The Bashful Bride

Written by Vanessa Riley

Narrated by Jessica Bolte

A friend's newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she's secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family.

Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly—to a woman of good character. And smart, beautiful Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies prove to be a more treacherous stage than either imagined. Infatuation and a mutual love for Shakespeare might not be enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of family and the past.

Each book in the Advertisements for Love series is STANDALONE:
* The Bittersweet Bride
* The Bashful Bride

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781978647671

Vanessa Riley

In addition to being a novelist, Vanessa Riley holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and both a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State. She currently juggles mothering an architect, baking her Trinidadian grandmother’s desserts, hugging her retired military husband, and speaking at women’s and STEM events. You can often find her writing from the comfort of her Georgia porch, tea or latte in hand.

Reviews for The Bashful Bride

[Susie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book. A lot of the reviews said that Esther was somewhat annoying. I do agree. But I also found Bex annoying as well. There was waaaay too much indecision on whether or not they should get/stay married. First she would be call it off, then he would call it off. And for more than half the book. I probably would have liked it more if they expounded on their love for each other and their relationship rather than dwell on the negatives so much. As a Black woman, I don’t much care for period pieces about White men and Black Women because the power dynamics are so disproportionate. But the author championed this dynamic well. The book kept me interested throughout. An enticing read.

[Andrea Author · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

To avoid an arranged marriage, heiress Esther elopes with an actor she’s been crushing on for years. But can these two strangers truly find happiness together?

I liked the instant chemistry between Esther and Bex. It was clear they were well matched. I understood the reasons for Esther to be constantly second guessing her decision. Yet I felt like the societal pressures for her to go through with the ceremony would have overwhelmed them. Nevertheless, this was an entertaining read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[tarenn_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Bashful Bride (Advertisements for Love #2) by Vanessa Riley is an interesting and unique story of secrets, abolitionist, romance and so much more. While, 2nd book in the ADVERTISEMENT FOR LOVE, it can be read as a stand alone. See THE BITTERSWEET BRIDE, book 1.
Well written in Ms. Riley's uniquely thought-out writing style. Based on factual historical events, THE BASHFUL BRIDE, will swept you away into another world. I enjoyed Arthur Bex, a famed actor in London and Ester Croome, a shy heiress' story. Ester and Bex's story is harrowing, dangerous, romantic and challenging. The storyline is unpredictable, intriguing and challenging. Ms. Riley did an amazing job with this incredible, sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.