Title: The Wrong Bride
Author: Catharina Maura
Published October 15, 2022
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.99
Overview
They both have secrets to keep, but falling in love means risking it all. After her father’s arrest for heinous crimes, Ava Henderson is forced to start over.
With a new identity and a new school, she’s determined to leave her past behind. The only problem is, she’s falling for the charming and popular Ethan Roy, and keeping her secrets from him is getting harder by the day.
Ethan is the star of the lacrosse team and has always had everything going for him, until a family tragedy turns his world upside down. Now, he’s living a life of constant deception to protect his loved ones.
The only bright spot in his life is Ava, the mysterious and intriguing girl who always keeps her guard up. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate the challenges of their secrets while trying to protect each other.
But when their pasts catch up to them, they realize that they can only trust each other to make it out alive.
About the Author
Meet Catharina Maura, an accomplished author who has earned the prestigious titles of USA Today and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. Her novels are known for their angsty and fast-paced contemporary romance that tug at your heartstrings before ultimately leading you to a satisfying happily ever after.
Currently residing in Hong Kong with her husband, Cat is also a proud plant parent to a dozen named houseplants. When she’s not lost in her imagination, creating new characters and stories, she enjoys traveling and embarking on exciting new adventures.
Stay up-to-date with Cat’s latest news and connect with her on social media by following the link below.
Editoral Review
In The Wrong Bride, author Catharina Maura transports readers back in time to the Victorian era with this romantic and suspenseful novel. The book was published on October 15, 2022, and is a must-read for lovers of historical romance and mystery.
Mauras writing style is immersive and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters that bring them to life on the page. The themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery are prominently featured, and Maura masterfully blends them together to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
The novel takes place in the outskirts of London in 1885, where we meet our protagonist, Lady Amelia. Engaged to the charming and wealthy Lord Richard, Amelias world is rocked when she discovers that he is not the man he claims to be.
As she unravels the truth about Lord Richard, Amelia finds herself drawn to the brooding and mysterious Gabriel, a man from her past who she had thought was dead. Amelia is a well-rounded and compelling character with agency and depth.
Mauras expert character development allows readers to fully empathize with Amelias struggles, as she seeks to find her place in a society that restricts women and navigate her feelings for both Lord Richard and Gabriel. The two male leads, Lord Richard and Gabriel, are also fleshed out and provide intriguing contrasts to Amelias character.
The setting of Victorian-era London is vividly depicted, with the societal norms and conventions adding depth and context to the characters and their experiences. The historical accuracy is impressive, and readers who are interested in this time period will find themselves fully immersed in the world that Maura has created.
One of the strengths of The Wrong Bride is Mauras pacing. The story moves quickly, with twists and turns that keep readers invested in the outcome.
The plot structure is well-crafted, with each twist and turn leading to a satisfying conclusion. However, there are a few weaknesses in the book.
The dialogue can at times feel stilted and overly formal, which can detract from the natural flow of the story. Additionally, the book could have benefited from more diverse perspectives, as the narrative largely focuses on the experiences of wealthy white characters.
Overall, The Wrong Bride is an engaging and well-written novel that is sure to delight fans of the historical romance and mystery genres. Readers who enjoy complex characters, intricate plots, and rich historical settings will find a lot to love in this book.
I highly recommend The Wrong Bride to anyone looking for a captivating and romantic read. Score: 4/5
