Saturday, October 5, 2013

**Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ The Undisciplined Bride ~ Ginger Voight**


Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Ginger Voight's The Undisciplined Bride. My stop includes all the important details for the book, my review, and a giveaway.

This tour was organized by Brandee's Book Endings.


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The Undisciplined Bride by Ginger Voight
Release Date: October 1, 2013

Synopsis
Throughout her 23 years, Peyton Prescott was used to running the show. That went into overdrive the minute she agreed to become a bride. Born into an affluent Southern family, she was expected to fulfill her social obligation to marry well, and found that unsuspecting groom in her pushover fiancĂ©, Leland Goodreau. He, like the rest of her family, catered to her every whim to keep her happy, and she predicted a satisfactory, if not boring, existence as his missus. 

In fact, the only real human to stand up to this bridezilla from hell is Mateo Bravo, one of the chefs she considers to cater the blessed event. Sparks fly the minute they meet and out of sheer defiance, she hires Mateo and his sister Naomi for every social gathering in the remaining months until she marries.

Mateo, unlike any other man she's ever met, doesn't put up with Peyton’s behavior. With a masculine energy that she finds alluring and exciting, he turns her entitled existence upside down by showing her she's not always the boss. No one is more surprised than she is when she finds out that she kind of likes it.

Peyton decides to seduce, and then dump, the middle-class cook, just to get him out from under her skin. Instead she finds out that there are a few things in life even the great Peyton Prescott can’t plan.






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The Undisciplined Bride was the first of Ginger's books I've read outside the Groupie world. I wasn't sure what to expect but I had high expectations. ;) Ginger didn't disappoint me.

Peyton Prescott is a Texas oil princess, heiress to a huge fortune. All her life she's gotten exactly what she wanted - even if it meant pitching a hissy-fit or being a royal bitch to get it. The night she meets Mateo Bravo, she meets her match.

Mateo Bravo is a hardworking man. He works alongside his sister in her catering business. And although he's attended college and works for everything he has, he can't escape the stereotypes of being hispanic in Houston, Texas. However, when he meets Peyton, he decides to have a little fun - at her expense.

I have to mention Lissette Goodreau and Naomi Bravo. Lissette is Peyton's best friend and the sister of Peyton's fiance. Naomi is Mateo's sister and owner of Bravo Catering, which is how all these characters met. While Lissette and Naomi aren't the central figures in the story, they have prominent roles. And I adored their characters. They have pivotal parts in both Peyton's and Mateo's relationship. And Lissette and Naomi are beautiful women, on the inside and outside.

The Undisciplined Bride started out as a lot of fun. Peyton sets out to capture Mateo using any means available to an heiress. And Mateo sets out to put Peyton in her place. The chemistry between these two are sizzling. I loved the snarky banter and the dynamics between them, too. However, at a certain point, we learn Mateo has ulterior motives for becoming involved with Peyton. From there, the story takes a decidedly more serious tone. Peyton must make choices about her future and what she's willing to give up for the future she wants. And Mateo also has decisions to make about the path he wants his future to take.

One thing I'm learning is a theme in Ginger's writing - something I admire - is a social commentary. The Undisciplined Bride discusses many relevant political topics, from gay marriage to healthcare, and poverty versus excess wealth. Ginger does this with aplomb.

I so delighted in the transformation of both Peyton and Mateo. I giggled over Mateo thinking he would teach Peyton a lesson on how not to behave like a spoiled, rich brat, and he did. But he ended up learning a few things himself. It was fascinating to witness Peyton's evolution as Mateo chipped away at Peyton's ice princess exterior to reveal a warm and caring person underneath. It was also interesting to watch as Peyton's perspective altered as she matured. She could look at her life and everyone in it, how she was raised, the expectations and limitations placed on her in a different light. Mateo revealed a multi-faceted man beneath his exterior. And that was a joy to see as well.

My only concerns with The Undisciplined Bride are that first of all, the story is billed as being a lighter read than it ended up being. I enjoyed it immensely, don't get me wrong. But it has much more depth than the synopsis expresses. Secondly, along those lines, the political slant was a bit heavy at times. And this might put off some readers.

In the end, The Undisciplined Bride ended up being so much more than I was expecting. It's a great story told in Ginger's signature writing style. And it was a pleasure to read.



**I received an eARC of this book, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review.




a Rafflecopter giveaway




Ginger Voight is prolific author, freelance writer and optioned screenwriter. Her fiction is diverse, with novels like the edgy, coming-of-age drama DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, and the fun family adventure for kids of all ages, COMIC SQUAD.

Having grown up reading different authors like Danielle Steel and Stephen King, Ginger has always been drawn more to story than to genre. This shows up in her various stories. Titles such as MY IMMORTAL and TASTE OF BLOOD are a delicious, heady mix of horror, suspense, and romance.

Genre romance, however, has held a special place in her heart, ever since she read her first Harlequin novel when she was only eleven. As a result, Ginger is making a name for herself writing romances of her own, starring women who look more like the average American woman rather than those traditionally represented in the size-biased American media. Her Rubenesque romances were created especially for those heroines with fuller figures, who can still get the man of their dreams if only they believe they can. Such titles include UNDER TEXAS SKIES, LOVE PLUS ONE, GROUPIE and PICTURE POSTCARDS.

Ginger was included in the best-selling book by Smith Magazine NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING, featuring her six-word memoir.

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7 comments:

  1. I do enjoy fun stories about two people belonging to different status quo. It's so interesting to see the characters find common ground, overcome their personal prejudices and start being a couple. Plus it's usually told in a funny which is a great incentive. Happy weekend!

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    1. This is a really great story, Braine...lots of fun with that added deeper level. Hope your weekend is going splendidly! :)

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  2. This does seem like a fun book! I know that a lot of people who read Voigt's books really seem to become invested, and that's great. I also like the approach to social issues.
    Thanks for the great review, Brandee!

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    1. Thanks, Andrea. You know I love Ginger's books - I'm so, so invested in the Groupie world! LOL But Peyton and Mateo were also worth the investment. Oh, you'll LOVE Mateo! *sigh*

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  3. Whew what a cover! I really enjoy Mateo Bravo as a character name. I think it says a lot about him already without even reading a page yet. I bet watching these two characters get over themselves was a joy to read. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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    1. Mateo's name does say a lot about him, Jaclyn. ;) And I did enjoy watching them get over themselves...it's funny that some people are so hung up on proving that what others think of them is wrong, they don't pay attention to the fact that they have their own stereotypes and prejudices. I know it doesn't have anything paranormal in it, but you might enjoy this one...since it's set in Texas, and all...

      Thanks so much for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  4. Great review Bandee! I wouldn't have pegged this one to approach serious themes or political issues at all. Sounds like a book I would really enjoy though, thanks so much for sharing!

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Now you know what I think...what are your thoughts??