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Wed By Proxy

Book 1 in the series:Brides of Karadok

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you like fantasy romance set in a medieval-inspired kingdom, "Wed By Proxy" delivers an angsty arranged marriage story with a stubborn, grumpy hero and a heroine determined to reclaim her life (and her marriage). There are plenty of wintery, cozy vibes, political intrigue, and Coldbreath's signature mix of sweet moments and snappy banter. Mathilde's growth from sheltered to bold, independent woman is a highlight, and fans of slow-burn romance and delicious grovels will find a lot to love. Great for readers who enjoy a world full of interconnected characters, detailed settings, and stories where love means undoing a lot of misunderstandings.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the hero frustratingly oblivious, the central conflict dragged-out, and the couple spends substantial time apart, which isn't ideal for those who like close romantic development. If you're looking for a tightly plotted narrative, passionate chemistry throughout, or dislike big misunderstandings that could be solved with a conversation, this one might test your patience. Plus, the writing style and pacing don't work for everyone - if you prefer fast-moving plots and lots of steam, you might want to skip it.

A cozy, character-driven medieval fantasy romance with strong heroine growth and lots of romantic angst - great for fans of slow-burn tension and groveling heroes, less so for those who dislike miscommunication tropes or want rapid-fire plots.

About:

In "Wed By Proxy" by Alice Coldbreath, Mathilde, a sheltered and timid young woman, embarks on a journey to meet her husband, Lord Martindale, whom she has never met. However, upon arriving, she is mistaken for a spy by her husband, who is initially reluctant to believe her identity. Despite the misunderstandings and miscommunications, a complex relationship develops between Mathilde and Lord Martindale, filled with attraction, deception, and hidden secrets. The book portrays a historical medieval setting with elements of mystery, romance, and character growth, all intertwined within a plot that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the true intentions of the characters.

The writing style of Alice Coldbreath in "Wed By Proxy" is described as entertaining, hard to put down, and free from lengthy, flowery descriptions. The book offers a mix of humor, sweetness, and sadness, presenting a story that is both light and engaging, with believable characters and responses. While the plot may have some flaws, such as lengthy sections and a rushed ending, the book still manages to deliver an enjoyable read that captivates readers with its character dynamics and historical romance elements.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic, featuring a naive FMC seeking independence and a grumpy MMC wrestling with trust issues.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is light and humorous, characterized by misunderstandings and a blend of romance with fantasy elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a proxy marriage and the complexities that arise when the couple finally meets, involving disguises and misconceptions.

Setting:

The setting involves a fictional medieval kingdom that incorporates elements of historical Britain along with fantasy.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with slow build-ups in character relationships and prolonged misunderstandings that may frustrate readers.
This is a work of fiction and any names, characters, events or organisations are either a product of my imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coinciden...

Notes:

The main character, Mathilde, dresses as a boy to escape her controlling mother and seek out her husband whom she has never met.
The book features a marriage of convenience that occurs by proxy, meaning the couple has never actually met until the story begins.
The male lead, Guy, is initially suspicious of Mathilde, thinking she may be an imposter or a spy from his real wife.
Mathilde's journey is about gaining independence and asserting herself after being controlled in her previous relationships.
The setting is a fictional medieval world, resembling England and Scotland without magical elements.
The story includes themes of misunderstanding and miscommunication, leading to a prolonged conflict between the leads.
Several reviewers found the male lead, Guy, to be frustratingly oblivious, leading to unnecessary tension in the romance.
Mathilde is portrayed as eager and curious about her sexuality, which is somewhat progressive compared to other historical romances.
There are frequent mentions of emotional abuse in the heroine's background, which adds depth to her character.
The book has been described as having a light, humorous tone despite its serious themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include emotional abuse from a parent and themes of manipulation and mistrust in relationships.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central theme, with significant emotional and physical interactions between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

Thrice wedded, but never bedded, Mathilde Martindale has long lived in the shadow of her indomitable mother, and meekly done as she was told. Until one day she decides to become mistress of her own destiny and leave the royal court to find her own path.

Married by proxy, Lord Martindale has never even met his bride of three years. Wed as part of a peace treaty, he bitterly resents the mercenary wife who cares only for wealth and prestige. And then he meets her...

Wed By Proxy is a stand-alone novel of over 111,000 words and is set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes. more

July 2019
293 pages

Ratings (22)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (48):

Read It (24)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (18)
Not Interested (4)
 
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