Title: Rule’s Bride
Author: Kat Martin
First published April 27, 2010
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780778327745 (ISBN10: 0778327744)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
In Kat Martin’s Rule’s Bride, a notorious womanizer, Rule Dewar, finds himself in an unexpected predicament when he realizes he’s fallen in love with his wife. Despite their marriage being a strategic move to acquire Violet Griffin’s fortune, Rule cannot resist his stunning bride.
However, Violet has her own plans and seeks an annulment to marry another. As Rule tries to win her over, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of framing for murder.
Will he be able to prove his innocence and win Violet’s heart before it’s too late? Find out in this captivating historical romance.
About the Author
Kathleen Kelly Martin, also known as Kat Martin, was born on July 14, 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She attended the University of California in Santa Barbara where she studied Anthropology and History.
After working as a real estate broker, she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin, who asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of a historical western he had written. Kat fell in love with the book and the author and started writing herself after doing some editing for Larry.
Since 1988, Kat has published numerous books under her married name, Kat Martin, as well as two pseudonyms, Kathy Lawrence and Kasey Mars. Her books have been published in 17 foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, and China.
She has won many awards, including the RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award, and has sold over 11 million copies of her books.
Kat and her husband currently reside in Missoula, Montana, where they enjoy skiing and traveling to Europe. Kat loves anything old and often visits the places where her books are set.
She and her husband stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past, which give them a wonderful sense of a by-gone era. Kat has always loved books and writing them down was a logical step for her.
Editoral Review
In “Rule’s Bride,” Kat Martin delivers a thrilling addition to her “Bride” series of historical romances. Published in 2010, the novel is set in 19th-century England and follows the story of Rafe, the Duke of Candover, and his attempts to protect his family’s reputation while also pursuing the lovely Olivia.
Martin is a seasoned author of romantic fiction, and her style embraces both the emotional intensity and the historical accuracy that readers expect from the genre. The author skillfully weaves together her protagonists’ love story with a complex plot that involves intrigue, secrets, and betrayal.
The result is an engaging read that keeps the reader turning pages. Rafe is a compelling character: proud, stubborn, and fiercely loyal to those he loves.
Olivia, in turn, is smart, independent, and determined to chart her own course in life. Martin does an excellent job of developing the characters and giving them believable motivations, making their journey towards true love both believable and satisfying.
The novel also benefits from its historical context. Martin paints a vivid picture of the English aristocracy, highlighting the rigid social norms and expectations that governed their lives.
She also touches on issues of class and politics, providing a realistic backdrop against which the romance unfolds. Through her characters, Martin explores the tensions between tradition and change, between duty and desire, and between love and fear.
While Rule’s Bride is certainly an enjoyable read, it is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the plot a bit predictable or the dialogue a touch too syrupy.
Moreover, while Martin does a good job of developing her lead characters, some of her secondary characters feel underdeveloped or two-dimensional. Overall, “Rule’s Bride” is a charming romance novel that will satisfy fans of the genre.
It offers a compelling plot, memorable characters, and a rich historical context. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it is a well-crafted and engaging story that will transport readers to another time and place.
For fans of historical romance, Rule’s Bride is a must-read. It earns a 4 out of 5 rating for its compelling plot, engaging characters, and solid writing.
