There’s only a few negatives I can think of for this book. Even when Gabriel just whispers in Madelyn’s ear, or when he gives her a light caress to her arm, I feel like it has the same effect as other hot steamy love scenes. With each encounter, their passion grows, and the build up to their lovemaking is well worth it. Instead of fainting at her mishaps, Madelyn just “rolls with the punches.” I really liked that about her.

The others believe Madelyn is hopeless, while Gabriel finds her refreshing and delightful. Devine (causing a gasp! from the ton), and she falls into a pond in front of everyone. She doesn’t realize Gabriel is the Duke, so she addresses him as Mr. Madelyn is pretty naive and clumsy, so her first encounters with the Duke are coupled with embarrassing moments. The chemistry between Madelyn and Gabriel is adorable. Because Madelyn is not focused on the game, she often snoops around the castle or breaks away from the group, which in turn gives her many chance encounters with the Duke. Her main purpose for staying in the contest is to protect her friend Charlotte from potential heartbreak should she face elimination. Madelyn is the only woman who initially isn’t vying for Lord Tristan’s attention. Had Gabriel been the main prize all the women were competing for, I think the story would’ve been more dull and predictable.

What’s cool about the storyline is that the main hero, Gabriel, is not the “bachelor” in this hunt. 4) No big rollercoaster of drama and mixed emotions. 3) There was enough side story with secondary characters to allow for possible future books in a series.

2) The intro to the book isn’t long and dragging – Chapter One starts off with the hero and heroine already meeting. I enjoyed this book for several reasons: 1) The storyline was pretty unique, sort of like a historical version of ABC’s The Bachelor. He is nothing more than a slave to passion, and she will not be conquered by his caresses-and yet his wicked ways tempt her so. But Madelyn believes the brothers Devine to be nothing more than heartless rogues-especially Gabriel, whose rakish reputation precedes him. Her social-climbing stepmother would give anything to have Madelyn Haywood betrothed to a future duke. 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 provide an heir-leaving Gabriel to continue his ecstatic pursuit of pleasure. But if he’s to remain a lifelong bachelor, that leaves only his younger brother to carry on the family name. To Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, the bonds of marriage are nothing more than shackles.

Daphne‘s review of The Bride Hunt Ball, debut novel by Avon author, Olivia Parker.

At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker