And it was a competition. She was competing with Charlotte, saving her from Tristan breaking her heart before he actually does just that. To protect Charlotte from the snake, she pretends her interest in being a duchess.
Gabriel, Tristan's older brother, and one who arranged the competition, could not take his gaze off of a young woman who was clearly and cleverly running from the messenger, who was fully intent on hand-delivering her invitation to the event. Surely she was playing hard to be caught. What woman alive would dare turn away the chance to live in fine comfort, be at the top of society, and want not for a thing?
Madelyn thought she was one step ahead of everyone. She was going to save her best friend Charlotte from pure heartache, what she didn't account for was her very own heart deceiving her. She was falling in love with Gabriel. How could that be, when she detested just about all that he stood for with this crazy bride scheme?
Gabriel needed to find out about Madelyn, why she was there, pretending to take a liking to Tristan, when she hated the thought of the entire function. Was she spying on his family? Was her plan to act like she wasn't interested in order to catch Tristan's attention quicker, cinching the competition?
Madelyn surely could not be falling in love with Gabriel, could she? After all, she was on a mission to save her friend, not try to win the competition, or falling for Gabriel. When Madelyn and Gabriel are in the same area, the magnetism is felt instantly, leaping off of the pages, and you can't help but want to root for them to let down their guards and allow their hearts to lead them to love.
AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL was a fantastic read, one that I can't recommend enough! Please go out and grab a copy for yourself as soon as possible. If you're looking for an honest to goodness feel good all over love story, AT THE BRIDAL HUNT BALL is just the one! This is Ms. Parker's debut book, and she's on my auto buy list from here on out!
