Once Upon a Wedding Night Reviews

• Wonderful New Historical Romance!

  
  By A1GV0VDD7A6TVH on 2006-07-31
  In ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT Sophie Jordan has created a regency romance that takes us beyond the rarified world of the ton in the story of two passionate people who have promised themselves never to love again.
  Lady Meredith Brookshire finds herself a widow without ever truly having been a wife. She has an elderly aunt, a father suffering from dementia and a motley household of servants who depend on her. And they all may be destitute once the new earl, her husband's mysterious half brother, arrives. Her aunt convinces her that the only answer to their dilemma is for Meredith to pretend she's pregnant, an ironic situation given that her husband rejected her on their wedding night seven year ago without consummating the marriage. In nine months they plan to find a boy baby and their futures will be safe.
  Nick Caulfield doesn't want to be an earl. He hated the father who turned his mother and Nick into the streets to fend for themselves. Nick has become rich as the owner of a gaming hell but he'll never forget that his mother died in poverty. When he arrives at the family estate, he's delighted to find that his brother's widow is expecting, thus relieving him of a title and responsibilities he doesn't want. But his sister-in-law is not what he expected and he's both drawn to her and protective of her and her unborn child.
  Meredith had been prepared to dislike her husband's half brother who she expected to be as cold and cruel as the late earl. Instead she finds a kind, generous, incredibly attractive man who inadvertently gives her a glimpse of the pain inflicted on him by his father. She begins to feel guilty for deceiving him but she's in her lie too deep to back out.
  When Nick demands that she find a husband before the end of the London season, he soon realizes that, although he doesn't trust her, he wants her in his own bed. Meredith is ready to enter into a loveless marriage, but first she longs to explore the passion she feels whenever she's with Nick.
  ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT is a very satisfying story with richly developed characters and a well paced plot. Meredith and Nick both face real world practical problems which force them to make difficult decisions that challenge their sense of morality. Their attraction to each other is irresistible but the obstacles to their relationship go beyond pride and ego to deep seeded hurts that they both must be willing to face. The secondary characters are especially well drawn, enriching the story by providing interesting contrasts to the hero and heroine and occasionally a bit of humor. I think historical romance fans will be thoroughly delighted by Sophie Jordan's debut novel.
  
  
  

• Brilliant Debut - and note as correction to MaryGrace Meloche's review

  
  By AV99MFUW9H9DX on 2006-08-01
  Once Upon a Wedding Night is a brilliant debut for Sophie Jordan. The characters are vibrant, the plot wonderful and the entire book a page turner. I suggest this book to anyone looking for a new historical and fresh voice!
  
  As a note of rebuttal to comments made by MaryGrace Meloche, I strongly suggest that Ms. Meloche open her copy of OUAWN and read the date at the start of chapter one - the story begins in 1835 - the very year of the Marriage Act she noted. So, research speaking, Sophie Jordan DID NOT miss a beat - her story is plausible and very true to the times. There are documented cases (I know from doing my own geneaology research of husband's family) that brother in laws married the widows of their siblings - esp. in the case of this book's characters (which I remind you is a FICTIONAL work) where the widow had no children from the previous marriage.
  
  So, I must say that reviewers should really consider their words carefully and the critism even more so- don't ax away at a book's flaws unless you know the facts!
  
  Everyone Please don't miss this one!
  
  

• I found it delightful.

  
  By A33J2VWP9HXDU9 on 2006-12-18
  I found this novel to be delightful. I wondered at the title until I realized that the entire story hinged on what didn't happen on one particular wedding night.
  
  Lady Meredith Brookshire did stoop to deceipt in order to maintain her home and a way to care for her relatives and servants but at least she did have an outstanding motive. Some reviewers have criticized her for agreeing to the deception but I really don't know what else she could have done in the short time available to come up with a solution. I did get a tad irritated with her for never fully explaining to Nicholas just why she had come up with this scheme. At the points in the story where a full explanation would have cleared up a lot of problems she remained silent. Also, their passion was a fiery thing but I really would have liked to have seen their first sexual encounter take place some other time and place. She wasn't depicted as a brazen hussy but boy, she never said "No". The scene on the side of the road was also bothersome for me. Meredith just didn't seem to be the type of person who would act so impulsively and rashly in public. Maybe Ms Jordan will allow her characters in her next book to be a lot more "private".
  
  Nicholas Caulfield was a man with a streak of resentment and suspicion a mile wide. He had to react to Meredith in the way he did, disbelieving almost everything she said, because that is the way he dealt with everyone. In his mind trusting someone was the same as being used by them as a fool. He believed that she was pregnant and even wanted to do something to make life easier for her and even provide medical care for her. Then to find out he had softened toward her and once again allowed himself to be duped came as a huge disappointment. He was a hard man but the author wanted him to be that way and it made it all the sweeter when he finally capitulated and acknowleged his love for Meredith.
  
  As a debut novel I found it superb. As a 50th novel I would have found it superb. I just loved the character of Portia. Hopefully there will be a book for her and we will all get to catch up with Nicholas and Meredith at that time.
  
  

• Good style, unlikeable characters

  
  By A3FG0FQHNV2UP2 on 2006-08-25
  I would consider reading something else from Sophie Jordan, she writes with an easy tone and well paced dialouge, but Once Upon A Wedding Night held just about everything I don't like in a romance. The heroine feels entitled to commit fraud because she made a bad marriage. The hero is needlessly violent in the last section of the book, and really treats her with a fair amount of contempt. I shared that contempt, so I can't blame him. It's got your gay villians (lots of talk about 'natural desires' and 'normal' men.) It's disjointed - too many elements working at once and no real emotional connection to the heroine for me. I kinda wanted to see her jailed, him alone for life and Portia, a minor character, suddenly emerge as the center of the book.
  
  

• who's checking facts?

  
  By A2Q8D3A81P002J on 2006-09-01
  I haven't even finished this book yet and I had to complain about it. I have found the historical inaccuracies so distracting that I can't enjoy my reading.
  First off, they would automatically wait a period of time to make sure Meredith was or was not pregnant before starting any title transfer. Secondly, there exists a spot or two of trouble with forms of address (ex. Meredith would never be called Lady Meredith because she was not born to a title). Also, Sophie Jordan skipped over many important aspects of the time with the explanation that the hero didn't care about social niceties. How did these people who grew up on the street or lived sequestered in the country learn the most popular dances? I feel like it was supposed to be a regency and she placed the book a bit later just so she wouldn't have to include historical details.
  The largest two problems, however, are that she has a man marry a foreign opera singer and then DIVORCE her for supposed infidelity - yeah, that would have been so rare that I believe a bit of supporting storyline was in store. BUT the largest distraction so far is that I keep saying to myself, "they can't ever get married!" You may wonder why, so here's a further explanation...
  
  Information borrowed: "By affininity or alliance he may not marry: his stepmother (father's wife), aunt (uncle's wife), stepsister (father's wife's daughter, but no mention of mother's husband's daughter), sister-in-law (brother's wife or wife's sister), daughter-in-law (son's wife), step-daughter (wife's daughter), or the daughter or his step-son or -daughter.
  As for women, by kindred and consanguinity, she may not marry: her father, blood uncle, brother, son, or grandson. by affinity or alliance she may not marry her: stepfather, aunt's husband, sister's husband, brother-in-law, or son of her stepchildren."
  
  I mean, technically since she never had carnal knowledge with the brother, a marriage would stick, but other people wouldn't know that. *sigh* i guess i will still finish the book now though.
  
  
• 2 ½ stars...new author with nice writing style, but storyline did not appeal to me
  By A14GEA3EZCYCRK on 2006-07-31
  Recently widowed Lady Meredith Brookshire pretends to be pregnant by her late husband, the earl, so that she and her dependent relatives will not become destitute. When her time comes, she plans to secretly find an orphaned baby and make him her son. He will inherit the earldom and she can retain her home and income. Nick Caulfield, her husband's half-brother whom she has never met, would otherwise become earl. Meredith does not care if she cheats Nick out of his inheritance, because she assumes Nick is just as selfish and self-centered as her late husband, who abandoned her on her wedding night seven years ago - without consummating their marriage - and made no provision for her upon his death. Nick comes to meet Meredith, and she sees that she is wrong about him. He is kind and generous - and very attractive. He finds Meredith attractive as well, and they share a few passionate moments. However, she does not tell him the truth about the baby. When a tip causes him to suspect her duplicity, his growing tenderness towards her turns to anger, and their rollercoaster of a relationship is set in motion.
  
  I liked this author's comfortable style of writing and enjoyed much of the dialogue. Yet a good deal of the storyline did not appeal to me. I found it difficult to connect with a heroine who continued to lie and attempt to defraud the rightful heir to the earldom, even after she knew that he was an honorable man who would never leave her destitute. As the story moved beyond this event, however, her character was perfectly fine. I also had difficulty with the excessive number of times (at least seven!) that Nick immediately pulled back and rejected Meredith after totally losing himself in her arms. Although some resistance is expected in a romance, this was too much for me. It made for frustrating reading and reduced Nick's appeal. Nick otherwise had a lot going for him, and I liked his rags-to-riches background. I would read this author again because there is much to like here - I will just hope for a more satisfying storyline.
  
  
• Once Upon a Wedding Night
  By A3KICCFMVPMEYX on 2006-09-02
  What a fabulous debut from a new author! I loved the heroine who felt so much responsibility for her family that she fell into a trap and had to work her way out. Great Story, very compelling, believable characters, and pure entertainment. Can't wait for the next book from this talented author.
  
  
• Once Upon A Wedding Night
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2007-02-16
  Lady Meredith Brookshire lives with her aunt and ailing father at Oak Run. Her negligent husband Edmund died leaving Meredith with nothing. Edmund's half brother Nicholas Caulfield has been located and should be taking over as the new Lord Brookshire. Meredith assumes Lord Nicholas will kick her and her family off the estate so she hatches a plan to trick him into letting her stay.
  
  Nick wants nothing to do with his familial estate or becoming Lord Brookshire. He despised his father and Edmund. His arrival at Oak Run throws Meredith's emotions in turmoil. She expected Nick to be as cold and uncaring as Edmund but he appears to be neither.
  
  The charade is up when Nick discovers Meredith's deceit. Nick decides to marry her off, but he quickly realizes that thoughts of Meredith with another man disturb him. He has no choice though, because he refuses to risk his heart.
  
  One Upon A Wedding Night is a creatively written story. The plot twists kept me guessing and the angst had me constantly on edge. Nick and Meredith are both haunted by their pasts, but they find something very special in each other's arms. I adore them both. I wanted to throttle Nick for being so stubborn at times though, and yet, he managed to enthrall me and keep me rooting for him throughout the story. One Upon A Wedding Night is a wonderful, passionate romance.
  
  Nannette
  Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
• A divine debut! Sparkling with wit and romance
  By A36BT81TVU7M6K on 2006-07-26
  Lady Meredith Brookshire may be a virgin, but she's no shrinking violet. Married to a neglectful husband for seven years, she's now a widow who knows exactly what she wants and precisely what she doesn't--a man. The rightful heir to the Earl of Brookshire will likely send her packing, and a new husband will either keep her under his thumb or break her heart and hurt her pride just as surely as the last. The only male she is willing to welcome is a babe, who will eventually grow to become the rightful heir of Brookshire. The only trouble is that she's not pregnant. And so begins her deception. As a small boy, Nick Caulfield was banished from Oak Run with his mother, and he has lived a hard life on London streets, far from the privileged ballrooms of the ton. Nick has no use for his old life or the vagaries of fate that have made him an earl, and he is content that Meredith's child should inherit. His feelings for Meredith are somewhat more tumultuous: he is determined to dislike her simply for her connection to the family that abandoned him, and yet he can't help but grudgingly admire her. The emotional tug-of-war is driving him crazy, prompting his efforts to crack her composure just as thoroughly as she's cracked his. When Meredith's deception is revealed, Nick is furious, but he agrees to provide her with a Season so that she can find another husband and he will be free to relinquish guardianship. Two strong and stubborn wills immediately collide on subjects as varied as hair dye and acceptable flirtation techniques. And all the while, the pair can't keep their hands off each other. Meredith is discovering her own lust for a man she dislikes with a vengeance, and Nick sees in her a fiery, passionate nature that sparks his ire as easily as his desire. So as Meredith attempts to snare a husband before the Season's end, desperate to rid herself of Nick's oppressive and distractingly sexy presence, Nick conspires to thwart her at every turn, even going so far as to compromise her and then confess the deed during a suitor's proposal of marriage. Society's rules may compel them to marry, but in order for the match to be anything more than a scandal avoidance technique (with occasional bedroom visitations), the two must look to the future instead of the past, swallowing pride and squelching prejudice in order to find true love. In her eloquently penned debut, Sophie Jordan adds another level to Regency romance. This is not simply a story of a lady who must find a husband. It is a tender portrayal of two wounded individuals whose lives become more intricately woven with each meeting. The writing style is confident and sure, the prose, lush and seductive, and the dialogue, peppered with wit. Once Upon A Wedding Night is a divine debut, and Sophie Jordan is a wonderful discovery.
  
  
  
• A Sparkling Emotional Read
  By A2O4FDIUJTA8B1 on 2006-07-31
  Wow! This is one terrific romance that will appeal to every reader. If you love the darker, more emotional books you will absolutely love Once Upon A Wedding Night. Even if you usually prefer the lighter books--like me--this one will have you hooked from the start. It's like a secret baby book with no baby and a deliciously dark hero you'll want to step off of the page and into your arms. You will fall in love with all of the characters and be cheering for the happy ending you fear might never come. I can't wait for more from Sophie Jordan. She is a sure thing for my keeper shelf.
  
  
• A Great start for a debut author....
  By A3E6IXJJ8V4K65 on 2006-08-10
  Once Upon a Wedding Night tells the story of Lady Meredith Brookshire who has been left husbandless and penniless by her late husband. Her dead husbands brother, Nick Caulfield becomes the new earl and comes to claim Oak Run estate for himself. To keep from being thrown out Meredith tricks Nick into thinking that she is pregnant w/ her late husbands child. But Nick soon discovers her lies and decides its best to marry her off to be rid of her for good, but Nick can't stand Meredith being married to anyone but him. Meredith and Nick have such a 'hate to love' relationship throughout the entire book until the last page. The whole 'fight and make up' behavior gets kinda frustrating. Also, its alittle weird that a man marries his dead brothers wife-one review mentioned that it was imorally/illegal/socially unexcepted back then. I found the ending to be unsatisfying-the book ends w/ Nick finally admitting that he loves Meredith and it just ends abruptly. The ending would have been more satisfactory if it had an epilogue. Overall, 3 1/2 stars, B+!
  
  
• A great afternoon read....
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2006-10-29
  Once Upon a Wedding Night by Sophie Jordan is solid character romance novel. The title does nothing to lead the reader. This novel starts with Meredith mourning her husband and concerned about the new Earl. Meredith is concerned that she will be out the streets so she fakes a pregnancy but everything falls apart. I like how this author gave the character time to fall in love.
  
  
  
• Romance!
  By A10HPE8XQI1KCM on 2006-10-19
  I really loved this story! Ms. Jordan isn't afraid to write passion and emotion, and did so deftly here. Other reviewers have mentioned having difficulty with the heroine's lies, but truly -- while reading ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT I was able to immerse in the (fictional) story, to feel the true desperation of the heroine, and why she might do anything to preserve the wellbeing of the people she loved. I'm so looking forward to Ms. Jordan's next release.
  
  
• 2 for 2
  By AW24ODXPY9CMI on 2007-08-17
  This author is two for two. I read her other book, Too Wicked to Tame, and then this one. I loved TWTT and was afraid Once Upon a Wedding Night wouldn't be as good. To my surprise, I liked it as much, if not better than the previous book. Sophie Jordan writes very likable characters put in some steamy situations. Honestly, some of the smallest sentences, or just a few words actually, spoken by Nick to Meredith and I'm fanning myself. I just loved the dialogue, the secondary characters were charming and, at times, funny, and I liked the story.
  Another reviewer of this book questioned whether the author checked her facts. I'm sorry, but this is fiction--romantic fiction. As long as authors don't have their characters doing something totally off, like reading a book that hadn't been published until 75 years later or referring to real people who weren't around at a particular time, I don't really care if all the facts aren't completely accurate. So what if Nick couldn't have married Meredith. The kind of marriage she had certainly justified him being free to marry her and didn't lessen my enjoyment of this story.
  As I said, it's romantic fiction. Does anyone really believe that every duke, earl, and viscount to be found in Regency England was 6'2", had a gorgeous face, and a physique not to be believed? I don't think so. Sometimes, a little inaccuracy isn't a bad thing.
  
  
• fine historical romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2006-07-25
  In 1835 healthy Lord Edward Brookshire suddenly dies at thirty-five years old leaving his widow Meredith legally with nothing. His solicitors inform Meredith and her Aunt Eleanor that there is no living heir so she will own everything. That changes when the solicitors doing the legal requirement find that Edward's half-brother Nicholas Caulfield lives and is coming to claim his title and the Oak Run estate.
  
  Meredith assumes that Nicholas sharing the same blood as Edward would prove uncharitable towards her increasingly unstable dad, her aunt, the few remaining loyal servants and herself. She and Eleanor decide to fake a pregnancy leading to an infant boy to claim as the heir which is ironic since Meredith remains a virgin after seven years of marriage to an absentee spouse. When Nick arrives, he immediately distrusts everyone especially the widow as he has returned home where he and his mother were once tossed out. As the enemy combatants skirmish they fall in love, but who will swallow their pride and take a chance with the truth that beats inside each heart?
  
  This delightful debut is a fine historical romance starring a desperate heroine and a not so likable male lead. Interestingly it is Nick whose arrogance and nastiness provides a freshness to an otherwise somewhat by the book tale as he has a reason to hate the villagers and distrust the widow. As he begins to admire Meredith for caring about others and soon falls in love with her, she feels like a traitor as she shares his deepest feelings especially when she observes a different side to him when it comes to the downtrodden and helpless. Sub-genre fans will look forward to more works by Sophie Jordan, who provides a strong opening act.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• Great Debut Novel, Although Jordan's Research Slipped!
  By A1NY28967H5TIQ on 2006-07-26
  Sophie Jordan's debut romance, for the Avon Publishing House, is humorous, enjoyable, and definitely a page-turner. Although, ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT is strongly recommended, there ARE issues with consanguinity and the English marriage act!
  
  The new Earl of Brookshire was coming home, to Oak Run, and his sudden appearance forced Meredith Brookshire to recall her ill-fated wedding night. "I only married you to appease my father." After seven years, the ugly words still stung. Would her late husband's brother be as selfish and cruel? Although, she hovered on the brink of scandal, a fraudulent pregnancy could keep Meredith at Oak Run.
  
  Now the farce would truly begin! When had her life become so complicated? Nicholas Caulfield, the new Earl of Brookshire, was a most delectable man. He was also dangerous, high-handed, and he attracted Meredith!
  
  In his past, Nicholas Caulfield had committed unspeakable deeds - stealing, double-dealing, even murder - and he did not care, for he was dead inside. His uncaring father had seen to that. When his sire grew tired of his opera-singer, foreign wife, he had cast them aside! Life's cruel lessons had taught Nicholas well! He certainly could do without love, for love made a person weak and vulnerable!
  
  The lady was off limits. Meredith was the woman Nicholas Caulfield would never have. Attractive or not, Nicholas would not risk touching the little viper. Meredith was a deceiver, a liar, and her false pregnancy had made a fool out of him. He would not give into the lust she inspired. Yet, she was driving him mad - mad with desire. Still, she had defrauded him and he would see she got what she deserved. He would see her married - married to the right husband!
  
  Comments:
  With a very smooth writing style, Sophie Jordan's work is easy to read and easy to enjoy. The author's humor glows, making this read a most enjoyable sensual adventure from beginning to end. Definitely, Ms. Jordan's next book will be on my "Check it Out" list.
  
  However, ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT has a glaring problem! The first page indicates the year is 1835. Yet, in the blurb on the back cover, it states ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT is a Regency-set historical. The Regency era ran from approximately 1811-1820 . . . either or . . . marrying your brother's widow . . . no, no, no . . . not a good idea!
  
  ***** Regency England Consanguinity - Ecclesiastical Law.
  By kindred or consanguinity a man may not marry his brother's wife. The prohibition on marrying your brother's wife comes from an Old Testament text: "If a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an impurity: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless." (Leviticus xx.21.) The medieval church interpreted it to mean that people could not marry their deceased spouse's sibling. Up until, The Marriage Act of 1835, these marriages were considered voidable (meaning either party could use the relationship as a reason to annul the marriage - or indeed anyone else might do so if they felt so moved)!
  Grade: B
  
  MaryGrace Meloche.
  Reviewed for Romance Designs.
  This review is based on an Advanced Reading Copy.
  
  
  
• Fabulous
  By A2WK5LHPW0AC7O on 2007-03-28
  This book was FABULOUS!!!!
  I read alot of romances and this is up there with a "Night in shining armor" and "son of the morning".
  
  
• A Fast Paced Read
  By A372SXD2GFW91V on 2007-07-21
  From the very first page I was hooked. This book is a real page turner and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
  
  
• Good Read
  By A3SHGW1CFQBH1U on 2007-08-24
  My one major complaint...I read Too Wicked to Tame first. I liked that book so much I grabbed this one and wasn't too disappointed, just peeved that one of the secondary roles in this book was from TWTT. I am giving this a four only because it was not as good of a read as TWTT. The characters were just a bit too much, but I did enjoy it and I WASN'T disappointed (other then the aforementioned). Otherwise, I recomend this book to someone who doesn't focus on historical legalize. A bit of advice for those that focus on historical facts/legalize...if you're going to let this ruin your Historical Romance reading...stop reading Historical Romance NOW! All of it! Otherwise, just read it for what it is and ENJOY!
  
  
• Emotionally draining
  By AOHBPJI6VVSUB on 2008-08-06
  While it wasn't a terrible read it was quite draining to read. The constant battle between Nick and Merideth was too much. Although M lied to N in the beginning N took it to another level with all his insults(in front of others too, which makes him a big jerk in my book). I wanted to see another side to N other than the violent, angry, possesive side but there never seemed to be any moments of tenderness, no moments of understanding and getting to know one another. Toward the end of the book M chases N, he uses her in the middle of a dirt road and leaves her begging and crying. After that I would have woken up and realized this guy was not a winner and has issues and it was time to runaway or at least give him a dose of his own medicine. Then all the sudden he does a 180 and is sweet and loving and none to apologetic for all he put her through and she just accepted it. The end? That was so forced.
  
  

• Too Wicked to Tame
• One Night with You
• Three Nights of Sin
• And Then He Kissed Her
• The Raven Prince