everything that makes her human. Keeping her in the glass box. Whatever.
However I will say this, the entire book is a flashback. From someone special. This to me is what really kept my interest. What an interesting way to write this book. Due to the "present" and what is happening I am kind of curious where Ms. Bradley is going. So I will continue and finish the series.
Therefore: On to Col
She was so close to doing that too, if she just told me everything and not half truths then she wouldn't have had to end up where she did. I felt like I was living in the gray area with all this exciting coloful world arond me. Hearing about it, talking about it, but never truly being there in the moment when it happpens.
Adian on the other hand, for all his solemn showing he is just another example of a stupid man. COlin has more in his brains than he did. Which is ok, but still you were so distracted by sex that you couldn't see the shabbyness in front of you? Mhmm....men may have two heads but they can't be that stupid. Why would Madeleine want him after years of simply ignoring everything that makes her human. Keeping her in the glass box. Whatever.
However I will say this, the entire book is a flashback. From someone special. This to me is what really kept my interest. What an interesting way to write this book. Due to the "present" and what is happening I am kind of curious where Ms. Bradley is going. So I will continue and finish the series.
Therefore: On to Col
July 2, 2012
This is book 1 in a seies of 3. The story takes place in London 1812, and is about Aidan de Quincy and Madeleine Chandler. They meet three years and about nine months ago and fell in love. She was a young widow and he rescued her from a theif on the street. They fell in love right a way and could not be kept apart. Adain proposed and she refused because of a dark secret that she was keeping from him. They parted ways and did not see each other again.
Three years later Adain comes across a small child sitting on the steps of his gentleman's club and the note pinned to her says that her father is inside. Since there is nobody but old men as club members Adain realized that the child could only belong to him or one of his other two friends that are members of the club.
Adain has to track down Madeleine to find out for sure if the child is his or not. When he finds her, Madeleine pretends that the child is hers and Adain drags her back to the gentelman's club to find out the truth.
Three years later Adain comes across a small child sitting on the steps of his gentleman's club and the note pinned to her says that her father is inside. Since there is nobody but old men as club members Adain realized that the child could only belong to him or one of his other two friends that are members of the club.
Adain has to track down Madeleine to find out for sure if the child is his or not. When he finds her, Madeleine pretends that the child is hers and Adain drags her back to the gentelman's club to find out the truth.
April 8, 2011
I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. The little girl (Melody) is delightful and I loved Aidan's and Colin's interactions with her. I don't see how some other reviewers are describing this as a comedy. It does have some humorous scenes but nothing LOL funny (at least not in my opinion). To me it is more a traditional historical romance with requisite evil villain (quite evil, in fact) and an adorable little girl thrown in.
I have not read any other of Ms. Bradley's books, but I very much enjoyed this one. It is an easy read and after zipping through it, I immediately bought book 2 (and am already looking forward to book 3 which comes out tomorrow).
For Kindle readers: no formatting issues worth noting
I have not read any other of Ms. Bradley's books, but I very much enjoyed this one. It is an easy read and after zipping through it, I immediately bought book 2 (and am already looking forward to book 3 which comes out tomorrow).
For Kindle readers: no formatting issues worth noting
March 13, 2015
3,5
When Aidan de Quincy discovers a little girl on the doorstep of his gentlemen's club who says his father is a member of the club, he's got some awful doubt. What if her mother was Madeleine Chandler, the only woman he ever loved and who rejected him in the past ? However, while seeing her and falling in love with her again, he ignores that Madeleine has many secrets and some very dangerous ones ...
The story was fun to read, the characters were not bad (I loved the little Melody =)) but it lacked adventures, twists and intrigue, and finally, I found that the end was a little too easy ...
A nice read nonetheless
When Aidan de Quincy discovers a little girl on the doorstep of his gentlemen's club who says his father is a member of the club, he's got some awful doubt. What if her mother was Madeleine Chandler, the only woman he ever loved and who rejected him in the past ? However, while seeing her and falling in love with her again, he ignores that Madeleine has many secrets and some very dangerous ones ...
The story was fun to read, the characters were not bad (I loved the little Melody =)) but it lacked adventures, twists and intrigue, and finally, I found that the end was a little too easy ...
A nice read nonetheless
April 2, 2020
Great read!
Love the characters, it’s funny , it’s romantic, a little mastery, some darkness , surprises, I love most of all that I could not guess what will happen next in a lot of scenes. Celeste Bradley is a great writer. Enjoy!
Love the characters, it’s funny , it’s romantic, a little mastery, some darkness , surprises, I love most of all that I could not guess what will happen next in a lot of scenes. Celeste Bradley is a great writer. Enjoy!
January 24, 2010
3 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
May 5, 2010
This book was not as good as Bradley's other series, but it did the job to get me interested enough to want to read the second book which I am hoping is better than this one.
June 5, 2017
1. It sounds like a Historical Romance written by a hispter Wattpad writer. I could never imagine him/her in front of the computer, typing and reconstructing cliche lines of the 21st century and think that it fits with the 1800s. I mean, “It was no use. He was a complete goner. Widow one, Aidan naught." Who freaking says that in the 1800s, hmmmm? Their dialogue is just... like they're trying so hard to be the 1800s. 'Ought' is always there. Well, you can't fool me!
2. And what is this? What is this flashback? Well, get on with the woman who is about to get married to someone (and everyone thinks they're both in love, so what gives?) but is having wedding jitters. And instead of the usual "is it the right time?" and "is he the right man?" reflection period, she wants to be a child? What the hell girl
3. I feel like everything here is too easy. The emotions aren't even felt--just said. I take it back; not everything is easy. Come on Aidan, you're a grown man. Learn to lie in a straight face! You're too obvious! Monkeys? Really? Move out of Brown's immediately! Stupid stupid stupid
Poor book. But don't for a second think I wouldn't read the second installment. I would DIE if I don't get to see Colin married.
2. And what is this? What is this flashback? Well, get on with the woman who is about to get married to someone (and everyone thinks they're both in love, so what gives?) but is having wedding jitters. And instead of the usual "is it the right time?" and "is he the right man?" reflection period, she wants to be a child? What the hell girl
3. I feel like everything here is too easy. The emotions aren't even felt--just said. I take it back; not everything is easy. Come on Aidan, you're a grown man. Learn to lie in a straight face! You're too obvious! Monkeys? Really? Move out of Brown's immediately! Stupid stupid stupid
Poor book. But don't for a second think I wouldn't read the second installment. I would DIE if I don't get to see Colin married.
July 21, 2018
Cheesy. Unrealistic. Female running away from past to wealthy lord trope.
Story: When three year old Melody shows up on the steps of a Distinguished Gentlemen's Club for wealthy aristocrats, Aidan Blankenship does his duty by trying to track down the girl's mother, who abandoned her. In doing so, he must track down the only woman he ever loved to find out if she holds the clues to the mystery.
Characters: Aidan is a young bachelor from a line of wealthy aristocrats. Melody is an abandoned little girl who stirs up trouble in the lives of the unsuspecting bachelors around her. Colin is Aidan's friend and gets caught up in the adventure of finding Melody's mother.
Language: This is the first regency romance I've read, but it is claimed that Bradley is the queen if regency. Whether that means there's any historical accuracy in the book, I can't say, but there's certainly a lot of snorting, stiffening and grimacing to match the imagined manners of the regency era.
I struggled reading through the book as it was cheesy and unrealistic, but once I got to the end I realized that I wanted to read the next book in the series to find out the answer to an unfinished plot point and how the author would figure things out.
Story: When three year old Melody shows up on the steps of a Distinguished Gentlemen's Club for wealthy aristocrats, Aidan Blankenship does his duty by trying to track down the girl's mother, who abandoned her. In doing so, he must track down the only woman he ever loved to find out if she holds the clues to the mystery.
Characters: Aidan is a young bachelor from a line of wealthy aristocrats. Melody is an abandoned little girl who stirs up trouble in the lives of the unsuspecting bachelors around her. Colin is Aidan's friend and gets caught up in the adventure of finding Melody's mother.
Language: This is the first regency romance I've read, but it is claimed that Bradley is the queen if regency. Whether that means there's any historical accuracy in the book, I can't say, but there's certainly a lot of snorting, stiffening and grimacing to match the imagined manners of the regency era.
I struggled reading through the book as it was cheesy and unrealistic, but once I got to the end I realized that I wanted to read the next book in the series to find out the answer to an unfinished plot point and how the author would figure things out.
June 25, 2019
I have had this on my shelf since 2009, and had to gather the other 2 in the trilogy. This was actually a.sort of mystery, a baby shows up on the steps of a men's club and Aiden thinks she is his. He is a strange hero because he doesn't wait for explanations when he is thwarted. 2 times he turns his back on Madeline to disastrous results, but she forgives him in the end so they can have a HEA. Now on to Colin's story to see if Melody is his daughter.
October 27, 2020
Celeste Bradley'in bizde Liar's Club serisinin ilk 3 kitabı çıkmıştı diye hatırlıyorum. Ama o serideki konulara bir türlü ısınamadığım için kendisini okumayı düşünmüyordum. Fakat Goodreads'ta yazarın diğer serilerine bakınca onların konularının daha ilginç olduğunu gördüm ve kendisine bir şans vermeye karar verdim. Böylece Runaway Brides serisi ile yazarın kalemine giriş yapmış oldum.
İlk kitap için fena bir başlangıç değildi ama daha iyisini beklerdim açıkçası. Aidan ve Madeline arasındaki uyumu çok hissedemedim. Gerçekler ortaya çıktıktan sonra Aidan'nın davranışları karakterden buz gibi soğumamı sağladı, o anlardan itibaren "nefretlik karakterler" listeme girişini yapmış oldu. Özellikle hikayenin sonuna doğru Madeline'ya yine suçlayıcı konuşmasından ve kadının sinirlenmesinden sonra "Ya, aslında ben arkadaşla ne kadar sürede sinirleneceğin konusunda iddiaya girdim, erken sinirlenmen sonucu iddiayı kaybettim" demesiyle iyice kendini batırdı. Madeline, Aidan salağına göre çok daha iyi biriydi, kendini o salağa kaptırması hariç yaptığı hiçbir şey gözüme batmadı. Yeminle hikayede Madeline'ya yandım durdum.
Hikayedeki aşk ne kadar kötü anlatılmışsa hikayenin geri kalanı bir o kadar başarılıydı. Melody'i ilk andan itibaren çok sevdim. Yalnız kitapta yaramaz bir kız imajı çizilmeye çalışılmış olsa da bence 3 yaşındaki bir çocuk için oldukça usluydu. Yaramazlıkları sadece bu yaşında beklenecek olan merakından geliyordu, ki o kadarı olmazsa bir sorun var demektir.
Karakterlerin Melody ile olan ilişkisini de çok sevdim. Aidan'nın zamanla Melody'e bağlanması ve ona değer vermesi ile, kendisine karşı olan nefretimi az da olsa söndürdü. Karakterler ile Melody arasındaki sahneler daha fazla olabilirdi fakat çocuk bir karakterin öne çıktığı bir kitap için sahneler yeterliydi. Genelde bu tarz kitaplarda çocuk 2-3 sahnede görünüp kayboluyor çünkü.
Umarım sonraki kitaplar daha iyiye gider.
İlk kitap için fena bir başlangıç değildi ama daha iyisini beklerdim açıkçası. Aidan ve Madeline arasındaki uyumu çok hissedemedim. Gerçekler ortaya çıktıktan sonra Aidan'nın davranışları karakterden buz gibi soğumamı sağladı, o anlardan itibaren "nefretlik karakterler" listeme girişini yapmış oldu. Özellikle hikayenin sonuna doğru Madeline'ya yine suçlayıcı konuşmasından ve kadının sinirlenmesinden sonra "Ya, aslında ben arkadaşla ne kadar sürede sinirleneceğin konusunda iddiaya girdim, erken sinirlenmen sonucu iddiayı kaybettim" demesiyle iyice kendini batırdı. Madeline, Aidan salağına göre çok daha iyi biriydi, kendini o salağa kaptırması hariç yaptığı hiçbir şey gözüme batmadı. Yeminle hikayede Madeline'ya yandım durdum.
Hikayedeki aşk ne kadar kötü anlatılmışsa hikayenin geri kalanı bir o kadar başarılıydı. Melody'i ilk andan itibaren çok sevdim. Yalnız kitapta yaramaz bir kız imajı çizilmeye çalışılmış olsa da bence 3 yaşındaki bir çocuk için oldukça usluydu. Yaramazlıkları sadece bu yaşında beklenecek olan merakından geliyordu, ki o kadarı olmazsa bir sorun var demektir.
Karakterlerin Melody ile olan ilişkisini de çok sevdim. Aidan'nın zamanla Melody'e bağlanması ve ona değer vermesi ile, kendisine karşı olan nefretimi az da olsa söndürdü. Karakterler ile Melody arasındaki sahneler daha fazla olabilirdi fakat çocuk bir karakterin öne çıktığı bir kitap için sahneler yeterliydi. Genelde bu tarz kitaplarda çocuk 2-3 sahnede görünüp kayboluyor çünkü.
Umarım sonraki kitaplar daha iyiye gider.
December 11, 2025
Madeline meets Aiden, a circumspect and serious Earl, when he intervenes to save her from a potential thief in a London alleyway. What follows is a sweet and intense love affair, which concludes when Aiden proposes to the beautiful widow and Madeline declines.
Madeline is devastated. She loves Aiden, but she isn't free to marry him. She's not a widow. She's in hiding from her sadistic, abusive husband, who believes she died in a house fire a few years prior.
Aiden's heart and trust is broken. He decides he will never love again.
Three years pass.
Aiden and his friend Colin discover a young girl deposited at the doorstep of 'Brown's' their gentleman's club, with a note stating the girl's father is a member there.
Aiden believes Melody may be his child. He confronts Madeline intending to deposit mother and child at his country estate. When he arrives, Madeline has just been threatened by a sinister associate of her husband, so to escape, she agrees to go with Aiden to Brown's, despite knowing the child isn't hers.
The story was fun, with everyone conspiring to keep the ladies presence a secret in the "men-only" club. Aiden and Madeline have great chemistry and deep feelings that quickly reignite. Secrets eventually are revealed after Madeline's husband appears on the scene causing havoc.
Book 1 in the series. The second book has Colin suspecting HE may be Melody's father, and searching for his past lover.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Madeline is devastated. She loves Aiden, but she isn't free to marry him. She's not a widow. She's in hiding from her sadistic, abusive husband, who believes she died in a house fire a few years prior.
Aiden's heart and trust is broken. He decides he will never love again.
Three years pass.
Aiden and his friend Colin discover a young girl deposited at the doorstep of 'Brown's' their gentleman's club, with a note stating the girl's father is a member there.
Aiden believes Melody may be his child. He confronts Madeline intending to deposit mother and child at his country estate. When he arrives, Madeline has just been threatened by a sinister associate of her husband, so to escape, she agrees to go with Aiden to Brown's, despite knowing the child isn't hers.
The story was fun, with everyone conspiring to keep the ladies presence a secret in the "men-only" club. Aiden and Madeline have great chemistry and deep feelings that quickly reignite. Secrets eventually are revealed after Madeline's husband appears on the scene causing havoc.
Book 1 in the series. The second book has Colin suspecting HE may be Melody's father, and searching for his past lover.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
January 12, 2018
A sweet, romantic and amusing read.
January 14, 2025
Good mindless romance trash
March 3, 2025
(3.75 ดาว) เนื้อเรื่องธรรมดามาก นางเอกมีความ damsel in distress เบาๆ พระเอกงี่เง่าเล็กน้อยแต่ก็เข้าใจได้ น้องเมโลดี้น่ารัก ปู่ๆ ในคลับก็น่ารัก
November 28, 2025
3.7 ⭐️
i just adored books with adorable kids in it. this series was a fun concept but i don't think i want to read the next books. in a bad book slump so i guess it's a me+my mood problem.
i just adored books with adorable kids in it. this series was a fun concept but i don't think i want to read the next books. in a bad book slump so i guess it's a me+my mood problem.
November 6, 2025
Everything I want in a great bodice ripper. Excellent stuff. The whole trilogy is really strong, does not disappoint.
Read
April 30, 2017Darum geht es:
Halsüberkopf verliebt sich Aiden de Quincy, fünfter Earl of Blankenship in die schöne Witwe Madeleine Chandler, der er in einer brenzligen Situation zu Hilfe eilt. Doch als er ihr einen Antrag macht, lehnt sie ab. Ein Wort gibt das andere und die beiden trennen sich.
Etwas mehr als drei Jahre später findet Aiden die dreijährige Melody auf den Stufen von Brown's Gentlemen Club, in dem er zur Zeit wohnt. Eine Notiz an der Jacke der Kleinen informiert darüber, dass die Mutter kein Geld mehr schicke und die Kinderfrau Melody somit der Verantwortung des Vaters übergebe. Dessen Name sei nicht bekannt, jedoch wohne er in Brown's Gentlemen Club.
Da es sich bei Brown's Gentlemen Club um eine eher verstaubte Einrichtung handelt, deren Mitglieder größtenteils im Greisenalter sind, kommen nur drei Herren als Vater der Kleinen in Frage. Aiden, Sir Colin Lambert und deren gemeinsamer Freund Lord John Redgrave, der Erbe des Marquis of Strickland, genannt Jack, der jedoch zur Zeit in Übersee weilt.
Aiden und Colin sind sich zunächst einig darüber, dass Jack Melodys Vater sein muss und beschließen, sich bis zu dessen Rückkehr um das kleine Mädchen zu kümmern. Heimlich schaffen sie sie in Aidens Räume, da Damenbesuche, egal welchen Alters, im Club strikt verboten sind.
Nach und nach beschleichen Aiden jedoch Zweifel. Sollte Madeleine ihm Melody verheimlicht haben? Er beschließt, Mutter und Tochter zusammen zu führen und schafft deshalb auch Madeleine heimlich in Brown's Gentlemen Club.
Ihre Liebe zueinander blüht wieder auf. Doch Madeleine verbirgt ein Geheimnis, das eine Zukunft für die beiden unmöglich macht...
Ich sage dazu:
Der berühmte Modeschöpfer Lementeur erzählt der nervösen, inzwischen 22-jährigen Braut Melody die Geschichte von Aiden und Madeleine, um sie ein bisschen zu beruhigen. Lementeur war mir schon aus der Heiress Brides-Reihe der Autorin bekannt. Das „Wiederlesen“ mit ihm hat mich sehr gefreut, da er schon in dieser Reihe eine meiner Lieblingsfiguren war.
Ein bisschen irritiert hat mich die moderne Sprache und der lockere Umgang der Protagonisten untereinander. Nachdem ich mich aber daran gewöhnt hatte, haben mir die sarkastischen Dialoge viel Vergnügen bereitet.
Schön fand ich auch, dass hier mal nicht die Frau der Schussel war. Aiden ist zwar ein ernsthafter, nachdenklicher Mann, schafft es jedoch durch seine Tollpatschigkeit von einem Fettnapf in den nächsten zu treten.
Das Geheimnis, das Madeleine umgibt bekommt man nur häppchenweise serviert. Zwar kann man sich vieles zusammen reimen, doch ganz aufgedeckt wird es tatsächlich erst am Ende des Buches. Noch etwas, das mir gefallen hat.
Die kleine Melody sorgt zusätzlich dafür, dass das Lesen dieser Geschichte zu einem Vergnügen wird. Die Kurze ist einfach süß.
Am Ende ist Lementeur jedoch noch nicht fertig mit seiner Geschichte. Gilt es doch noch Colin und Jack an die Frau zu bringen. Darum mache ich auch gleich mit dem 2. Teil der Reihe „Ein sinnlicher Schuft“ weiter.
Fazit:
Romantisch-witziger Auftakt der Reihe und eine klare Leseempfehlung für Fans von historischen Liebesromanen.
Die Reihenfolge der einzelnen Bände:
The Runaway Brides
1. Mein teuflischer Verführer
2. Ein sinnlicher Schuft
3. Ein verruchter Lord
Heiress Brides
1. Brennende Sehnsucht
2. Flammende Versuchung
3. Lodernde Begierde
© Marion Schauder
Halsüberkopf verliebt sich Aiden de Quincy, fünfter Earl of Blankenship in die schöne Witwe Madeleine Chandler, der er in einer brenzligen Situation zu Hilfe eilt. Doch als er ihr einen Antrag macht, lehnt sie ab. Ein Wort gibt das andere und die beiden trennen sich.
Etwas mehr als drei Jahre später findet Aiden die dreijährige Melody auf den Stufen von Brown's Gentlemen Club, in dem er zur Zeit wohnt. Eine Notiz an der Jacke der Kleinen informiert darüber, dass die Mutter kein Geld mehr schicke und die Kinderfrau Melody somit der Verantwortung des Vaters übergebe. Dessen Name sei nicht bekannt, jedoch wohne er in Brown's Gentlemen Club.
Da es sich bei Brown's Gentlemen Club um eine eher verstaubte Einrichtung handelt, deren Mitglieder größtenteils im Greisenalter sind, kommen nur drei Herren als Vater der Kleinen in Frage. Aiden, Sir Colin Lambert und deren gemeinsamer Freund Lord John Redgrave, der Erbe des Marquis of Strickland, genannt Jack, der jedoch zur Zeit in Übersee weilt.
Aiden und Colin sind sich zunächst einig darüber, dass Jack Melodys Vater sein muss und beschließen, sich bis zu dessen Rückkehr um das kleine Mädchen zu kümmern. Heimlich schaffen sie sie in Aidens Räume, da Damenbesuche, egal welchen Alters, im Club strikt verboten sind.
Nach und nach beschleichen Aiden jedoch Zweifel. Sollte Madeleine ihm Melody verheimlicht haben? Er beschließt, Mutter und Tochter zusammen zu führen und schafft deshalb auch Madeleine heimlich in Brown's Gentlemen Club.
Ihre Liebe zueinander blüht wieder auf. Doch Madeleine verbirgt ein Geheimnis, das eine Zukunft für die beiden unmöglich macht...
Ich sage dazu:
Der berühmte Modeschöpfer Lementeur erzählt der nervösen, inzwischen 22-jährigen Braut Melody die Geschichte von Aiden und Madeleine, um sie ein bisschen zu beruhigen. Lementeur war mir schon aus der Heiress Brides-Reihe der Autorin bekannt. Das „Wiederlesen“ mit ihm hat mich sehr gefreut, da er schon in dieser Reihe eine meiner Lieblingsfiguren war.
Ein bisschen irritiert hat mich die moderne Sprache und der lockere Umgang der Protagonisten untereinander. Nachdem ich mich aber daran gewöhnt hatte, haben mir die sarkastischen Dialoge viel Vergnügen bereitet.
Schön fand ich auch, dass hier mal nicht die Frau der Schussel war. Aiden ist zwar ein ernsthafter, nachdenklicher Mann, schafft es jedoch durch seine Tollpatschigkeit von einem Fettnapf in den nächsten zu treten.
Das Geheimnis, das Madeleine umgibt bekommt man nur häppchenweise serviert. Zwar kann man sich vieles zusammen reimen, doch ganz aufgedeckt wird es tatsächlich erst am Ende des Buches. Noch etwas, das mir gefallen hat.
Die kleine Melody sorgt zusätzlich dafür, dass das Lesen dieser Geschichte zu einem Vergnügen wird. Die Kurze ist einfach süß.
Am Ende ist Lementeur jedoch noch nicht fertig mit seiner Geschichte. Gilt es doch noch Colin und Jack an die Frau zu bringen. Darum mache ich auch gleich mit dem 2. Teil der Reihe „Ein sinnlicher Schuft“ weiter.
Fazit:
Romantisch-witziger Auftakt der Reihe und eine klare Leseempfehlung für Fans von historischen Liebesromanen.
Die Reihenfolge der einzelnen Bände:
The Runaway Brides
1. Mein teuflischer Verführer
2. Ein sinnlicher Schuft
3. Ein verruchter Lord
Heiress Brides
1. Brennende Sehnsucht
2. Flammende Versuchung
3. Lodernde Begierde
© Marion Schauder
September 30, 2013
This book intrigued me in the beginning because of the interesting way it starts off in the prologue. So kudos Ms. Bradley for having an interesting beginning and making me very curious as to where the story was going to go. Unfortunately, my curiosity and interest was lost along the way as I read on.
So right away I'm just going to say if you liked the movie "Three Men and a Baby" you'll probably like this book. I did not enjoy Three Men and a Baby, not even the 'stache could save it for me, therefore the 'funny' situations and hijinks that arose when inexperienced bachelors try to take care of a little girl were completely lost on me. I did find it somewhat endearing at times when Aidan (hero) was at a complete loss as to what to do and say to Melody (little girl). He was a complete tool at times I couldn't help but like the big fella.
Madeleine (heroine) on the other hand never endeared herself to me. I didn't like her and I didn't hate her, sadly just indifferent. Her whole murky past and reasons for doing things was violently sensational but never drew me in.
The storyline was decently strong so I think the problem I had with not connecting to the characters was the style this story was written. It was bouncy, bouncy, bouncy. By this I mean there was a lot of head hopping from character to character, especially in the beginning. The author probably wanted the reader to feel connected to all the characters but instead it backfired, at least for me, and I never became attached to anyone because I wasn't with anyone long enough. This writing style ended up making the story feel very disjointed and choppy. There wasn't much ever happening and not much story progression. Aidan wants to ask Madeleine to marry him finally does at end of book, Madeleine wants to leave but stays and tells Aidan about her past finally at end of book, and then Colin (friend of Aidan and future hero in next book in series) and Aidan want to find out who Melody's father is. The question of who Melody's father is, is not answered here and I'm assuming this will be a continuing thread through the next book. (Aidan was eliminated so it's between Colin and a yet to be met character Jack).Anyway this could be called a decent book with small amounts of brief shinning moments. Skip it, there is better out there to entertain you all.
D-
So right away I'm just going to say if you liked the movie "Three Men and a Baby" you'll probably like this book. I did not enjoy Three Men and a Baby, not even the 'stache could save it for me, therefore the 'funny' situations and hijinks that arose when inexperienced bachelors try to take care of a little girl were completely lost on me. I did find it somewhat endearing at times when Aidan (hero) was at a complete loss as to what to do and say to Melody (little girl). He was a complete tool at times I couldn't help but like the big fella.
Madeleine (heroine) on the other hand never endeared herself to me. I didn't like her and I didn't hate her, sadly just indifferent. Her whole murky past and reasons for doing things was violently sensational but never drew me in.
The storyline was decently strong so I think the problem I had with not connecting to the characters was the style this story was written. It was bouncy, bouncy, bouncy. By this I mean there was a lot of head hopping from character to character, especially in the beginning. The author probably wanted the reader to feel connected to all the characters but instead it backfired, at least for me, and I never became attached to anyone because I wasn't with anyone long enough. This writing style ended up making the story feel very disjointed and choppy. There wasn't much ever happening and not much story progression. Aidan wants to ask Madeleine to marry him finally does at end of book, Madeleine wants to leave but stays and tells Aidan about her past finally at end of book, and then Colin (friend of Aidan and future hero in next book in series) and Aidan want to find out who Melody's father is. The question of who Melody's father is, is not answered here and I'm assuming this will be a continuing thread through the next book. (Aidan was eliminated so it's between Colin and a yet to be met character Jack).Anyway this could be called a decent book with small amounts of brief shinning moments. Skip it, there is better out there to entertain you all.
D-
November 13, 2011
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...
It’s an ordinary day for Aidan de Quincy, fifth Earl of Blankenship when he steps out of Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen. At least, it’s an ordinary day until he spots a three-year-old girl sitting on the club’s steps. The child, Melody, has been abandoned by her nanny, left only with a note saying that one of Brown’s members is Melody’s father. Suspecting that Melody might be his daughter, Aidan sets off to confront the one woman he thought he’d never see again – Madeleine Chandler.
Over three years ago, circumstances forced Madeleine to break Aidan de Quincy’s heart…as well as her own. Now Madeleine is once again in dire straits, her past coming back to haunt her. When Aidan shows up, Madeleine grasps at the safety net he unwittingly provides by claiming to be Melody’s mother. But even as Aidan, Madeleine, and Melody begin to become a family, Madeleine knows it’s only a matter of time before her lies come to light, shattering her newfound relationship with Aidan.
Lust, lies, and a doll made out of a cravat bring life to the first installment of Celeste Bradley’s intriguing Runaway Brides series. Devil in My Bed is a delectable story filled with characters that are sure to capture your heart. From Aidan and Madeleine to the too-cute-for-words Melody to the men who make up the members and staff of Brown’s, each and every character comes to life right on the page. Between Madeleine and Aidan’s romance, Melody’s antics, and the hint of danger that lurked just around the corner, I was up reading late into the night, unable to put Devil in My Bed down until I had finished the book.
I love the premise of The Runaway Brides series. It isn’t just that there’s, three lords, one adorable child, and three women from their past to track down to solve the mystery of Melody’s parentage. That’s an interesting start, but what captured me was that Aidan and Colin (the hero of the trilogy’s second book) genuinely care for Melody; she’s not just a responsibility for them to shoulder. Devil in My Bed is an endearing mixture of humor and heart and as soon as I finished the story, I wanted to leap right into the next Runaway Brides book, Rogue in My Arms.
It’s an ordinary day for Aidan de Quincy, fifth Earl of Blankenship when he steps out of Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen. At least, it’s an ordinary day until he spots a three-year-old girl sitting on the club’s steps. The child, Melody, has been abandoned by her nanny, left only with a note saying that one of Brown’s members is Melody’s father. Suspecting that Melody might be his daughter, Aidan sets off to confront the one woman he thought he’d never see again – Madeleine Chandler.
Over three years ago, circumstances forced Madeleine to break Aidan de Quincy’s heart…as well as her own. Now Madeleine is once again in dire straits, her past coming back to haunt her. When Aidan shows up, Madeleine grasps at the safety net he unwittingly provides by claiming to be Melody’s mother. But even as Aidan, Madeleine, and Melody begin to become a family, Madeleine knows it’s only a matter of time before her lies come to light, shattering her newfound relationship with Aidan.
Lust, lies, and a doll made out of a cravat bring life to the first installment of Celeste Bradley’s intriguing Runaway Brides series. Devil in My Bed is a delectable story filled with characters that are sure to capture your heart. From Aidan and Madeleine to the too-cute-for-words Melody to the men who make up the members and staff of Brown’s, each and every character comes to life right on the page. Between Madeleine and Aidan’s romance, Melody’s antics, and the hint of danger that lurked just around the corner, I was up reading late into the night, unable to put Devil in My Bed down until I had finished the book.
I love the premise of The Runaway Brides series. It isn’t just that there’s, three lords, one adorable child, and three women from their past to track down to solve the mystery of Melody’s parentage. That’s an interesting start, but what captured me was that Aidan and Colin (the hero of the trilogy’s second book) genuinely care for Melody; she’s not just a responsibility for them to shoulder. Devil in My Bed is an endearing mixture of humor and heart and as soon as I finished the story, I wanted to leap right into the next Runaway Brides book, Rogue in My Arms.
May 6, 2025
Celeste Bradley's Devil in My Bed is a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance and a captivating start to the Runaway Brides series. From the first page, I was utterly hooked, finding myself completely immersed in Aidan and Madeleine's world. Their chemistry is undeniable, a palpable force, and their individual journeys are heartfelt and compelling, adding emotional depth to their connection.
Aidan is a swoon-worthy hero, embodying brooding mystery, quiet strength, and endearing vulnerability. Madeleine shines as a strong, intelligent, and resilient heroine. Their dynamic is electric, full of fiery passion and tender moments, keeping me eagerly turning the pages late into the night.
One of the true delights of this book is the vibrant cast of secondary characters. They are fully realized individuals who add rich depth and color to the story. I'm already invested in their potential storylines and can tell this series will be captivating and emotionally rewarding.
Celeste Bradley's writing is engaging, witty, and brimming with heart. Her skillful prose creates a historically rich and emotionally resonant world. If you're a fan of historical romance with compelling characters, a dash of intrigue, and a perfect balance of passion and heart, Devil in My Bed is an absolute must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series and see what awaits these characters!
Aidan is a swoon-worthy hero, embodying brooding mystery, quiet strength, and endearing vulnerability. Madeleine shines as a strong, intelligent, and resilient heroine. Their dynamic is electric, full of fiery passion and tender moments, keeping me eagerly turning the pages late into the night.
One of the true delights of this book is the vibrant cast of secondary characters. They are fully realized individuals who add rich depth and color to the story. I'm already invested in their potential storylines and can tell this series will be captivating and emotionally rewarding.
Celeste Bradley's writing is engaging, witty, and brimming with heart. Her skillful prose creates a historically rich and emotionally resonant world. If you're a fan of historical romance with compelling characters, a dash of intrigue, and a perfect balance of passion and heart, Devil in My Bed is an absolute must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series and see what awaits these characters!
May 23, 2011
There's not much to discuss with this book. It didn't bore me but it didn't impress me either. It falls in the 'eh' category.
The story is not that typical but has been done before and it has been done better. The characters were sort of 2-D even though there was a lot of mystery surrounding Maddie. It seemed more like theatrics to me than real mystery. It could've all been solved if Aidan hadn't been such a moron and Maddie hadn't been so afraid of her own emotions. That does oversimplify things and I don't blame either one for the secrets and the lying. That was something that was well done. The secrets and the reasons for keeping them made sense.
Melody was really the brightest spot in the book followed closely by certain snatches of dialogue between Aidan and Maddie.
Other than that I'd say if you want to read a historical romance and be thrilled, skip this and go straight to the Kleypas, Quinn or Enoch. Do not pass go.
The story is not that typical but has been done before and it has been done better. The characters were sort of 2-D even though there was a lot of mystery surrounding Maddie. It seemed more like theatrics to me than real mystery. It could've all been solved if Aidan hadn't been such a moron and Maddie hadn't been so afraid of her own emotions. That does oversimplify things and I don't blame either one for the secrets and the lying. That was something that was well done. The secrets and the reasons for keeping them made sense.
Melody was really the brightest spot in the book followed closely by certain snatches of dialogue between Aidan and Maddie.
Other than that I'd say if you want to read a historical romance and be thrilled, skip this and go straight to the Kleypas, Quinn or Enoch. Do not pass go.
February 11, 2013
In Devil in My Bed we are introduced to Aidan, Colin, Madeleine and little Melody. Aidan, Colin, and Jack are members of Brown's, a gentlemen's club. Little Melody arrives at the doorstep of said club with a note saying that her father is a member, and through the process of elimination they will try to figure out who is her father.
I found the premise of the story to be very good. I enjoyed the characters, I really liked Aidan and Madeleine, enjoyed their story ans was rooting for them at from the start; but the scene stealer was Melody, she was a cute precocious kid, I'm a little surprised how well she spoke, but it's fiction.
3.5/5
I found the premise of the story to be very good. I enjoyed the characters, I really liked Aidan and Madeleine, enjoyed their story ans was rooting for them at from the start; but the scene stealer was Melody, she was a cute precocious kid, I'm a little surprised how well she spoke, but it's fiction.
3.5/5
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