TO SEDUCE A BRIDE by Nicole Jordan

Nicole Jordan most likely comes to mind for many of you when you think of historical romance. I was fortunate enough to snag TO SEDUCE A BRIDE for Romance Junkies review and am pleased to share that review with you!

A blurb:
Seduction has never been more enticing than in this third novel of Nicole Jordan's enthralling trilogy, The Courtship Wars.
Spirited beauty Lilian Loring believes that love is too risky a venture and marriage is best avoided entirely — even if her unwanted suitor comes as deliciously packaged as Heath Griffin, the Marquess of Claybourne. The charismatic rogue has never had a woman discourage his advances. But after a show of resolve, Lily melts under Heath's sensuous kisses. Indeed, perhaps that is why she decides to hide out in the last place a gentleman would look for a lady: a house of scandalous repute.
In bold pursuit, Heath discovers his enchanting spitfire cheerfully instructing the demimonde in the art of deportment and manners. Now the thrill of the chase is exceeded only by his powerful need to possess Lily as his bride. For Heath, victory in their game of passion means nothing less than winning Lily's elusive heart….

My (4 blue ribbons) review:
Nicole Jordan’s TO SEDUCE A BRIDE gives readers the unforgettable story of a Marquess who is determined to win the heart of a young woman known for her stubborn independence – a spirited chase is guaranteed!

Lily Loring has sworn off marriage, even having witnessed her sisters’ bliss after falling in love and marrying. The youngest of three sisters, she is the most deeply affected by their father’s infidelities and their parents’ miserable marriage. She wants no part of having a man own her in the name of marriage, despite what society dictates as being proper. When Lily realizes that she has caught the eye of Heath Griffin, Marquess of Claybourne, she secretly flees to a boardinghouse run by her scandalous friend, Fanny. What she doesn’t expect is Heath’s immediate pursuit or his determination to court her, not at all put off by her position of teaching proper behavior to the demimonde.
Heath knows the minute he finds Lily Loring in the barn after her sister’s wedding, more than a little foxed on champagne and talking to kittens, that she is different. Lily, with her brilliant mind, her unashamed willingness to use it and her propensity for saying precisely what is on her mind, is stimulating and intriguing and has him more interested than he has ever been in any other woman. When Heath learns of Lily’s determination to remain unmarried, he sets out to change her mind with tender, passionate persuasion. Painful discouragement eventually begins to take the place of hopeful anticipation when it appears that Lily’s stubborn defenses just might be impenetrable.
Nicole Jordan can take readers back in time as few authors can. Characters and settings come to life with lively conversations and lush descriptions. Heath’s patient pursuit of the headstrong Lily leads them on a passion-filled road to romance, fueled by his desire to settle for nothing less than Lily’s heart. While Heath is frustrated by her resistance, it was so well written that her continued hesitation isn’t monotonous or tiresome to the reader. I’ve long thought that Ms. Jordan sets the bar when it comes to historical romance and I maintain that opinion after reading this most recent series by her. I give this book the highest of recommendations for all readers who appreciate excellent historical romance.
You can also find Nicole (and several other extremely talented authors) at The Goddess Blogs - there's always something fun going on over there, so be sure to check it out!
Thanks for stopping!
Laurie