Review & Giveaway: Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore

Title: Confessions of an Improper Bride
{Donovan #1}
Author: Jennifer Haymore
Published Date: August 1, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 384, Paperback
Reviewed By: Vanessa :)
Reason for Reading: Blog Tour and Giveaway thanks to Hachette

TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

Vanessa's Review {Yup, I'm writing a review. Please be kind! lol}:
Let me begin by saying that I DO NOT typically read Historical Romance books. I usually find them corny and way to damn cheesy if not raunchy as hell. So needless to say I was VERY pleasantly surprised when I picked this book up and just couldn't put it down! I was totally not expecting to love this book. I know I should have more faith in Jennifer Haymore since Isalys loves her but hey, I've been burned by Historical Romance authors before! I am now pleased to announce that I am a part of her fan club!

Confessions of an Improper Bride is the first book in the Donovan series. The prologue begins with the Donovan twins Serena and Meg, fleeing from England because Serena had ruined her reputation. She had fallen in love with the incredibly handsome Jonathan Dane who publicly denounced her after having had his way with her. While on the ship back home, Meg tries to comfort Serena and you are able to see how much they truly care for one another. Sadly, Meg gets thrown overboard never to return again. Once their mother hears of Meg’s death, she sends an obituary to England claiming that Serena was the one to perish on the ship! The mother, behind Serena’s back, continued corresponding with Meg’s boyfriend, William Langley, and after some time passes they get engaged. Serena, feeling guilty for having shamed her family, felt obligated to abide by her mother's wishes and took on Meg's persona. Six years later, Serena and her younger sister Phoebe are sent to England to introduce Phoebe into society. There, Serena begins her journey as Meg and pretends to love a man {William Langely} who doesn’t even know the real her. To add insult to injury, his best friend happens to be none other than Jonathan Dane himself! Throughout the story she must endure the pain of having to lie to everyone as well as silently suffer the loss of both her sister Meg and Jonathan's betrayal. Her story continually tugs at your heart and you find yourself wishing at least one thing could go right for her.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved Serena’s character. She is strong willed, brave, and is an intelligent woman. I admired her for holding her ground and not giving in to temptation. Even though she was leading a life that wasn’t truly hers, she felt that she was doing what was right for her family and tried to make sure no one got hurt.

I appreciated the love scenes because they weren’t raunchy and disturbingly graphic. Jennifer Haymore took the time to build up the love and lust between the characters and then, when the time was right, they had their sensual moments. I also loved the twist at the end of the book that I did NOT see coming!

Overall I, a non-historical romance lover, thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!

Now onto the Giveaway!

Jennifer Haymore | Facebook | Twitter | Jonathan Dane's Twitter

Giveaway runs from

August 3 -  August10

{3 Copies available}

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

{Important: Please leave a comment on this post stating you filled out the form! Thank you!}

Rules:

• To enter the giveaway you must complete the form (linked above) and leave a comment indicating that you've completed the form.

• Books will be delivered directly from the publishers so the giveaways are only available for U.S. and Canada residents. No P.O. boxes please.

Note: It may take several weeks to receive your prize so please be patient!

• Winners will be drawn soon after the contest ends and posted thereafter.

• Winners will be chosen using random.org!

♥ Feel free to contact Vanessa via email at twerd413[at]gmail[dot]com if you have any questions ♥

Good luck!