This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
There is a certain comfort and sense of satisfaction that comes from picking up a book by an author that you know is reliable; that you know will make you laugh, or cry, or be mystified or, in the case of Rebecca Chance’s novels, absolutely scandalised. Rebecca is one of these authors; I know that when I pick up her novel I will be drawn into a world of sex, intrigue and women behaving badly. Bad Brides is no exception.
The novel focuses on two central female characters, Milly Gamble and Brianna Jade, who are two very different women. One is selfish, calculating and devious while the other sweet and innocent with a charming nature and a cougar mother. Both girls are getting married and want the weddings of their dreams, but with a possible cover feature on the biggest bridal magazine in the country within reach, they will do anything to snag the coveted prize. This is going to get dirty.
Brianna and Milly are two very contrasting characters. Forced into marrying Edmund – an eligible Earl – by her mother Tamra, Brianna is kind, sweet and genuinely cares for Edmund, who needs the wealth that Brianna’s family has to restore his crumbling family estate. Tamra is the force behind her character – strong willed, bossy and an absolute cougar, she calls the shots and is so conniving, she manages to convince Brianna that everything is for the best at every turn, even when it isn’t. Milly, on the other hand, is spoilt, selfish and clearly can’t see what is right in front of her. She doesn’t appreciate anything that she has, especially her rather lovely boyfriend. She is the perfect character to love to hate.
Having such contrasting protagonists is clever and kept me hooked throughout. Whether I was angry about Milly’s behaviour or felt sorry for Brianna, I always felt an emotion and both characters provide laugh out loud moments throughout. Tamra is scandalous to say the least, and has many scenes that will make you blush.
As ever with Rebecca Chance, the sex scenes are fabulously written, loaded with sizzle and overflowing with desire. Whether the scenes are between men and women, women and women or men and men, they are always deliciously explicit. Detail is something that Rebecca does very well and the sex scenes are laid out in front of you incredibly clearly. If you blush easily, I would avoid reading this book on your commute to work!
Strong female protagonists are at the heart of this book and, as a reader, it is very easy to be swept up into their world. There are moments of tenderness and moments of raw, sexual chemistry, but the rollercoaster of emotions is a very fun ride. With the nights drawing out and sultry evenings in the setting sun upon us, this would be the perfect book to accompany you on a balmy summer evening.
8/10
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