Review: A Pleasure to Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 5, 2013
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.**Complimentary copy provided by author for my honest review.**