Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the Second BOTM of June 2020. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Happy Reading!

The Bride Price by Anne Mallory



Winner take all . . .

Sebastien Deville, the debauched, dangerously handsome illegitimate son of the Duke of Grandien, has waited his whole life for revenge—and suddenly it is there for the taking. A competition sponsored by the ing has all the ton talking. The winner will receive an immense fortune, a newly created title, sponsorship, and a well-born bride—everything Sebastien needs to reclaim his mother's stolen lands and to wield the colossal power itching beneath his fingertips. His victory is all but assured . . . until he meets Caroline.

Caroline Martin knows all about Sebastien, the legendary heartbreaker who leaves women weeping in his wake, and she is determined not to see him win the competition in which he would claim her friend as his bride. Yet sabotage is so very hard to concentrate on when the target's searing glances promise incredible pleasure and his skillful hands vow unimaginable desire. She knows the danger he presents, the temptation he offers, yet she is willing to risk everything for all she holds dear.

But Sebastien Deville will do anything to win . . . and Caroline's heart may become the ultimate prize.

Hmm. The premise seems slightly ridiculous, but it has some good reviews. I might participate in this BOTM read.

I have sent for this book so will be joining in this read.

Jan wrote: "Hmm. The premise seems slightly ridiculous, but it has some good reviews. I might participate in this BOTM read."

I gave it 4.5/5 (rounded up) when I first read it 4 years ago or so. I love this author. Her characters are usually quite strong and the banters are wonderfully witty. I think, I had a slight issue with the ending, but I can't really recall the plot, so I will be joining in this read.

Sounds interesting. I hope I can get a hold of a copy.

Will see if library has this one

Missy wrote: "Sounds interesting. I hope I can get a hold of a copy."

I got mine from ebay

Just read the book any time it's convenient for you this month, and then join in with the discussion on this thread, while reading the book or at the end.
Hope this helps

Welp, I started yesterday and have gotten 21% through. SFSG. I'm part way through Chapter 5.

I do like to try new-to-me authors, but wasn't sure whether I'd actually like this book. But I'm sucked in to it so far, a little (to me) surprisingly.

IMO the central plot device, the game, is pretty ridiculous and unbelievable, and usually that kind of thing puts me right off a book. But I decided to just go with the flow, and accept it for what it is. Kind of like Survivor on TV in a way LOL. I never watch that, mind you, but I'm aware of the concept. Who will pass all of the tests and be the ultimate winner? So on the basis of 'suspending my disbelief', it's quite enjoyable.

Somehow I like Sebastien, in spite of his debauching ways. The bitterness of his life circumstances add quite a bit of interesting light and shade to his character.

I like Caroline too. I was a little surprised to find that (view spoiler)[ she's been married before - to a highly 'unsuitable' man. The fact that she is now admitting to herself she was basically caught up in lust when she married him adds a nice human touch to her. I'm intrigued to find out a little more. What happened with her marriage? What happened to her husband? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I was slightly taken aback by the extent to which Sebastien seduced Caroline on their first meeting - within minutes of meeting each other, they were *ahem* almost doing the deed. Yes. Whew! OK, she told him she was a scullery maid. OK, she gave into lust after a dry spell. But goodness. When they'd just met?? That seemed a bit of a stretch to me. It was a powerful scene, though, and gave some insight into Sebastien with the whole drawing from the heart thing. But I asked myself, why does she keep on drawing? Why doesn't she just hop in her carriage and go.....????

The scene created a nice bit of anticipation for when next they meet. Plainly he will know she's not a scullery maid, but who is she? And she's not too sure of his identity either..... This will be interesting. (hide spoiler)]

What? It’s June already?! I’ll catch up in a few days. Glad you’re enjoying it so far, Jan.

Jultri wrote: "What? It’s June already?! I’ll catch up in a few days. Glad you’re enjoying it so far, Jan."

Ha ha ha. Yeah, I know. What happened to May?

I couldn't believe how quick May flew by.

Finished chapter 3.

I don't know if it's because it's getting late and I need to go to bed, but I just can't get into the book, particularly the dialogue. (view spoiler)[I don't have an artistic eye, so all that art talk (drawing from the heart, like Jan mentioned) completely lost my interest. I had to force myself to get through that scene. (hide spoiler)] Yeah, I think I need to get some sleep before I continue reading this book.

@Jan, I agree that we have to suspend our belief concerning this tournament. (view spoiler)[I also agree that they got intimate way too soon. I think she stayed to sketch some more because she didn't want to fail in her task to the earl. (hide spoiler)]

Is this book a spin-off of another series? Because the duke was once part of the Tipping Seven, which sounds like they could have been heroes from another series.

Just finished Chaper 4. Kind of enjoying but is a push for me. I have to agree Darbella with your spoiler...that was my thought also and I am having trouble getting my belief out of the story thus far.

I decided to join this read because I was intrigued by your comments so I did some impulse shopping on Amazon Kindle though I had promised (myself) that I will stop getting books until I get ahead on my TBR pile. Oh well... I have gone through the first six chapters and it's a bit cookie with some mystery and adventure. I really hate how nobody is giving Sarah the time of day and I really hope she will get a happy life (she's 19, too young for an ending). Caroline is just all over the place. I get that she is a passionate person but still ... Sebastien, on the other hand, I like mainly because he is tormented by his birth and the loss of his mother but instead of becoming a grumpy sod he turns into a funny, passionate, devil-may-care fantasy for unwed debutantes and seasoned widows. I had no problem believing the tournament, in those times morals were only on the surface anyway.

I've read the first 6 chapters now. I still quite like but don't *love* it.

Chapter 6(view spoiler)[I'm not too keen on the way Caroline is trying to wreck the tournament. I guess it adds a twist to the plot line though. (hide spoiler)]

I do agree with others' comments about the shocking suddenness and unlikeliness of Chapter 3(view spoiler)[Caroline allowing Sebastien to touch her so explicitly. Yes, it that scene did feel a little like a not very good CR. I didn't mind the drawing thing though, but I understand your comments, Missy.

I'm not a fan of instalust, though. (hide spoiler)]

In spite of some reservations about certain aspects, I'm going to persist with the book.

Darbella wrote: "Good points Ana. [spoilers removed].
I decided to treat this as an erotica "lite" [spoilers removed]
The author did give me a crumb by [spoilers removed]
I think one of my favorite parts of the st..."

I agree with you, Darbella. I like those 'dear readers' parts too, they remind me of Lady Whistledown in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels. Actually the fact that Sebastian is falling for the older "sister" instead of the one who constitutes the prize also makes me think of Anthony Bridgerton. And yes, that crumb is important as is the fact that (view spoiler)[Sebastian clearly cares a lot about his mother's home so he must have loved her a lot. Any man who has a good relationship with his mother will prove a decent husband eventually, I think. (hide spoiler)]

Ana wrote: "Darbella wrote: "Good points Ana. [spoilers removed].
I decided to treat this as an erotica "lite" [spoilers removed]
The author did give me a crumb by [spoilers removed]
I think one of my favorit..."

@Ana...that's right Lady Whitledown..puts me in rememberance of that book. 😊

I am through Chapter 4... this is certainly a good one for discussion

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[just want to echo my surprise at how quickly the intimacies escalated. It will make this book memorable! I don’t think Caroline’s actions are modern. I think she she was unsuspecting and quickly had her senses overwhelmed. Sebastian is a smooth, bold Casanova. I think he would have a harder time getting away with such behavior in modern day. (hide spoiler)]

Valid comments in your spoiler, Joanna.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am through Chapter 4... this is certainly a good one for discussion

Chapter 3: [spoilers removed]"

I'm at roughly the same stage as you. (view spoiler)[While I'm not usually fond of protagonists acquainting themselves sexually with one another too early, I agree with Joanna, that Caroline was a bit overwhelmed by Sebastian's tactics, muddling her with his critique and interference with her sketching while ambushing her carnally at the same time. As the author wrote, it was a combination of confusion, vexation with his interference and years of suppressing her natural impulses that resulted in her acquiescence. The concept of the tournament is also acceptable to me. Rich, powerful men like to toy with their inferiors. It's a bit like gladiators in a way. (hide spoiler)] Am waiting for Caroline to stand her ground and fight back - both against the earl and Sebastien. I assume she will otherwise I wouldn't have given it 4.5 stars rounded up 4 years ago. I really can't recall the details of the plot. Let's see if it'll stand the test of time.

Jultri wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am through Chapter 4... this is certainly a good one for discussion

Chapter 3: [spoilers removed]"

I'm at roughly the same stage as you. [spoilers removed] Am wait..."

Yes, I am looking forward to the moment that Caroline stands her ground and takes control. I hope we see some of that from Sarah too.

I'm 2/3 way through now. It's a fairly quick and easy read. Have finished Chapter 14.

There are some funny scenes I wasn't expecting. Chapter 9(view spoiler)[ the scene with the trouser mishaps when the tournament members started splitting their pants. It was funny when the guys started to get into the spirit of things and took pride/pleasure in their ripping pants once the initial shock had worn off. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ the scene when the ladies deliberately distract the gentleman by flashing their ankles or more daring parts (hide spoiler)]

I admit to being a little surprised that Chapter 14(view spoiler)[Sebastien and Caroline have not yet done the deed. I assume the author is trying to maintain the sexual tension as long as possible (hide spoiler)]

Although the whole idea the book is based around is slightly preposterous, I'm still enjoying it. Just going with the flow......

I'm glad to see that almost everyone is enjoying the book so far. I hope to get through a few chapters tonight.

Missy wrote: "I'm glad to see that almost everyone is enjoying the book so far."

Yes I think it was a good BOTM choice. With so much else on my tbr, I would not otherwise have read it.

This is a new to me author. I am not sure if it is the writing, my mood, or the characters. I started but not getting into it. The first two chapters introduce the hero and the heroine neatly, but I don't particularly like either of them. Stopped reading in the middle of chapter 3, which is odd for me; but I'm not terribly interested in what happens next. Maybe I'll set aside for a couple days and come back to it.

Mariana wrote: "This is a new to me author. I am not sure if it is the writing, my mood, or the characters. I started but not getting into it. The first two chapters introduce the hero and the heroine nearly, but ..."

It happens, Mariana. I didn't end up finishing last month's BOTM, The Wedding, as I just didn't get drawn in. Never mind. There are plenty of other books out there LOL.

I’m only on ch. 5 but I’m confused... was Caroline part of the ton who fell from grace for love or was she born a common girl?

Mikayla wrote: "I’m only on ch. 5 but I’m confused... was Caroline part of the ton who fell from grace for love or was she born a common girl?"

she is considered "local gentry" rather than part of the ton but there is more to learn about her heritage by the end of the book.

Hi, Mariana. I’m in the same boat. I read six chapters last night (up to Ch. 9) and still couldn’t get into the book. I think I’m going to put this book on hold and hope to return to it some day when I’m curious enough to learn about the results of the contest and romance. See you all in the next BOTM!

Yes, I understand Missy. Hope you have better luck with next month's BOTMs.

Mariana and Missy, sorry this BOTM is a fail for you. I'll be participating in both BOTMs in July so see you then.

It is a bit slow to start and I must say for the first few chapters, I was wondering why on earth I gave it 4.5 stars before because it lacked the tension and witty dialogues of the author's other books. I'm up to chapter 10 and it's definitely picking up (although unlikely to reattain the previous high rating). I'm especially impressed by the taut interplay between Sebastien, the Duke and Benedict. Sebastien is a clever devil no doubt about it and what's more, he is really relishing that role shamelessly. I'm not too keen on his determination to taunt and toy with Caroline. For all her own cleverness, she really doesn't stand much of a chance against his devastating skills of seduction. I feel it's not quite an even match. It's like watching a wolf lick a lamb all the while waiting for the inevitable pounce.

Jan, I enjoyed that scene in chapter 9 also. The bantering is also getting more enjoyable between the leads.

Jan wrote: "Welp, I started yesterday and have gotten 21% through. SFSG. I'm part way through Chapter 5.

I do like to try new-to-me authors, but wasn't sure whether I'd actually like this book. But I'm sucke..."

I agree about chapter three. In fact, it really kind of bothered me that there was so much lack of consent. The hero really came off as a jerk, so he’s going to have to go a long way to redeem himself in my eyes.

Patti wrote: "Jan wrote: "Welp, I started yesterday and have gotten 21% through. SFSG. I'm part way through Chapter 5.

I do like to try new-to-me authors, but wasn't sure whether I'd actually like this book. B..."

Hmm...I actually really loved this book the first time I read it, but this my second time, I am agreeing with you about the lack of consent. His 'seduction' of Caroline has elements of subtle as well as overt blackmailing and sexual harassment which is leaving me feeling uncomfortable at various stages in the book. There are still some good things to like, but I definitely feel that they're unevenly matched and he has the power advantage over her.

I just finished! I liked the book just fine, I wasn’t in love with it though. I feel like it was a bit too predictable to me. I like a few more unexpected twist and turns in my stories. However, I think it was very romantic and charming. I do agree that Sebastian was a bit forceful, but I also feel that if she had said no he would have stopped?... maybe? Honestly I’m just happy Sarah got her happy ending, if only she had a story!

Mikayla wrote: "I just finished! I liked the book just fine, I wasn’t in love with it though. I feel like it was a bit too predictable to me. I like a few more unexpected twist and turns in my stories. However, I ..."

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I finished today too. I must say, it's a bit of a let down for me this 2nd time reading it. I agree, it would have been nice to get more of Sarah's story. (view spoiler)[Caro did say no at one stage and he didn't stop (when he took her in the earl's house in broad daylight at great risk of discovery), although he 'knew' she really meant yes, so I guess that made it okay?! Eh... moving on, it bothered me that he continued to dally with her while intending to still go ahead with marriage to Sarah if he were to win. In fact he proposed to make Caro his mistress and continue their affair after marriage. Neither did anything to safeguard her reputation nor prevent pregnancy. In fact, it seems that it was almost a thrill for him to fool around with her in public areas and not get caught and a big F U to the earl and duke in the process. Except they did get caught, and still he shrugged it off and continued with nary a pause. Caro herself too was a fool for knowing what she knew about him, knowing that he never promised her anything and still risking her everything for a few moments of sexual bliss. Apart from her plotting the sabotages, she really wasn't that clever.

I did love the complicated interactions between the men - the competitors and the Tipping Seven, especially the character growth and change in dynamics between Sebastien, Benedict and the duke. I love the end where Benedict had his own F U moment with the duke. (hide spoiler)]

I haven’t been making good progress on this. Slowly but surely. There are things I like. Sebastian’s dynamic with his family is interesting, but I do agree that the start of the courtship was icky as well as lacking the consent I want to see. It is a bit older of a book though so can go with the flow for it.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I haven’t been making good progress on this. Slowly but surely. There are things I like. Sebastian’s dynamic with his family is interesting, but I do agree that the start of the courtship was icky ..."

Yes, it's probably not something we should be saying in this post-Me Too era, but I agree with you that with older books, I am a bit more lenient with the blurred consent issue and politically incorrectness and insensitivities. I believe books should be judged on the basis of the time during which it was written. Of course, overt criminality (rape, physical violence) is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Darbella wrote: "Jultri, Benedict spoiler [spoilers removed]
Sweety from message 11, did you read the book yet? What did you think of it?
Mikayla, I hope the author does Sarah's story eventually. I also would have ..."

I think the Duke did have his hand in rigging the tournament. I mean, who didn't? That was the fun thing about the book. It was dirty tactics and sabotage mayhem all around. I believe the Duke always favoured Sebastien and was proud of the latter's likeness to him, but he is a manipulative SOB who likes to toy with people just because he can, even if those people are his own sons. He wants Sebastien to earn it. If Sebastien wins the tournament, it is because he has the Duke's blood but if he should lose, it's because he's a worthless bastard.

Finding this book a bit of a slow start. Got to agree bit of a shock in chapter 3. Sabastien and Benedict, should work together to bring down the Duke. (Manipulative Parent) with no time for his son's. No wonder they don't like each other. Caroline come's across as a bit of a meddler. She should concentrate on her own life.
Just starting chapter 9.

I haven't read any for a few days - distracted with other reads LOL. I'm about 2/3 way through and I like it OK but not super hooked. I'm enjoying reading others' thoughts and comments, although I'm avoiding spoilers for the last 1/3.

I like your thinking, Shaz. Sebastien and Ben working together would have been good to see.

Finished my read. Not a bad read, but I think it could have been better. Liked the ending. Where Sabastien and Benedict had the same frame of mind.

I managed to resume and finish. The sex scenes are erotic, but I couldn't really enjoy the story because I didn't like any of the characters. Even ones I wanted to root for like Sarah and William didn't stand up until too late. The ending was too rushed and abrupt to redeem Sebastien or Caroline. Maybe I just don't like the trope as I didn't enjoy either BOTM. It's not so much the wagering on a woman as the lack of character of the hero who would do so. This was my first book by this author, and I do not feel compelled to read more.

I have resumed too after a break, and am now at 80% - part way through Chapter 18. I'm not really feeling it either, Mariana and Shaz. At the moment it's kinda sitting at about 2.5 to 3 stars for me. I do want to finish it though. It's a fairly easy and quick read.

Chapters 15-18(view spoiler)[Finally Sebastien and Caroline have done the actual deed. I was a little surprised at the scene in the garden when Sebastien *ahem* masturbated. I feel as if they should have fully consummated right there and then, or at least gone inside and finished it properly (which they did later).

Now they seem to be having a full blown affair. I'm a little surprised at that too. Part of Sebastien's angst about his life is the fact that he's a bastard. Why isn't he taking more care to avoid having one of his own? I wish his motivations were a little clearer.

The games have resumed again, which kinda has me intrigued. I'm still not sure who will win and which way Sebastien will jump in the end, although one assumes he and Caroline will have their HEA. I'm also still intrigued to find out more about Caroline's background. So the story is retaining my interest to an extent. I'm just not in love with it or the characters, really. Felling a bit lukewarm. (hide spoiler)]

Well, I just finished chapter 7, and I can’t say the book is getting much better. I’m struggling with deciding whether or not I even want to continue. The hero just seems like a predator, and what’s with the heroine and all the sabotage? It just seems immature and annoying.

Jan wrote: "I have resumed too after a break, and am now at 80% - part way through Chapter 18. I'm not really feeling it either, Mariana and Shaz. At the moment it's kinda sitting at about 2.5 to 3 stars for m..."

I agree with all your comments. One minute they do not consummate because he doesn't want to risk a bastard, the next he has completely forgotten any precautions.

Jan wrote: "I have resumed too after a break, and am now at 80% - part way through Chapter 18. I'm not really feeling it either, Mariana and Shaz. At the moment it's kinda sitting at about 2.5 to 3 stars for m..."

Yes, I agree. The competition and the interactions between the competitors and others who have a vested interest in it ended up being far more intriguing than the romance. (view spoiler)[I too could not understand why they both enthusiastically participated in the affair without much consideration for any potential pregnancy, especially with both knowing that he was still determined to win the tournament and marry Sarah. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry ladies, that this one is turning out to be a dud for most of us. I feel bad about this BOTM, because I think I was the one who nominated this book. I have read another of the author's books a few months ago and I really enjoyed the humorous banter, so I'm really disappointed this one does not live up to my previous high impression of it.

Don't feel bad, Julia. It was a good choice in some ways, because it's led to some very interesting discussion. I'm also pleased to have tried another new-to-me author. Actually, I'd rather that than have same old same old books we've already read for BOTMs.

Now that I've finished the book, I can say it wasn't a total dud for me, but I didn't love it either. I went with 2.5 to 3 stars: 'Okay' to 'liked it'. I didn't really feel much for either of the MCs. I also found the hero was a little too sexually aggressive in his advances towards the heroine, especially in their first meeting, for my taste. (Yikes!) I did like some aspects of the book though, and on the whole enjoyed the first half more than the second half.

The wager/game, although slightly ridiculous and unbelievable as a concept, did hold some interest for me. I was actually satisfied by the ending. By this stage I already suspected that (view spoiler)[Caroline was the earl's bastard. I didn't mind that William turned out to be the king's bastard either. It gave the king a more credible reason to be there for the ending of the game, actually. The wording of the final section was a tad unclear, but I think it meant that Sebastien was going to be knighted, so I guess he got his title in the end after all. I did find it a little disingenuous when he had nobly refused all for love prior to that. I guess I just wasn't invested enough in Sebastien and Caroline's relationship to make that believable for me. (hide spoiler)]

So overall, not a bad read, but not wonderful either.

Jan wrote: "Don't feel bad, Julia. It was a good choice in some ways, because it's led to some very interesting discussion. I'm also pleased to have tried another new-to-me author. Actually, I'd rather that th..."

I try to nominate lesser known authors to give them a chance, and although this book is not as good as I remembered, the author is capable of sparking dialogue in her other books. I agree, that the end is a bit redundant and kind of negated his sacrifice (view spoiler)[but on the other hand, he turned down the prize in rejection of his father's manipulations and concept of the whole tournament where he is just a pawn in their game. whereas the knighthood is earned through his own good deed and not because he has danced to anyone's tune. (hide spoiler)]

I finished and enjoyed this book. I actually found it refreshing that the 'rake' actually acted like one. Too many times they reform too early in the book and it defeats the purpose for me. The initial intimacies were a bit surprising but since the heroine was not an innocent and did not in any way protest I suppose it was all right. In a world where there would be a competition for a woman and a title, there could also be indecent fondling on a bench upon a first encounter. All in all, I am glad to have found a new author - I absolutely adore the 'classics' like Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypass and the list could go on an on but it's nice to also have some variety.