Format read: eARC received from the publisher through Netgalley
Series: MacGregor Trilogy #1
Release Date: December 1st 2012
Number of pages: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Formats available: Massmarket paperback, ebook
Purchasing Info: Goodreads, Author’s website, Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Book Depository US | Book Depository (UK)

Blurb:
In an effort to preserve the family estate, Ian MacGregor, the Earl of Balfour, must marry for money. When a promising match emerges in the form of Genie Daniels, a rich English heiress, Ian begins devising a strategy to woo her. When he meets Genie’s poor cousin Augusta, he discovers a new avenue to Genie’s heart. But after spending time with Augusta and falling for her charms, Ian begins to question whether or not he’s willing to forfeit his heart to save the family name…

My Thoughts:

The Bridegrooom Wore Plaid is the first book I’ve read by Grace Burrowes. I know, it’s some kind of feat in itself when you consider how prolific and popular this author is (13 books or so planned for 2013 only!) .  Since this is the first book in a new series, I thought it would be safe to start there . I was right! *wink*.

There’s something special about men wearing plaid/kilts. I just can’t resist that image (just think (or Google) Gerard Butler in a Kilt! NOM).  So when a book tells me right in the title that the hero is wearing plaid I take it as a personal challenge.  Ian wasn’t supposed to be the Earl of Balfour, but his older brother has been missing for seven years, so he has to become the head of the family. Ian is the laird of his clan, even if English laws do not consider lairds legal anymore. He will do anything to help his family from bankruptcy and protect them all, even if it means marrying an English heiress (for her money) in exchange for a Title.  This Summer, Ian, his two brothers, his sister and her daughter, are playing hosts to Ian’s prospective bride, Genie Daniels and her family.

Ian is trying his best to win Genie Daniels over but she doesn’t want this marriage to happen. She’s more than reluctant and Ian finds himself turning  to Augusta (her impoverished cousin/chaperone)  for help.  Augusta knows how to make herself invisible, she’s here to chaperone her younger cousins,  she can’t risk her uncle  seeing her enjoying herself. She’s already grateful she was allowed to  leave the small farm she’d been living on since her parents’ death. I really  liked Augusta, she’d do anything to ensure her cousin Genie has a happy life. She is even willing to give the Earl pointers to help him court the reluctant cousin. It doesn’t take long for Ian and Augusta to realize they have a lot in common. They both enjoy the same things and she seems to be his only ally in his quest.

I should say it now. Yes, the story was predictable. Very early in the book you can guess what will happen, for all the characters. BUT , and it’s a big but…it didn’t make the book any less enjoyable. I loved it anyway. It felt like reading a classic Historical Romance, we all know what will happen but we still love reading them. Ian is sacrificing himself for the good of his family, he’s ready to  be the best husband he can for Genie even if he doesn’t want this woman any more than she does him.

Ian and Augusta enjoy each other’s company, they both know nothing  can happen but they still find solace in each other. He needs to marry for money and she’s a poor relation. I felt for Ian. He never wanted this Title but he has no choice. The more time they spend together the more obvious it is that Augusta and Ian were meant for each other.  I was rooting for them from the start, hoping they’d get past it all and just be happy together.

Of course as in all good Classic Historical Romance, there’s  also a villain, a real big baddie, trying to ruin everyone’s lives. Plus awesome secondary characters getting a chance at happiness too. At this point,  I would say it was ‘cheesy good’ ,  I love me some cheesy good stuff! This is the reason why I read Historical romances I love it when all the characters I came to love get their HEA. I don’t care if it’s not 100% believable I still LOVE it. *g* Ian’s brothers were just as charming  and handsome as Ian.  Their Scottish accents had me melting on the spot.

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid is an enchanting romance, the kind that will bring out strong emotions in you and leave you smiling like a fool. You will meet a wonderful family and you’ll never want to leave them. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Grace Burrowes won me over and now I can’t wait to read more of her books.

I give The Bridegroom Wore Plaid 4.5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

About Caro The HEA Lover

Caroline is a HEA loving, yarn addicted French who's desperately hoping to get a HEA of her own. If she's not reading then she can be found knitting while listening to Audiobooks or watching Tv shows. Her secret addiction is reading websites that make fun at other people's expense (DYAC, Failbook)! Caroline also blogs at the Secret HEA Society with Susi.

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