Early Review of You May Kiss the Bride (The Penhallow Dynasty #1) by Lisa Berne

Title: You May Kiss the Bride: The Penhallow Dynasty
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Penhallow Dynasty (Book 1)
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (March 28, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0062451782
ISBN-13: 978-006245178
Author's Website: http://lisaberne.com/
Notes:  I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating. Please note that as I read an ARC, any quotes listed are subject to change, they will need to be checked and verified against the final version.

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"I am afraid that life simply isn't fair. A disagreeable fact, but what can one do?"

Livia Stuart had finally reached her boiling point. After years of being forced to endure visits with The Honorable Miss Orr--and her mother--the Right Honorable Viscountess Glanville she'd had enough of biting her tongue and sitting there like she have a clue as to what they were truly doing. Their visits came under the guise of being charitable, but masked double edged comments which made it quite clear their true reason for coming was to gloat. Just twelve years earlier she would have been considered one of their peers, but the death of her father shortly followed by the death of her mother and grandfather had left her penniless under the care, if one could call it that, of her aunt and uncle. So while she was walking in the woods, trying to collect herself after one such visit, could anyone blame her for what she'd done when a lost gentleman mistook her for a servant girl and she'd lost her temper? She'd sent the man on a wild goose chase that would insure he'd not get to his destination for a very long time.

It was then that she decided to go to the ball the Orrs had generously invited her to because she was quite certain the man she'd just misdirected was Miss Orr's intended. She'd show him and the lot of them that she may be down but she wasn't out. Then she furiously set to work on her gown.

This was a great story that reminded me at the beginning a little of  the relationship between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone With the Wind.' While this story itself is nothing like the classic novel, the animosity and attraction between the two main characters was reminiscent of the golden oldie. Soon thereafter, the book took another turn and reminded me a touch of the story Pygmalion where a woman with very little education is transformed into a lady. Is it any wonder that shortly after picking up this book I found myself hooked? I should say not. *smirk*

Gabriel Penhallow and Livia Stuart are about as different as night and day. He's wealthy, she's poor. He's decided it's time he married while she's in no hurry to shackle herself to some man. He's powerful and one of the most eligible bachelors while she's lowly wallflower. But there's something about the outspoken and unconventional chit that draws Gabriel to Livia. Perhaps it's her lack of interest in him that catches his attention. Perhaps it's the defiant spirit he sees sparkling in the depth of her dark green eyes which declares she won't be cowed when dealing with the ton. Perhaps it's her mischievous machinations which  make him realize life with her would never be boring. Whatever it is he intends to find out.

Livia Stuart is tired of being pitied for he plight in life. She's tired of the ton and their arrogant ways. She's tired of people using her to boost their own self pride and self esteem. In a way, she's furious with the universe, and the card it's dealt her, but most of all she's upset with herself for being affected by it all. One things for sure when Gabriel Penhallow enters her life things will never be the same.

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. It was a fun, seductive, romp of a read wrapped around a wonderful love story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two get to know one another and fall in love. The book was well paced with lively characters who were vibrant and appeared to be three dimensional as they practically leapt off the pages. A wonderful debut for this author and I look forward to reading more of her books. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.