The Brazen Bride
4.5 Stars

Series note: The plot takes place in parallel with books #1 and #2, and much of the backstory is provided therein. This book focuses on the third courier, Major Logan Monteith, and is the best in the series thus far.

Unlike the previous book, which detailed Gareth and Emily's tedious and repetitive journey across North Africa and Europe, the action in this installment begins almost immediately with Logan fighting for his life, losing his memory, and becoming romantically involved with Miss Linnet Trevission.

Linnet is an incredible heroine - strong, intelligent and independent. She is the antithesis of the self-absorbed and irresponsible Emily. Her chemistry with Logan is scorching, and their interactions in the first 1/3 set the tone for the rest of the book.

Logan is an honorable hero with strong principles and is both admiring and respectful of Linnet's needs, desires and accomplishments. Laurens skillfully incorporates his amnesia into the storyline and does not allow it to drag out or cause unnecessary misunderstandings or angst.

The plot in the last 2/3 returns to the ongoing story arc of the nefarious Black Cobra cult, and there are some very interesting developments and hints at a surprising twist to come in the final book - it is strongly suggested that the leader of the Black Cobra is actually a woman. These clues had me returning to the previous books for any evidence, and I look forward to having my suspicions confirmed in the last book.
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Logan Monteith's mission started well but then he was injured by cultists on board a ship and he had to bail out almost drowning himself. He wakes up with amnesia in the house of Linnet Trevission. As he slowly gets to know her and recover his memories he realises that he really has no part in her life while she worries that his status in life would mean she would have to give up hers.
Seanigans ensue with bonus being chased by cultists and Linnet taking no prisoners. I loved her she was a load of fun.
It was a fun read with a very strong female lead who took no prisoners and was powerful in her own right with a male character who respected just that. ( )

Abandoned at page 232.

Notes for Ms. Laurens

The 4th time you use the phrase "the red gold curls at the apex of her thighs" you have used the phrase at least 3 times too many, probably 4.

Breasts don't get engorged and spill over the tops of bodices when a woman is aroused. If that happens to you, seek medical help.

It is not sexy to ask a person to pay for their room and board by having sex with you. It is abuse. That applies when the payor is male or female.

There is no distinction between male and female satisfaction/pleasure/triumph, etc. If a man is feeling it, we know it is male, you don't need to tell us.

"Empurpled" is a word that should never be used to describe genitalia. It should, however, be used to describe your prose.

The villains are Gay? Really? Way to perpetuate the hate!

A secret female pirate? Leading a crew of men in 1822? Now you are just fucking with me. ( )

Didn't like the tying up games. Crossed a line as its not noted anywhere. I could not give it higher than a 3. Continuation of story line is decent. ( )

This book tries to do too much, making the whole somewhat tedious. Prefer her older, lighter romances. ( )