How to Wed a Warrior (Broadswords and Ballrooms, #2) by Christy English

How to Wed a Warrior (Broadswords and Ballrooms, #2) Reviews

• 
  Sammy Loves Books

  3.5 Stars rounded up.
• 
  Bambi Unbridled

  How to Wed a Warrior is a solid addition to the light-hearted Broadswords and Ballrooms series featuring The Waters family, highlanders who have been thrust into the midst of the bon ton.
  
  I liked this installment a bit better than the first,
  How to Seduce a Scot, mainly because I liked our heroine more. After a family scandal that left her all alone, Lady Prudence Farthington is posing as the widow Prudence Whitaker to escape the cut direct and gossip of the ton. Having lived under a horrible aunt's rule for the past 5 years, Pru is seeking employment as a companion. In a stroke of luck, she comes across Mary Elizabeth and Robbie Waters in Hyde Park where the former has just brandished a claymore at Earl Langforth. Diffusing the situation, Pru comes to the notice of the parties, recognized by Earl Langforth and mesmerizing to Robbie Waters. So begins her relationship with the Waters' family. Pru was a likable heroine for the most part, I felt sorry for her need to hide in frumpy gowns and spectacles. I admired her resolve to take care of herself thinking she was all alone in the world. And I hated the bon ton who treated an innocent girly so shabbily. Pru did act a bit foolish at times, running off by herself into danger. But I enjoyed her innocent exploration of her attraction to the charming Robert Waters.

  She met his gaze squarely and did not look away. "I'm kissing you, Robbie. Now stay still and let me."

  In the first installment of the series, Robert Waters was the gruff one from my memory. He thought his brother, Alex, was crazy for chasing after an English woman. Robbie just wanted to drink his whiskey, get his sister married off, and go back to the Highlands. We see a different side to his personality, he is funny and charming and a bit of a ladies man. Robbie is immediately attracted to Pru, he can see that she is hiding beauty and curves behind her frumpy gowns and widows hats. He sets out to win her from the start, his intentions ranging from having her as a mistress to making her his wife. I liked Robbie quite a bit. As the youngest brother and a musician, he could have been painted to have a chip on his shoulder - but he is not like that in the least. The whole family has a great camaraderie and clearly loves one another. Robbie is a bit of a scamp and I enjoyed watching him charm Pru and convince her to become his wife (even if he did have to chase after her to do it).
  
  Mary Elizabeth has really stolen the show so far in the series. Not at all ladylike, Mary Elizabeth prefers fishing, riding and fighting to ballrooms, dresses and dancing. I do believe we have met Mary Elizabeth's match in the reclusive duke, and I expect we will see a book for them in the near future. The duke promises to be as interesting as Mary Elizabeth herself. I hope we also see a book for the oldest brother, Ian, who runs the family's fleet of ships.
  
  I received an advanced copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames.
• 
  Marilyn Rondeau

  Hot on the heels of the first book of the Broadswords and Ballrooms series by Christy English (which I found to be a total delight in HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOT) is Book #2 HOW TO WED A WARRIOR, which combined with a solid and interesting plot line turned out to be another enjoyable soiree into the creative mind and author Christy English.
  
  Highlander Robert Waters has been left in London to supervise his wild spitfire of a sister, and when she makes a scene in Hyde Park by brandishing her claymore on an unsuspecting earl, Robert is aghast auth how he is to manage to hide this latest scandalous behavior of his wild sister. Without thought to her own consequences Mrs. Prudence Whittaker (a fraud) who was passing by managed to forestall what would have been dire circumstances to a young woman who obviously was not schooled in proper behavior of the ton.
  
  Robert was so grateful he hired Prudence on the spot as a companion and guide to his sister. Dressed as she was in hideous widow weeds (never married by the way) he hadn’t realized how lovely she was until she took off the abomination of a hat she wore. It also didn’t take time for him to realize she wasn’t who she pretended to be either and he was as anxious to make her his, as she was to keep her secrets to herself.
  
  Actually there wasn’t that much mystery or suspense as was the deeply sensual romance that began with Prudence realizing she was falling in love with the roguish Highlander. While Pru had turned down a perfectly lovely man before for not wanting to ruin his life with the shame of who she was, with Robbie her feelings gave over and she knew if she didn’t take what love and happiness she could then disappear again, she never would know physical love. I actually applauded Pru for her independent thinking and was glad the author made it so. Robbie was also a sweetie and loved how he took charge and would do all in his power to find Pru’s brother who most thought was dead and a scoundrel to boot.
  
  All was tied up nicely at the end, with introduction of new characters who all leant depth to the story, but the one I truly am waiting for is for Mary Elizabeth - wild spitfire of a sister - to meet her match! The more one reads of Christy English’s books the more you have to love!
  
  
  Marilyn Rondeau
  
• 
  Gaile

  Christy English writes still another fun novel. Prudence lost her brother to a sea voyage that ruined her family's reputation and without a living heir, her home reverted to the crown. At just twenty years old she thinks herself an old maid who will have to make a living as a governess or companion for the rest of her life. She cannot bear to face the ton and hides herself behind ugly clothes and spectacles she doesn't need. Then she meets her ex finance and a brawny Scotsman in Hyde Park on the same day. Wild, reckless Mary Elizabeth, the Scotsman's sister insists she needs a companion and so Prudence finds herself in hot water so to speak.
  I will not disclose the rest of the novel for fear of destroying your reading entertainment but it was a fun read!!! (and HOT too!)Get out your vibrator girls!!!
• 
  Heather andrews

  Robbie I thought was a great man, “hmph.” Robbie did not know what to say to that without making her angry, or hurting her. Best he kept his opinions of women’s oddness to himself. “Well then ,” he said at last. “Come walk in the garden with me. The path along the sea is very fine, if a bit windy.” I think secretly Robbie likes when his woman keeps him on his toes, "when she pulled on her gown and tied the fastenings, Robbie sighed and rose as well. “You keep a man jumpin’, and that’s the truth, little wife.” I enjoyed this book I loved Pru and Robbie, I thought they were perfect for each other.
• 
  Donna

  The hero is Scottish so that might prejudice me in his favor, but I liked the heroine too. Robert Waters is miserable stuck in London with his sister, Mary, who can't seem to avoid scandal. He hires Prudence Whittaker to be his sister's companion. But Prudence isn't who she seems to be, but a Lady with a ruined family. Their mutual attraction is real, but she fears her family's scandal will hurt his family. Of course, the Scots don't care what the English think of them. There is a mystery concerning the brother she believes dead which Robert is willing to help her with. I'm looking forward to Mary's story. This is a very enjoyable book.
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  PN

  I picked this book up, eager to discover another new historical author to add to my rotation. It fell way short of my expectations and in the long one was disappointing.
  
  The premise was a bit weak to begin with and required a lot of suspension of belief. Such as a girl being able to conceal a Claymore on her person from her brother and the other visitors to Hyde Park. Such as Prudence being able to hide her true identity from society when she lived with her elderly aunt. That alone made me scoff because even if she wore glasses she only changed her last name. That coupled with living with a known relative means that she was in actuality fooling no one. But I was willing to give it a chance.
  
  There was so much with this book that left me with an unsatisfied feeling. The personalities of Prudence, Robbie, and Mary Elizabeth were inconsistent. Prudence went from being prim to sultry with no reasonable development. One example of this is a chapter that ended with her vowing that Robbie would end up up in her bed one way or the other. She ended up abandoning that promise the very next morning. The reason for Prudence becoming apart of their lives got abandoned. Every now and then Prudence would throw in a 'rule' about society but it seemed forced and not natural. The development of the love was lacking in a severe manner. Robbie went from wanting to make Prudence his mistress to his wife in the turn of the page with no real reason why. They didn't even have much a friendship at the beginning of the story for love to seem possible.
  
  Then, when they got married Robbie turned into a "chest-thumping male". *I read this in another review and couldn't have agreed with it more*. He became brutish and chauvinistic. He was amorous to the point where he wouldn't even let her eat dinner. Some people may interpret that as swoon-worthy. I interpret it as him being selfish. And a horndog. Which is not charming by any stretch of the imagination. Then we got to the ending and the mystery of her brother. Which was lackluster at best. The end read forced and rushed, as a way to get all the loose ends tied together. The showdown in the warehouse was yet another example of Prudence's inconsistent personality.
  
  I read this on my Kindle which tied into what is likely the final nail in the coffin for me. This book ended at 72% with the remaining 28% being a 'preview' of the next book. That ended up roughly twelve chapters which is almost half the book. And if 28% is set aside for a preview, that doesn't say much for the actual story. Since I didn't read the physical copy I don't know if it is the same but it was disappointing to see in the digital one.
  
  I did not enjoy this book. I wanted to and it started off promising. The ending is what killed it for me since I don't like rushed endings. They feel too much like pandering and an insult to the reader and I can't stand that. If the ending had been better fleshed out this book may have gotten a three star rating. I am not inclined to read any more of this series. While I may pick up another one by the author it won't be for awhile.
  
• 
  Barbee

  London, 1820
  
  Christy English does it again in her second book from her home exceptional Broadswords and Ballrooms series. This time it centers on elder brother Robert Waters. He comes to help get her sister a husband and save his spitfire sister's reputation who had just pulled out a Claymore in the middle of Hyde Park! Since brother Alex recently married from book one, "How to Seduce a Scot", the duty now falls on Robert. Whom I also met from book one. Robert is not very happy being in a country full of the bloody English, as he is a braw and fierce highlander through and through He knows his reckless sister Mary Elizabeth needs some lessons on how to behave like a lady in or her reputation will be in shreds! Plus with no decent prospects for a husband either and that is the only reason they are in this bloody country and that is when he meets widow Prudence Whittaker. The perfect solution as far as Robert can see, the proper widow can teach his sister how to be a proper lady 0r so he thinks....ahem!
  
  Prudence Whittaker is actually an imposter named Prudence Farthington, daughter of the ruined Earl of Lynwood. Prudence who has never been married and hides behind large spectacles and plain unattractive gowns not to draw attention. As life has not been easy or fair for her. She lost her brother at sea and then loses everything including her home and fiancé . Since her brother was the only male heir and when he dies as everything they possessed reverted back to the crown. So Prudence does what she has has to to survive so when Robert offers her a respectable position to help rein in his wayward sister and teach her how to behave like a lady. It is the perfect position to Prudence even though she has no experience. Will she be able to carry off the betrayal and fraud.
  
  You can feel the chemistry and attraction between Robert and Prudence no matter how much she tries to ignore and fight it. Prudence is living under deception and lies to survive, yet sooner or later the truth will come out, especially since Prudence's past is about to catch up with her. How will Robert handle this deception and ultimate betrayal from the woman who has his heart? As most Highlander's rely on honor and pride. Will Robert forgive and forget or give Prudence her walking papers feeling the ultimate betrayal? Will Prudence find herself once again in dire straits but with a broken heart? You will have to read this wonderful romantic adventure to find out.
  
  Can read as a stand alone book or in series order. I recommend reading in series order as it is just more fun to connect the dot per say and get to know all The Waters sibling is in my opinion . This wonderful book will be released 2/2/2016.
  
  
  ***I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***
  
  
  
  
  Broadswords and Ballrooms Series by Christy English
  1.Seduce a Scot
  2.How to Wed a Warrior TBR 2/2/2016
  3.How to Train Your Highlander TBA
  
  
  celticbarb.blogspot.com
  
  Tartan Book Reviews on Facebook
• 
  AnnMarie

  How to Wed a Warrior is the second book in Christy English's 'Broadswords and Ballrooms' series. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, and although it was lovely to read more about the characters from the first book, you don't need to have read the book to fully enjoy this one.
  This story revolves around Highlander Robert Waters, and widow Prudence Whittaker.
  Prudence comes across Robert, and his sister in Hyde Park, the latter holding a claymore sword up to the chest of an aristocrat. Pru helps calm the situation and Robert decides then and there that he will offer to hire her as a companion to his sister. One who can help teach her the genteel ways of a lady in the hope of her finding an English gentleman to marry her.
  Pru lives with her aunt after losing her parents, and in fact has never been married. But for reasons you will find out when you read the book, she has taken on the persona of a widow, and wears drab clothes, and widows' caps. Despite her dowdy looks, Robert is instantly attracted to her, and although she would never admit it, Pru is attracted to him too. She is desperate to move out from her aunt's house and jumps at the chance of working as a companion, especially when the money he offers her will be enough for her to settle somewhere small in the country and live prudently for the rest of her days once her job is over.
  The romance of course blossoms between Robert and Pru, but she knows that it can go nowhere because of the secret she is hiding. That doesn't stop them having various passionate interludes when her feelings overrule her head. Poor Robert has fallen hook line and sinker though and is determined she will be his. A man who has always said he isn't the marrying kind, seems to be changing his mind about the matter.
  It's difficult to give much detail about the book without giving spoilers, suffice to say that this is much more than just a romance story. Pru's past raises it's ugly head and that brings danger, mystery, and intrigue. When her secret is out will she lose the new friendships she has gained, and more importantly, will she lose Robert? I had no idea how the story was going to end, I kept wondering how things could possibly turn out for the best. I definitely wasn't disappointed with the outcome as I am sure you won't be.
  I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Hannah

  ARC REVIEW
  
  Book two of Christy English's Broadsword & Ballrooms, How to Wed a Warrior. I liked this much more than the first book. This one had a little more substance to it. Robert and Pru were a very entertaining couple to read. It's a light read, and very entertaining. As always I freakin' love Mary Elizabeth and with a bit of teasing for her story I can't wait for the next book.
  
  Mary Elizabeth is up to her usual mischief, but as usual it's not intentional. Brandishing her broadsword on an unsuspecting gentleman she is saved by a prim lady. Prudence Whittaker is hiding from the ton, all of her friends abandoned her when her brother disappeared at sea with a good portion of money financed by their friends. Pru believes he is dead because no way could he steal all that money and just leave her there to face the consequences. Pru has put on the appearance of a widow to find work as a companion. She was suppose to go and work for one young girl and help her introduction into society when she runs across Mary and her her broadsword pointed at an old friend of hers. Pru successfully gets Mary and Robert out of that situation. As soon as Robbie sees her and the way she seamlessly handled Mary he know he must hire her for Mary. He also didn't expect the rush of lust her felt for her.
  
  Offering Pru an obscene amount of money to help Mary, Robbie figures he could easily make her his mistress; Pru has other plans. Pru hears rumors floating around that her brother is still alive and hiding out on the docks. With the Waters family to help Pru is sure to find out the truth eventually. In the meantime she is trying hard not to fall in love with Robbie. Robbie soon finds out it's not just lust he is feeling for Pru and he works hard to prove to her that once he has her he will never let her go. Even if it means saving her brother.
  
  Overall, there was a lot more to this book than the first one and it also introduces the eldest brother, I really can't wait for that one; and of course Mary Elizabeth meets her match.
• 
  eyes.2c

  Sparkling with wit, humour and romance!
  
  Reasons to stay in London!
  1. Sure it's not the Highlands
  2. It's never likely to be the Highlands
  3. Amongst those bloody English-- is one Prudence Whittaker.
  
  Robert Waters and his brother Alexander were sent from the Highlands to London by their English mother to ensure that their wild, reckless sister Mary Elizabeth find a husband. All Robert wants to do is have her settled and hie back to his beloved highlands.
  
  His sister, Mary Elizabeth is an unstoppable force of nature, a whirlwind of lightness and impulsiveness amongst the young misses of the ton. With a big heart, she is unexpected and constantly being led astray by her rash inclinations. Drawing a Claymore in Hyde Park might seem unremarkable to Mary Elizabeth, but to the 'hoity footy' high steppers of the ton it's tantamount to social demise. She needs lessons in expected behaviour and she needs them now. Else Robert might never be able to flee back to his beloved Highlands.
  Widowed Prudence Whittaker (really Lady Prudence Farthington) seems like the answer to his problem. Prudence is a woman of secrets, hiding out in plain sight as a 'companion'. This intelligent Englishwoman just might prove to stay Robert from his course to quit London as soon as possible. Indeed his plans to flee just might wither and die.
  I really enjoyed 'How to Wed a Warrior', more so than 'How to Seduce a Scot'. Prudence is a wonderfully strong and resilient heroine who can give as good as she gets. Robert Waters is a delightful highlander rogue with a keen heart and a discerning eye. Mary Elizabeth, as in the previous novel, is pure gold, a treasure.
  I look forward to her story.
  
  A NetGalley ARC
• 
  Debbie Brown

  Our heroine Prudence was born and raised a lady, but after the death of her parents a scandal involving her brother tears her family’s reputation to pieces, and everyone shuns in society her. She dons a disguise of dull boring widows weeds and hires herself out as a companion as Mrs. Prudence Whittaker. One day while out walking in Hyde Park she see a young lady making a scene by brandishing her claymore on an unsuspecting earl, Pru’s former fiancée. The young lady, Mary Elizabeth Waters is supposed to be supervised by her Highlander brother, Robert Waters while they are in London, but she is a wild spitfire of a sister to control. After Robert sees the way Prudence handles the situation in Hyde Park he immediately decides to hire her on the spot to tame his wild sister’s scandalous behavior. Mary Elizabeth Waters, a spirited Highland lass whose unladylike manner makes her an outcast among society, but Prudence feels she can help her navigate the waters of society and takes the job. Prudence knows she’s in trouble when she finds herself attracted her brother Robert. For Robert all he can think of is she’s a widow and fair game to try and get her in his bed. It does not take Robert too much time to realize she wasn’t who she pretends to be. He becomes was as anxious to make her his, even as she was to keep her secrets to herself. Prudence is equally attracted to Robert and develops feeling for Robert too, but she’s so afraid of dragging the Waters family down if her secrets are revealed. I loved how the two characters danced around each other, the sexual tension was great, it had its share of humor too and I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  
• 
  Amy Alvis

  This is book 2 in the Broadswords and Ballrooms series.
  
  Highlander Robert Waters is in London to find a husband for his wayward sister, Mary Elizabeth. When he encounters widow Prudence Whittaker, he knows she would be the perfect person to teach his sister how to be a lady. He just didn't count the the attraction he would feel for Pru.
  
  Pru welcomes working for the Waters. It will give her the money she desperately needs and the anonymity she needs to keep her secret. But like Robert, she didn't count on being attracted to her employer. When friends from the past cross her path, Pru's secret is revealed. Will Robert's feelings change when her learns the truth?
  
  I really liked this story! We were introduced to Robert in How to Seduce a Scot and he just seems to be in London to indulge himself. Alex was in charge of chaperoning Mary Elizabeth and Robert left him to it. Of course with Alex getting married, Robert had to take his place and try to find a spouse for his sister. Of course, once again, it ends with the brother and NOT the sister getting hitched.
  
  I always like a strong heroine and Pru definitely fit that bill. Left to fend for herself, she did what she had to do to survive. After having lost everything and everyone in her life, she never counted on finding love again. It just took one sexy highlander to convience her otherwise!
  
  As with the first book in the series, Mary Elizabeth was a delight and I can't wait to see what English has in store for her!!
  
  Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
• 
  Brittany

  I received this from Netgalley/ Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This book is book 2 in the new series by Christy English. This one picks up right after the first one. After the marriage of his brother Robbie is left to deal with his Hellion sister. When she pulls a sword on a Lord in the park a lady Prudence walking by intervenes. The story grows from there. I really enjoyed the way the romance blossomed between the two characters and cannot wait for the next book to come out in the series.
• 
  Robin

  Somehow I missed the first of the series, but that does not seem to matter. This is a lighthearted, fun, sweet read full of charm. We meet Pru in the park as her soon to be charge is drawing a claymore on a man. And the fun begins. Robbie falls hard for her. He knows beneath the grump, the glasses is a beauty. Loved it.
• 
  Kimia Safavi

  This is an enjoyable read, here is the link of my review on Fresh Fiction
  http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
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  Libby Martin

  "I enjoyed this book. English’s writing style was funny in an anachronistic way – it reminded me of Katie MacAlister’s historical romance books. The situations were unbelievable in a way I’ve come to expect from my historical romance. Pru was a cliche, but not a bad one."
  
  read the rest of my review on my blog at
  https://libtastic.wordpress.com/2016/...
• 
  Doris Mahala

  Yes, Siree Bob!
  This is another historical fiction of a Scottish adventure of an unwed Scottish woman in London and she wields a sword at a former betrothed and his current betroth.
  Who is Widow Prudence Whittaker?
  Who is Lady Prudence Farthington?
  Are they one and the same?
  Will the toe to toe 'dance' result in a marriage or a runaway bride with her claymore?
• 
  Bethany

  This was pretty cute! I do really like a "secret past" type of story, and the characters were entertaining. As like the last book, I am really most interested in Mary Elizabeth's story, which is thankfully next!
• 
  Jordan

  This had some slow spots, but was generally fine. The hero was a bit full of himself for my taste, but either he settled some as the book went along or I just got used to it. Entertaining overall, but not especially memorable for me.
• 
  Launa

  Ms. Christy English has a way of pulling you right into the story. I love how strong and confident the women are. I love all her books.
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  Zara West

  A wise English girl tames a rough Highland warrior. A fun read.
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  Debra Bailey

  I want one
  
  But which one was the warrior. Loved the love and laughter. Mystery and intrigue. Recommend reading. Can’t wait for the next book.
• 
  Sandi aka Maudley

  Love it!
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  Joann

  It was a good read
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  KAR

  Really like this series.