DNF at 18%. Too many actions/motivations/plot lines/sentences that made little sense or were exaggerated responses to rather benign situations. The writing itself was not bad, but the author needs to plan through her plot better for greater coherency.

Claire truly believes that she is cursed. It sure does seem that way. She finally has her happily ever after in sight and poof it's gone. Time is what they need to get to know each other, and learn to trust each other. Alex is so caring, for not only Claire, but everyone on his lands. He deeply cares for what is going on around him. How could Claire not fall in love with him.

DNF at page 114. The Bad Luck Bride is the first book in the Cavensham Heiresses series and the first book I've read by this author. Set to publish on May 2, 2017 I've been given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Alexander Hallsworth, Marquess of Pembrooke is seeking revenge against his former best friend whom he believes solely responsible for the suicide f his sister the year before. Alex sets out to not only ruin him financial and buying his vowels, by taking his estates and ultimately by stealing his recent fiance Lady Claire Cavensham who is known by the ton as having the Lady Claire Curse, which causes harm to her fiances leading to no wedding. Four unsuccessful engagements later and she's terrified the curse will never break. They each harbor secrets that will test their relationship through a hasty engagement, wedding and life together. Is their love strong enough to break the curse and lead them towards their happily ever after?

As mentioned I didn't finish the book, it just wasn't going where I had hoped it would. No angst, no witty banter, just a lot of Alex pulling strings to manipulate and his domineering and self interest wasn't appealing. Sometimes that type of character can be pulled off, but for him it just seemed weak and self serving. Lady Claire seemed kind of weak at times and strong at others so I'm mixed with my feelings of her. Unfortunately, historical romances are tricky in sticking with historical accuracy of the times but modern writing style allows for more strength of the female heroine and I would have liked to see more of that here in her case or none at all at first and build her up along her journey to conclude with that at the end, but I'm left confused about who these people are and felt little connection. The author has potential though to be sure, so I'll not write her off just yet.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Bad Luck Bride ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ by Janna MacGregor
(The Cavensham Heiresses #1)

Lady Claire Cavensham believes she carries a curse and she fears it will follow her for the rest of her life. That being said, Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembrooke will not rest until he gets revenge for his sister Alice's death. Alice committed suicide because she could not face her family, and tell them she was pregnant out of wedlock.

Alex believe the father of this child was Lord Paul Barstow one of his best friends. Lord Paul in currently betroth to Lady Claire and Alex wants to destroy Paul and marry Claire himself even though he does not love her. Lord Paul is in tremendous gambling debt and Alex buys up all his vowels and forces him to break his engagement.

As Alex becomes more and more acquainted with Claire he see the women who is very unsure of herself. She has been betroth three times each story sadder than the previous. She believes she carries a curse.

This is truly a heartfelt story of how revenge reveals a fragile person and how revenge turns to friendship and love on both sides. Alex falters quite a few times but rights himself up to prove his worth and love.

I really enjoyed this tale and will continue to follow this author.

Loved this book! I cant wait to read more from this author!
You really felt for the characters (especially Clare) and shes made them so utterly lovable that you cant hep but cheer them on with every sentence you read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

a pretty good read. look forward to more from this author.

This is my first book by Janna MacGregor and I loved her book. I can't for the next book. This is the story of Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembrooke, who want revenge and to get it he has to get Lady Claire Cavensham, to marry him instead. I laugh while reading this book. I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. The characters were likeable and well written, but the conflict between Alex and Claire did feel a little bit draggy. I will definitely look out for the next book, which I imagine will be about Emma and sommerton.

This book had potential but MacGregor's decision to make the characters completely suck at communication for no reason pretty much ruined it for me. I get that the lack of communication/unwillingness to open up was the foil in their relationship but the reasons the characters chose not to speak up when they were given plenty of opportunity just didn't wash and it wasn't very believable.

I had reservations about this book, since the H was very deceptive initially, but I came to like him very much. I really liked the h initially, then became irritated by her as the story progressed, as she became obstinate about her marriage. They were both great characters but each had flaws. Lots of passion. Looking forward to the next in the series! Well written and interesting characters.

A most unlikely duo but so funny together. She has the worst luck and he is not the best man in the beginning but really has a heart of gold.

Not a bad luck book loved it cant wait to read more from this author

I was completely unprepared for how unexpected THE BAD LUCK BRIDE was. Unexpectedly not great. The premise sounds like the best kind of historical romance. And MacGregor included all the usual elements that draw readers into this genre and make them come back for more; including, but not limited to, bets, revenge, childhood trauma, and discovered secrets. But sadly.. none of it worked for me.

The characters lacked substance. The plot was not compelling. Events that should have held weight or emotional gravitas didn't and, instead, felt awkward and forced. And then some characters were just downright confusing and/or hypocritical. I found the flow was almost non-existent and it just didn't seem to have a very authentic 'historical romance' feel. I apply that not only to the intimate scenes, which did nothing for me and also felt laughably unrealistic, but the general flavour of the story and the world.

Normally I'm willing to give most series I start a second (sometimes third, fourth, etc) chance, especially for a debut or new-to-me author of which MacGregor is both, but at this stage I feel fairly hesitant about getting into a repeat of THE BAD LUCK BRIDE. That being said I'm pretty sure I know who the second pairing is so, depending on the synopsis.. maybe.

1.5 stars

I received this from Netgalley/ Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is a new series by a new author to me. I just did not love this. Lady Claire has had bad luck when it comes to men and Alex is a man set on revenge to her latest fiancé. These two come together and have to navigate a marriage to each other. Claire just got on my last nerve and while Alex had some rough motives I liked him way more than her. She was just annoying!!

I really enjoyed the Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor. The characters were fully developed. I loved Claire and Alex. The secondary characters were great. This is definitely an author who I will be reading again

After reading The Bad Luck Bride it's hard to believe this is the authors first published book. Janna MacGregor has given us a polished, intricate and entertaining story.

Our heroine Lady Claire Cavensham is a wonderful character. She has suffered many past traumas, she still has the ability to look on the bright side of life. Claire is by no means perfect, which makes her all the more likable. However, her strength, loyalty, and giving nature warms the heart and makes the reader love her.

Alex, the Marquess of Pembrooke is also a well-developed character. As our hero, he eventually makes the grade. The story begins with all of his actions being driven by revenge. In that respect, Alex was calculating and outright deceptive. He can be forgiven for this lapse as he quickly begins to truly care for Claire. When revenge is no longer Alex's only motivation, he is dashing, caring, and charismatic.

The relationship between Claire and Alex was rushed, but still felt natural and was very enjoyable to read. Their chemistry felt real, their pain honest and their love strong.

It was refreshing to read a novel in which both the H/h are normal people with real problems and faults.

Hopefully, there will be many more books in Janna MacGregor's future for us to enjoy.

The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor is my first book by this author. What a fantastic surprise. Ms MacGregor has penned a well-written book. Her characters are absolutely amazing. If this is Ms MacGregor's debut, I can't wait to see what she gives us going forward. Alex and Claire's book is loaded with drama, action, a bit of suspense and just the right amount of sizzle. The Bad Luck Bride is a fantastic read from start to finish and I look forward to reading more from Janna MacGregor in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

4.5 stars - I've never read anything by Janna MacGregor before this offering, but she can count on me being a devoted follower of her work.

This story is filled with main characters who experience all the joy and disquiet of growing affection, blossoming love and genuine passion. There are also themes of familial love, loss and true friendship.

Lord Pembrooke's love drives him to revenge, trickery and a bit of stalker-like tendencies, but you don't hold any of that against him. His heart is full, grief real and affection for his new wife genuine. Lady Claire has suffered great loss and endured shame that no single lady should have to bear. Yet, she is all that is gracious, loving, and practical. Two people with such loss in their rear view and capacity to love in their hearts deserve a HEA and MacGregor delivers.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4.5 Stars!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lady Claire Cavensham’s bad luck started with the death of her parents in a violent carriage accident when she was a child. It followed her throughout her life and made another lethal appearance with the death of her first fiancee only a month before their wedding. Now on the brink of announcing a betrothal for the fourth time, Lady Claire’s curse appears again when the bridegroom ends the engagement.

Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembroke, believes Lady Claire’s fourth fiancee, Lord Paul, is the reason for his younger sister’s suicide. He will stop at nothing to ruin Lord Paul, including marrying Lady Claire himself. When Alex comforts Claire the night Paul breaks their engagement, they are found in a compromising position and announce they will be wed.

This debut novel from Janna MacGregor is a fantastic ride through a thrilling romance. It has all the best elements needed for success, witty dialogue, heart wrenching backstories, and charismatic characters. Alex is driven by grief, but that grief brings him the greatest gift of all, Claire. Even though I would never approve of the way Alex deceived Claire, it comes from a place of utter devotion. I love Alex’s transformation from grief stricken brother to besotted husband. Claire has her own transformation that is utterly mesmerizing. Her curse is so ingrained in her that it takes an epic event to bring her out of her despair and except the love before her eyes.

This novel ranks high with seasoned romance authors and I am ecstatic to read what is to come in this series. MacGregor has a cavalcade of developed secondary characters, but I’m hoping Claire’s cousin, Emma, is the next lady to find love.

Lady Claire Cavensham is a survivor. Having survived a tragic accident that claimed her parents, and several fiancees to various reasons..not the same but all beginning with the letter d, leading the cattier members of the ton to declare her 'cursed'.
Lord Alexander Hallworth has his own reasons for insisting on marriage, and they are not all that honorable.
But time spent together draws them so very close...but can they overcome the reasons they were thrown together to reach the HEA they could have with a bit of give and take?
You will not regret grabbing this historical romance with mystery, angst,sensuality and some of our baser interactions as humans.
I highly recommend it and will watch for the next book from Ms. MacGregor