The Wrong Bride

December 2001
From Kensington Brava
ISBN 1-90-3867-31-2

'I'm picturing you as a blushing bride in white lace surrounded by orange blossom…and failing!' is how Devlin Hunter cynically greets his fiancée at their wedding rehearsal.

Actually, he's right to be cynical because Jessica Parks definitely isn’t the bride he’s expecting.

However, before she has a chance to explain that she's 'the wrong bride', Jessica finds herself married to this exciting stranger. Suddenly, she's not sure she ever wants Devlin to find out the truth!

I don’t know if I can do this… Jessica instinctively searched for Tracy. Tracy, who clucked over her like a mother hen, who always managed to get them into some scrape but yanked them out by her quick mind and quicker tongue.

Realizing the futility in searching for her twin, Jessica tried to gain eye contact with her mother. Maybe she could give some sort of signal for help. No. Jessica’s gaze skittered away from her mother, the silent plea was too tempting and far too dangerous. I can do this. I have to do this. On my own. The knowledge was frightening.

She’d never done anything so outrageous in her life. She was the quiet twin. The other twin. The good twin. While Tracy cooked up schemes and elaborate ruses during their youth, Jessica would be at her side pointing out what all could go wrong.

Like this sister switch. No matter how many times Tracy insisted a role reversal would be fun to try out at school and at home, Jessica always refused. She knew there was no way she could pull off an impersonation.

And, as far as she could tell, she’d been right all these years. Jessica might know every little detail about her twin sister, but pretending to be her was a whole other matter. It was also far from fun. Stressful was more like it. Fine tremors shook her body and a droplet of sweat slid down her spine.

She wanted to run back to Tracy’s car. Lock the door good and tight. Have a slab of steel between her and her sister’s fiancé. Then she could drive off and never lay eyes on the intimidating man ever again.

But that would ruin everything. Letting her sister down in that manner would be unforgivable. And she would waste the opportunity to prove she was capable of helping.

But she didn’t have to help her sister by being in the constant proximity of Devlin Hunter. ‘You can let go of my arm,’ she told him coldly. ‘You’re wrinkling the sleeve.’

Devlin smiled at her. A smile reminiscent of the jungle cat at the Woodland Park Zoo. He ignored her words and escorted her to her relatives.

Jessica flogged her brain for an appropriately acid command. She didn’t think Tracy would tolerate being manhandled. If only Tracy had given her more information….

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In The Wrong Bride, the heroine is fully aware of her weaknesses. Jessica hadn't explored her abilities and often sought the protection of her relatives. Devlin is the catalyst that sends Jessica on a journey of tests and she goes through an awakening of her strengths. At the end, she is confident in relying on her instincts and choices

While some romances revolve around the beliefs that "love conquers all" and "the power of love", The Wrong Bride supports the idea that "love reveals strength".

(posted 8.15.02)

Weddings themes are incredibly popular in romance books. Tension runs high, life-altering decisions are made and havoc can rule supreme. The ceremony symbolizes more than love and commitment. Weddings represent the uniting of families and the combining of forces to start a new life. For the reader, the ceremony offers a sense of urgency and strong emotions.

Anything can happen at a wedding, particularly in a romance novel. A bride can be captured, missing or unlucky, especially if she easily replaced at the altar by a bridesmaid or wedding planner. The best man might be Mr. Right in disguise, or the mistress of the groom speaks up at the most inopportune moment.

Whatever happens, everyone knows the wedding must go on!

(posted June 1, 2002)

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"Engaging and well-drawn, Devlin and Jessica ignite the story with their chemistry. The Wrong Bride is a sensual, sensitive and satisfying read that, at only 217 pages, Ms. Carr has packed with enough intrigue and romance to keep the reader turning pages all the way to the end." - Gracie McKeever, GottaReview.com
(posted February 14, 2004)

"This is an entertaining romance that is well paced and has just enough plot, sex and romance to keep the pages turning and the reader (this one anyway) feeling surprised and a bit sad that they had got to the end…. The characters were sketched in enough detail and it all fizzes as happily as a glass of champagne…Buy a copy." - Rachel A. Hyde, myshelf.com (posted June 1, 2002)

"Susanna Carr pens a delightful tale of twin sisters who, although are identical in looks, couldn't be more different. Tough as nails, Tracy, is the perfect counterbalance to gentle, sweet Jessica. Devlin, in spite of trying to appear mercenary has a tender heart for Jessica. The heat this pair gives off can melt asbestos…The Wrong Bride is along the lines of a Silhouette Desires or Harlequin Temptation. It’s a winner." - Judith Rippelmeyer, The Word on Romance (posted June 1, 2002)

"Debut author Susanna Carr pens a delightful romance in The Wrong Bride. Carr has a knack for creating wonderful characters in varying shades of gray. Even the evil stepfather has an occasional vulnerable moment, making him quite human. Jessica's growth as she goes from doormat to becoming self-confident is an inspiration, and allows for several witty comments that will keep the reader smiling. Devlin's motivation quickly moves from self-serving to concern for Jessica, likewise giving his character room for substantial growth. While others might have been tempted to take revenge on Tracy for setting her sister up, Jessica easily forgives, putting family first, thereby revealing her only motive for becoming the wrong bride. This carefully crafted plot is wonderful; the only complaint I have is the last two chapters feel a bit drug out and might have been benefited from reaching the appropriate sense of closure a bit quicker. Nevertheless, that did not take away from my enjoyment of The Wrong Bride. Highly recommended." - Cindy Penn, Wordweaving (posted June 1, 2002)

This is a fun, quick read with likeable characters and a properly evil villain and villainess, who get their comeuppance as all good romance villains do. It was an enjoyable book with two very likeable characters and a fresh spin on an oft- told tale." - Linda Hurst, The Best Reviews (posted June 1, 2002)

"The story was full of emotion and deep characterization. Since this reads just like a Harlequin–and a spicy one at that–it’s definitely worth looking into. The Wrong Bride and Susanna Carr–a book worth reading, and an author worth watching. 4 1/2 stars." - Lisa Ramaglia, Scribes World (posted June 1, 2002)

"The Wrong Bride is not the usual role reversal plot. The main and supporting characters are interesting which make for interesting twists to the plot. Jessica and Devlin are wonderful characters that find strengths neither knew they had. It is a wonderful happily ever after kind of story." - Hattie Boyd, Reader to Reader (posted June 1, 2002)

"The sexual tension is strong between Devlin and Jessica from the first page. Ms. Carr had me guessing who are the bad guys, how can the relationships between the twins be repaired, and what or who is behind the hatred that Devlin carried his entire life. For an absorbing novel, pick up The Wrong Bride today." - Debbie Gilbert, Romance Reviews Today (posted June 1, 2002)

The Wrong Bride is a delightful, fun read, and Susanna Carr has done a marvelous job of bringing the characters to life. 5 stars" - Sin~Gen (posted June 1, 2002)

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