The Hostage Bride

Prolific Jane Feather launches another lively trilogy, this one set during the English Civil War (mid-17th century) and featuring the first of three misfit girls who pledge their friendship and mutual distrust of men. Portia Worth, a bastard offshoot now dependent on the marquis of Granville for support, is mistaken for Granville's daughter and accidentally abducted by Rufus Decatur, Granville's archenemy and leader of a militia group whose purpose is to support the king against Parliament and avenge the wrong done to Rufus's family years ago. Both outcasts, Portia and Rufus develop a mutual understanding and admiration that blossoms into heartfelt passion. But Rufus's need for revenge puts Portia precariously on the opposite side of a battle he's determined to see through to the death. Readers will love the well-drawn characters, both major and minor; action scenes that move swiftly and vividly; and Portia's humorous plot to vanquish a particularly vile male villain, which may leave readers laughing out loud. An especially appealing tale that's sure to raise anticipation for the next book in the Brides series. --Ellen Edwards