How to Lose a Bride in One Night: Forgotten Princesses (Forgotten Princesses, 3)

Sophie Jordan's The Forgotten Princesses series features the illegitimate daughters of wealthy Jack Hadley, and Annalise is the "princess" this time. I find this novel to be weaker amongst the others in the series, but that could be due to the lack of much concrete action in the story (as opposed to tremendous tension and suspense). Nonetheless, Owen and Annalise are captivating characters and their romance is passionate, thrilling, and enchanting.

Annalise has lived a hard life working as a seamstress before she met her rich father. But despite her new wealth and betrothal to the Duke of Bloodsworth (what a forbidding name!), Annalise still felt herself to be a crippled ugly duckling, undeserving of her new fortunes. Her fears were further confirmed when her husband attempted to murder her on their wedding night, after which she was rescued and helped by Owen Crawford, the Earl of McDowell. As Annalise and Owen get to know each other and fall in love, Annalise began to put Owen before herself, attempting to sacrifice herself for his happiness. The recovery period for Annalise's injuries took the majority of the book; her journey from stranger to friends and finally lovers with Owen creating a poignant and gripping romance in the midst of internal conflicts. While the tribulations within the story are not so much due to plot, this is ultimately a character-driven novel where inner demons are battled and hidden courage found.

Annalise and Owen are truly wonderful characters with their own dynamics and troubles. Throughout this book, Annalise has grown out of her timidity into a strong and self-assured person, willing to fight for her love. Owen had come back from war a changed man; he lost her previous joyfulness and became solemn and taciturn, choosing to remain a shadowed beast and believing himself undeserving of Annalise's love. The transformation these two experiences - Annalise helping Owen reconcile with his brother and he teaching Annalise to defend herself - is the best part of this novel.

While the story's resolution seems a bit too fortuitous, the storytelling and character complexity place Sophie Jordan among the ranks of my favorite authors.
All in all, this book is a must-read for anyone loving some ample character growth mixed with a dash of adventure and intrigue!

Plot: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
Structure: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

He saved her life...

When Annalise Hadley is tossed over the side of her honeymoon barge, the newly minted duchess knows she's been left for dead--for her husband's only interest is in her vast dowry, not her muddied lineage. However, she didn't count on a savior. Especially not an honorable, sinfully intriguing earl who will tempt her to risk everything--again.

Now he will seduce her heart and soul.

A man with his own demons, Owen Crawford, the reclusive Earl of McDowell, is enchanted by the mysterious, courageous woman he rescued. He will help her heal, teach her to protect herself, and then send her away--so that she'll never see he's far from the hero she believes him to be.

But days and nights alone prove that some secrets are meant to be discovered...some desires are too powerful to resist...and some wounds can be healed only by love.

This was a wonderful book that broke my heart. Annalise was just looking for a family and a place to belong. Everyone told her that she handed landed the perfect man. He had looks and money and a title. Everyone pitied the poor shop girl who was crippled from having her leg broke. She had a beautiful soul unlike her husband. Anna couldn't figure out why he married her until he tried to kill her on her wedding night.

Owen rescues her from the river and finds some Gypsies to help heal her. In the process he heals her heart and his. When they run into her husband again Anna is terrified that he will do something to hurt Owen. When she finally reveals all her secrets to Owen will their love be enough to overcome them?