The Bachelor and the Bride

About the Book:

Title: The Bachelor and the Bride
Series: The Dread Penny Society #4
Author: Sarah M Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: September 6th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he’ll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London’s criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma’s life might now save Barnabus―and his lonely heart.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they’ll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

Book Review:

Okay, so this was just so good! And I need the next book right now! The Bachelor and the Bride is the fourth book in Sarah M Eden’s Penny Dreadfuls Series! I was super excited for this book and it did not disappoint. This was such a fun book especially because it had a marriage of convenience! I love these kinds of stories, and the romance was so sweet. 

Dr. Barnabas Milligan was the bachelor of the group, content to be by himself but little was it known to his friends that he had a wife. It was so interesting to read about him. He had so many layers hidden behind his walls and facade. I loved him from the beginning. He cared greatly for those who were hurting. He wanted to help create a better world especially for the women who were forced into jobs. However, he was also scared of losing those he loved so he closed himself off. Baz will have to learn how to let Gemma in and allow her to bring light into his life. 

Gemma Kincaid married Baz to save herself from her family. But she lost her heart along the way. Gemma was used to the shadows, to be ignored, but she couldn’t handle that from Baz. Oh, I loved Gemma. She was so full of life and joy. She had not had an easy life but she strived to look to the light. It was lovely to read about her and get to know her. She had to learn to open her heart back to Baz. Gemma had to learn to trust that Baz was different from those who had left her and led her astray. 

Gemma and Baz were a fun couple. I just really enjoyed reading about them falling in love and connecting again. I liked their easy banter and how they made each other better. I also liked how the romance didn’t feel rushed but fit with the story. 

The plot was also very engaging, and there were a lot of surprises and twists. I didn’t know what was going to happen and it was very exciting to read. It was a bit hard when the penny dreadfuls interrupted the main story, but it was not that bad. I also liked seeing the other characters and I am excited to see whose story Eden is going to write next. I have some theories but I really don’t know. 🙂
I would totally recommend The Bachelor and the Bride! It was a wonderful book! It is a clean historical romance. However, there is some violence and mentions of brothels because of the time period and where the characters are in London. The Bachelor and the Bride is part of a series, and it is best read in order. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.