Author: Jane Feather
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication Date: July, 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible
Description: New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather introduces a sizzling new series that moves from the remote wilds of southwest England to the turbulent royal court, when a lovely young woman is forced into marriage to unite two families—and discovers a most unexpected desire...
Headstrong Ariadne Daunt is convinced she loves handsome Gabriel Fawcett, but her grandfather has other plans for her. He decrees that she marry Ivor Chalfont, thus forging a powerful alliance between the two warring families who share ownership of their valley. Given no time to plot an escape, Ari finds herself standing reluctantly at the altar, swearing to honor and obey a man who is not her choice.
Ivor has treasured Ari as a friend ever since he was brought to the valley as a child, but now he feels a man's desires. He longs to take the beautiful young woman to his bed and make their marriage more than an empty vow. Ari may believe she loves another man, but Ivor believes otherwise—and he will not rest until he gains her heart, her trust . . . and her passion.
My Thoughts: Ari and Ivor have been friends since they were children but Ari is not happy when she is ordered by her family to marry Ivor to secure her family’s security and standing with the King. Ari believes she is in love with another man and has no qualms about telling Ivor her heart belongs to another. Ivor accepts his responsibility to the family and marries Ari but believes her feelings will change and he will win her heart.
I found this story very interesting in that Ari is not a virginal maiden. She has given her body and heart to another man; a man she is not married to. Very taboo in this historical setting, as marriages are contracts and the bride’s purity is an important part of the arrangement. I found it interesting that Ivor goes through with the marriage despite knowing Ari has given herself to another and he keeps that secret between them. I really admired that as this story could have had a completely different outcome.
The only real problem I had with this story is with Ari. She is self-centered and selfish in the beginning. She appears to be a little fickle in how quickly she gets over Gabriel and realizes she loves Ivor. I enjoyed watching her squirm a little bit when Gabriel appears in London and she is filled with anxiety how she will address the situation. It is resolved not how I thought it would, but, again, Ivor deserves the credit for doing the right thing. I liked Ari, but she needed to do a lot of growing up and with Ivor, she is well on her way.
My Final Verdict: Though Ari starts off as very immature and headstrong, she develops into a proper noblewoman doing what her family expects of her. I thought Ivor was an excellent character and I liked that he accepts the challenge of marriage to Ari and winning her love and doesn’t look back. Fans of historical romances will enjoy the backdrop of the court of King Charles II.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Trapped At The Altar from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
