Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom by Vanessa Kelly Series: The Renegade Royals #2
Published by Kensington on 1 April 2014
Genres: Historical Romance, Mystery
Pages: 480
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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Only one woman is worthy of his secrets…
They are the Renegade Royals, illegitimate sons of the Royal Princes, each finding his rightful place in society—and the woman destined to be his perfect match…
Some men are born into scandal. Others pursue it with a passion. Griffin Steele, secret son of the Duke of Cumberland, is guilty on both counts. Yet somehow London’s most notorious scoundrel has been saddled with an abandoned baby boy—and with the unflappable, intriguing spinster summoned to nurse him…
Justine Brightmore may be a viscount’s niece, but she’s also a spy’s daughter, determined to safeguard the infant when his suspected royal parentage makes him a target. Yet how to protect herself from the rakish Griffin? Marriage might shield her reputation, but it can only imperil her heart, especially with a groom intent on delicious seduction…
*I received a free ARC of Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom from Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom is very bold, a great historical romance, with a mystery, reluctant romance, and a very strong and capable heroine.
My Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom review:
Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom is delightful on all counts! There is a very strong female character, Justine, and I really enjoyed Griffin a lot too. He’s giving the whole ton his middle finger, by actually owning and working a brothel, even if everyone knows that he is of royal descent. Most of the ton also owes him money, and so, when someone delivers a baby to his house, he is surprised to say the least!
Justine is intrigued by Griffin, and the whole situation in his household, and she has a keen eye for details, and a strong sense of honor. Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom portrays both Justine and Griffin as honorable, although Griffin is very good at hiding his honor behind his scandalous occupations. There is a sexual tension between the two protagonists from the start of the story, and I loved how they were both trying to resist. Justine because she really didn’t want her name to be associated with Griffin’s and he did not want to cross Dominic, who was acting like an uncle to Justine.
The mystery of the baby, as well as some very aggressive men looking for him seems to be the main part of the story, however, the way Justine is able to look after both that little boy, and the prostitutes who work next door is nothing short of awesome! She even knows how to handle a gun, and this is how her cover is blown, and the ton realizes she’s living in Griffin’s house. Then, more intrigue ensues, and Justine is not happy when Dominic and Griffin both want her to get married to Griffin to avoid scandal.
If you are hungry for a historical romance that has all the lovely tropes, but none of the annoying ones, you should get your hands on Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom at your earliest convenience, sit back and enjoy! I know I’m going to get my hands on the rest of the Renegade Royals as soon as I possibly can!
Some of my favorite Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom quotes:
Justine thought that caring for a mysterious baby for a man like Griffin Steele – in a brothel, no less – might be rather more of an adventure than she cared for.
Although not as tall or as broad as Dominic, Steele conveyed a sense of presence that dominated the room – and considering the riot of colors and textures in the drawing room that was quite a remarkable feat.
As to why he wanted to know more about a bluestocking spinster, he chalked it up to simple curiosity and his need to know everything he could about the people who came into his orbit.
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
I’m so glad you liked it! It was one that I liked as well! 🙂
Yeah, I loved it, Stormi :)The really good historical romances are SO satisfying to read 😀
Thanks for stopping by.
It’s almost a guarantee that I’ll like the book when it has a likable heroine, I’m glad this one has that!
I missed reading books like this, Lexxie. The last historical romances that I’ve read were Judith McNaught’s and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.
I’ll definitely like this one just because Griffin is so interesting. Pretending to be some sort of a rake but he’s actually not. Heavens, that awkward moment where everyone forces the MCs to get married because it was the tradition in the early days.
And I am glad that the heroine did not join our steadily increasing population of Mary Sues. Weeee!
Lovely review, Lexxie!
I love these kinds of stories, Charlotte 🙂 And yes, Griffin is definitely interesting! I have to read more in this series, because I bet the other books are just as much fun and romantic.
She did definitely not increase the population of the Mary Sues, it was a lot of fun to get to know Justine 😀
Thanks for stopping by!
Justine is an awesome heroine, Dea 🙂 And in historical romances, those who act a little more like a woman would nowadays really enchant me.
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Great review. I am hungry for some historical romance and this series sounds right up my alley.
This series, and definitely The Dukes Men by Sabrina Jeffries, Shane 🙂
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Great to hear that this was a delightful read. I like the sound of Griffin.
Griffin was awesome 😀 Very scoundrel-like on the outside!
Thanks for stopping by Brandi.
Grifffin sounds like my kind of guy, and I don’t mind the romance tropes. They are one of the things that keep me coming back for more (when well done, of course)! Fab review!
Oh yes, I love the romance tropes, too, but I enjoy it even more if there’s a little twist that makes it different 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Carmel.
Honestly, I’ve never really read a historical romance like this, but I’m intrigued! 😀 Definitely going to consider giving it a try. Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review Lexxie! <3
Justine sounds like a great character, and has a huge heart! She seems to be putting others first! Fab review Lexie!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom sounds like a lot of fun, Lexxie. I’ve been wanting to pick up an HR lately but haven’t made the time. I know I have several awaiting me on my ereader but I’m thinking I just may have to add this one! 😉 I’m glad Justine is such a strong heroine and I love the sound of Griffin giving the ton his middle finger! LOL Excellent review!! **BIG HUGS** <– I have lots of hugs to make up for! 😉