Millie's Reviews > The Wedding

I keep asking myself why this is my favorite Garwood book even though it's rarely anyone's favorite.



After re-reading it, I finally found a conclusion. With Brenna's bubbly attitude, the humor and banters, and Connor's need to avenge and protect, this is exactly what I look for in a comfort HR book.

Brenna, the daughter of an English baron, is the sixth out of seven children. Her father ,although not outwardly evil is a greedy bastard who wants an alliance with the Scots. Not only was Brenna the forgotten middle child (was left as a kid several times), she was also suddenly shipped off to marry the Scottish Laird MacNare. Luckily for her, MacNare is the life-long enemy of Connor MacAllister. Connor and Brenna met when they were younger and Brenna proposed to him. As an act of spite against his enemy, Connor stole MacNare's bride and justified it by finally accepting Brenna's proposal from years ago. "Yes, Brenna I will marry you."



Before getting into the happy fun romantic discussion, I wanna talk about the conflict.

I feel like this book's conflict is more nuanced than Garwood's other books. We get to actually see why Connor is the way he is; why he has the need to avenge his father, and why he was this strong gruff emotionally distant man. He was driven by grief and trauma as shown in the prologue. As for Brenna, being the bubbly girl who has several quirks (leaving things behind, cannot stop showing affection, wandering off everywhere, talks to herself, tends to say whatever she wants and forget what she said when she is passionate) it's hard to imagine her having serious conflict other than puny ones.




But no, ladies and gentlemen. Her problems are nuanced as well, and I appreciate a historical romance that managed to do it successfully.

She is one of my favorite heroine. Do you know how hard it is for a heroine to be a strong woman and not have the narration endlessly reminding us that fact? A strong woman is not always about defying men, changing norms, and yada yada yada. Brenna is a strong woman because of her composure, her caring nature, and her respect for other people. She always puts others first. This is why her conflict, I think, is very well done. TW: Mentions of Sexual Assault Coming

She was sexually assaulted during the course of the story and was traumatised by it. She felt disgust, guilt, and confusion. I think her reaction is an accurate depiction of what assault can do. And for those of you who blame her for not speaking out earlier, please have some consideration. She's terrified, not only for herself but also for the outcome of her speaking out. This is why I think it was accurate. Her fear is very much understandable, and Garwood managed to change her attitude on paper very well. In an unfamiliar home, she trusts Connor most of all, and with him gone when the assault takes place, her fear is transferred to the readers. Honest to god, I started missing him as much as the heroine, and was equally relieved when he got home.




As for the resolution... well. If you're familiar with my reviews, you'll know that I wouldn't be satisfied until the villain died and my baby is avenged. Without giving anything away, I assure you, I am satisfied enough. Could've had more gore, but Alas





Despite the occasionally serious plot (war, treachery, and abuse) Connor and Brenna's story is full of what I crave most in a romance book: romantic humor. Brenna is so innocent and funny, and Connor enjoyed it. He knew how to deal with her and protect her, and she was just this bright-eyed young girl that kept him grounded.




I mean, this book is so funny to me! They're both adorable together and I just can't ok???

"You don't remember what you said to me when I was inside you?"

She frowned with concentration while she thought about it. "Hurry up?"



It was clear from the very start they loved each other. Connor who tried not to fall in love throughout the book was already intrigued by her since they first met, and Brenna was ready to marry him that time. It was just that young silly love history, and when they're older, their banter is like those of an old couple.

There was not a lot of shyness because Brenna likes to run her mouth, and instead of thinking it disgraceful, It's funny to Connor.

"I remember being called a pig."

"You do?"

"You know good and well, I do. I was called a pig in two languages."

"You were?"

"I was."

"I might have spoken in haste. Yes, it is possible I might have."



It just has that sparkling light-hearted aura that made me giggle and enjoy myself. I just wished the epilogue was longer, though.

The realization that this is my favourite book didn't come instantly. I knew I loved this book, but I didn't think I was obsessed with it. When I kept coming back to it and still kept laughing along, I knew that this book has a special place in my heart. This is my comfort book and 100% worth the read.