Lyon's Bride: The Chattan Curse

De: Cathy Maxwell

Narrado por: Rosalyn Landor

“Maxwell mixes humor with meticulous characterization to create memorable stories.”
—Publishers Weekly

With Lyon’s Bride, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathy Maxwell kicks off a wonderful historical romance series, The Chattan Curse—concerning a generational bane that ominously portends, “When a Chattan male falls in love, strike his heart with fire from above.” In this sensational marriage of convenience tale with a delightful twist, the so-called “Lord Lyon” is the latest family member cursed to eschew love or die. So he seeks a bride he does not love, only to be smitten by an English duke’s headstrong daughter, who compels him to dangerously tempt fate. Lyon’s Bride is the kind of lush and sensuous love story that will appeal not only to RITA Award nominee Cathy Maxwell’s legion of fans, but to the many devoted readers of Christina Dodd and Victoria Alexander as well.

Suspense and romance

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that there is a mystery/suspense that carries on to the next book. The friendship that develops between the main characters in this book, as well that all sub characters are equally important. The kids in this book are too cute! (reminded me of my son). The plot of the book is unique and yet very familiar. I would give the story a B+. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love Rosalyn Landor's voice in all of the books she has read - she doesn't disappoint.

Good Story - Wonderful Narrator

This is the first installment of the Chattan Curse series by Cathy Maxwell, and I must say, what a marvelous start! This book is *sigh* inducing and oh, so romantic. A great story of second chances and true love conquering all .

Neal Chattan aka Lord Lyon and his family are cursed. The Chattan Curse is to punish and prevent any of them from falling in love. For generations, his ancestors have been attempting to avoid or stop the curse only to wind up with the same fate, death. Lyon's brother and sister have made a pact that the curse will end with them, not continuing with their blood line. But Lyon has other plans.

Widowed with two young sons, Thea Martin has become the town's successful match maker. Lord Lyon requested for her services but with specific requirements. Although Thea was against them, Thea accepts the job as her financial status has gone to a dwindle. The problem is Thea and Neal shared a past that will complicate their business arrangements.

I love second chances at love. Ms. Maxwell has given this couple a chance at a well deserved happiness despite their life struggles.

The world building was great and Ms Maxwell's writing flowed. The character buildup was also good even for the secondary characters. Thea was a great heroine, a kick ass single mom who knew her priorities. And Neal the honorable hero who makes the right decision in the end. I love that their romance was done in good timing and being acquainted in the past, their love only needed to grow. Some parts of this book were totally cliche but every bit as heart warming.

With that, I leave you with a quote:

"No woman had ever completely over powered him with desire. She was quicksilver and light. She was the stars, the moon, the sun. In this moment, she owned his entire being."

Haven't I read this before?

This book did not do it for me. It consists of several literary vehicles I personally don't care for. This book starts with the heroine trying to find a bride for the hero, we have all read this before. The other women who rival her for Lyon's attention are vapid and or catty. Why can't the protagonist persevere without casting the other women in the novel in such an unflattering light. I hate this, it is a tired and somewhat insulting concept and I have no idea why it is used so frequently.

That being said there were parts of this book I did enjoy. Mostly the middle of the novel and the secondary characters, Lyon's sibling and Thea's children. I knew before purchasing this book that it was part of a series but was still shocked by the lack of resolution at the end of the book. I don't want to give anything away but this read more like the first third of a story instead of the first story in a trilogy.

The narration was decent. Ms. Landor has voiced some great books (especially the Julie Garwood books) and has really impressed me in the past. My one issue with her in this book is that one of the characters is SUPPOSED to have an Indian accent. I almost looked forward to his lines so I could try to decipher what kind of accent she was trying for.

Again, this book didn't do it for me. The entire trilogy is highly rated on audible so it may just be me. I purchased this book on sale so that eases the blow a little. I would consider trying another book by this author if it were only $5 but no way would I blow a credit on one!

Excellent!!

What did you love best about Lyon's Bride?

The story between Neal and Tess, of course. This was a well put together storyline. Once again Roslyn did an exceptional job narrating and Cathy did well on this storyline.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lyon's Bride?

For me, when the boys along with the Chattom siblings playing marble! Priceless. Then it was all interrupted by the Dowager Chattom.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in Lyon's room with the ladies and later with him and Tess.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I would have had there not been minor interruptions here and there. I finished it however in a day and some hours.

Any additional comments?

Is there a book 2? I am patiently waiting for it to continue.

What A Roar

What made the experience of listening to Lyon's Bride the most enjoyable?

It made me laugh, it made me cry, it was just a lovely story. I enjoyed it so much I'm downloading book 2.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lyon's Bride?

When he finally hunts her down and tells her he loves her.

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both

Any additional comments?

Great read