A Reluctant Bride

Thrilling start to an amazing series! Thomasina is tricked into impersonating her sister, Anne; an event which leads to drastic changes of fortune for all involved. The slow dance that she and Jasper execute as they get to know each other while they search for the missing Anne is exquisitely detailed, with deeply emotional characterizations and no small emphasis on their intense physical connection. As a mother of identical twin girls, let me just say how very important it is that the hero can distinguish between the sisters. The significance of the fact that he instantly recognizes Thomasina even when she's pretending to be Anne cannot be overemphasized. When I discussed that scene with one of my daughters, she confirmed that that one issue is an absolute must. The author delicately and respectfully deals with a lot of the issues unique to siblings that are multiples, especially those who are identical in appearance. That alone makes this book special, and well worth reading. Jasper soon finds that the root cause of all the trouble they're facing lies with his late brother, and he must dig deep into his own complex family history to find a workable solution. I absolutely adored the way Thomasina partnered with him throughout all the ups and downs, showing him a future that he had never dared to imagine. Jasper and Thomasina's romance concludes with a very satisfying HEA, while the overarching mystery surrounding Anne's disappearance is left for the next book to explore. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A Reluctant Bride by Jess Michaels The Shelley Sisters #1 Being one of the Shelley triplets has not been easy for Thomasina, Anne and Juliana. They were considered freaks and treated so by family and society. The same face on all three but definitely not the same as Anne is outgoing and the life of the party, Juliana needs to fix things and Thomasina wants to help and comfort. Since nobody can tell them apart it is no big deal for Thomasina to step into Anne’s shoes for a night and dance with the man she fell hard for when he was introduced as Anne’s intended...even though Anne did not want him. And...that is just the beginning of the tale of the Shelley sisters… What I liked: * Thomasina – all heart, giving and comfort putting herself last – she really loves Jasper but she also has spirit and a temper. * Jasper – perhaps damaged by his childhood but a good man who is surprised by the connection he feels for Thomasina – and HOT indeed he is with his new wife. * Wondering about Juliana and Anne – I am eager to find out who they really are and what men they will end up with. * The story – it drew me in and made me feel for the triplets and for Jasper and all they managed to survive while growing up. * The mystery still unresolved – What is the treasure and why is it so important? Will they find it and if so when? * The relationship between Thomasina and Jasper * The connection between the triplets What I did not like: * The father of the Shelley triplets – a man I who was more interested in himself than his family. * Anne’s thoughtless action – although it did work out well for Thomasina * Having to wait to find out what will happen next. Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

liked it so far.