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The Worst Possible Match

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How can she find love and happiness with the man who ruined her life?

Emily Clay grew up in a boarding school, never knowing who her family was or where she belonged. When she finds a gentleman who meets her guardian's requirements for a suitor, she's delighted to have a chance for love and a home of her own. But then one mistaken kiss on a darkened balcony changes everything.

Alexander Westcott had suffered much at the hands of his father, but now that the man was gone, Alex could take care of his mother and sisters on his own. He even had a delightful marriage prospect for himself... only to have his plans dashed when he finds himself married to a complete stranger, whose fiery disposition matches his own temper.

He wants to try and save their future together, but he's not sure if he can convince his new wife to fight for their marriage too. Can they come together to find the perfect spark, or are they doomed to burn down in flames?

The Worst Possible Match is a sweet, closed-door historical romance with mild language, swoony kisses, and fade-to-black romance.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2024

26 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Courtney Willis

16 books75 followers
Courtney has wanted to be an author since she was young. She loved learning about history and exploring the world, and fell in love with love stories, making it a goal to write romantic adventures for the rest of her life.

She has a degree in Creative Writing and has lived all over the US. She found inspiration for her westerns in the mountains of Utah, and wrote her first Regency after a study abroad in the UK. Today she lives in her home state of sunny Florida.

When she's not writing, Courtney enjoys traveling, baking, reading, being with friends and family, and spending as much time on the beach as possible. More recently, she can be found watching Korean dramas with her chaotic kitty, Stitch.

Find her on social media @cwillisbooks

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Happy Reading Watching.
1,106 reviews42 followers
Read
July 5, 2024
The Worst Possible Match: A Sweet Regency Romance (The Marriage of Inconvenience series Book 1)
By Courtney Willis
PUB DATE: July 17th

If you enjoy...

◇Sweet Romance
◇Regency Romance
◇Enemies to Lovers
◇Fast Paced Story
◇Happy Endings

I recommend looking into this one. I extremely enjoyed this read! I binge read it in one seating. The characters, the plot, the chemistry 😌❤️ It also got me out of my reading slump. 📚🙏🏽

I am so grateful I was able to get my hands on an ARC of this one. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy exchange of an honest review.

All thoughts and opinions have been my own. ♡

Book Synopsis:
"How can she find love and happiness with the man who ruined her life?

Emily Clay grew up in a boarding school, never knowing who her family was or where she belonged. When she finds a gentleman who meets her guardian's requirements for a suitor, she's delighted to have a chance for love and a home of her own. But then one mistaken kiss on a darkened balcony changes everything.

Alexander Westcott had suffered much at the hands of his father, but now that the man was gone, Alex could take care of his mother and sisters on his own. He even had a delightful marriage prospect for himself... only to have his plans dashed when he finds himself married to a complete stranger whose fiery disposition matches his own temper.

He wants to find a way to save their future together, but he's not sure if he can convince his new wife to fight for their marriage, too. Can they come together to find the perfect spark, or is their marriage doomed to burn down in flames?"
516 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2024
A clean story. I liked this arranged marriage story. I thought Alex and Emily’s characters were well developed and their feistiness made the story. I did feel the ending was a little unsatisfactory. The story of her birth plus the alleged ongoing association with Mr Evans suddenly appears in the scandal paper. She had never met Mr Evans on her own, and indeed he was concerned at the gossip so that could have been easily dealt with. What is a mystery is how Emily’s parentage came into the scandal sheet. Even she did not know until very recently, and it had been so very quiet, so who knew, and told about it? Frustrating not to know. I would also like to have heard how his family took the news, and indeed the Duke’s response, and what ultimately became of Emily’s friends. As this is the first in what I think is a series maybe some answers will lie in later books. If so maybe the blurb at the end could have said? However, I did enjoy the story and it kept me ‘hooked’.
Profile Image for Kristalyne, love.lovely.books.
239 reviews46 followers
July 10, 2024
“Once they were alone again, Alex leaned closer. “You know, you’re quite charming when you want to be.” Emily raised one eyebrow. “And I suppose I’m infuriating all the other times?” Alex’s eyes traced her face, ending lingeringly on her lips. “Only when you want to be.”

When one kiss changes everything…..

Emily and Alex really had to fight for their happily ever after, and fight they did in more way then one😉. These enemies to more will take you on quite a journey as they try to find happiness in their forced marriage of convenience.

Such a sweet slow burn romance between two flawed and stubborn main characters. They are both lovely and I loved getting to know them as they got to know each other!!!! I loved how they fought for and found their own happily ever after. I loved the work and compromise they put into it. Their shift from hatred to love was beautiful and very enjoyable to read.

Read for:
🤍Marriage of (in)convenience
🤍Enemies to more
🤍Short chapters
🤍Stubborn MCs
🤍the family
🤍Unique and intriguing story line
🤍sweet and romantic slow burn romance

I had a hard time putting this book down because I was rooting for Alex and Emily! I loved their sweet and satisfying journey to their happily ever after! If you love enemies to more stories plus marriage of convenience stories, you will really enjoy this book!
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Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

Content: h*,d* and a* word used occasionally by one character, infidelity mentioned, closed door/very mild fade to black, mild innuendo, kisses only
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
789 reviews366 followers
July 2, 2024
4.5 stars!

Great story! This is a closed door romance. Check out content section below to see if this is a right fit for you. I love marriage of convenience stories and enemies to lovers and when they are combined I really like that. I loved both main characters Alex and Emily. They are forced to marry in order to save their reputations after being caught in a scandalous situation with the wrong person. ( I did think this part was a little unbelievable but it’s fiction so we go with it) After they are married, the story really gets going and I loved it! The characters have such conflicted feelings. Emily has such fear that their marriage won’t work and is set that it won’t. However, Alex is willing to work on their marriage even with their very rough start. I really loved the way their relationship progressed, they learn to open up and trust one another. It’s beautiful. You really feel for both of these characters. This story had more swearing( d and h words) than I prefer but it’s only my personal preference on that. Overall I thought this was a great and beautiful story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Content: 10 uses of “d*mn” in swearing context, 3 uses of “h*ll” in swearing context, 3 uses of “b*stard” used in non swearing context, 1 fade to black scene, mention of love bites

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Clean readers .
68 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2024
Genre: Regency Romance

Clean level: 🫧

Rating: 5✨✨

I absolutely loved this book! Like I can’t stop talking about it and recommending it love!

When Emily and Alexander get caught up in a compromising situation, which was a total mix-up, they now have to get married to save both their reputations. Man regency times were crazy. Now that these two are forced into a marriage where neither knows the other they will have to try their best to at the very least get along. These two though are both stubborn, strong headed and sometimes that doesn’t work when trying to make peace.

I love how we see in instant attraction between these two, but the build of true feelings and true attraction overtime. I greatly appreciate the writing of Emily as she is young and will lead more with her emotions because of this, but doesn’t go too far in becoming annoying. Alexander is also written well for his age in where he shows maturity, and corrects himself in where he is wrong.

The romance is all around swoon worthy, the kisses are woah even though, if I am remembering right there are only three. The tension between the two is crazy 🔥. The way they both deeply care about the one another is awwww 🫠.

I highly suggest this book!! Like go pick it up now!

Content:
* Kiss only
* No foul language
* Marriage of Connivence
* Enemies to lovers

I was given an ARC in trade of a review. Reviews are my own thoughts and not persuaded in any way.
161 reviews
August 9, 2024
This was a sweet arranged marriage romance. It was closed door, with breathtaking and chemistry filled kisses.
Alex and Emily were both so stubborn and, quite honestly, frustrating. After their accidental and mistaken identity steamy kiss on the balcony, they were forced to marry within the week. I felt for the both of them having to lose the ones they thought would be their perfect match.
Alex’s character really stepped up and tried to make the best of a bad situation. However, Emily was nothing but miserable and didn’t even try to make their lives happy together. Her selfishness became increasingly frustrating as the story went on, especially when Alex was actually trying to make things work. Her past didn’t help her in any regard, but I thought it would have been easier for her to make her bad situation into a good one because of how her past life had been.
The story became a little sluggish throughout the middle, but the end result was everything I had hoped for.
Great character development, better communication, sweet and tender moments, loyalty, and found love really made this a great story.
Profile Image for Joelle.
407 reviews26 followers
July 26, 2024
I have been excited for this book since Courtney Willis mentioned the name of the series. This is my kind of book! All centered around marriage of convenience? YES PLEASE.

And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint one bit. I was hooked from the start. Willis somehow makes marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers and slow burn just all blend together and tell a story seamlessly. The way she wrote this one is beautiful, charming and SWOONY.

Not once was I bored. I loved how she kept the characters emotions interesting, the plot moving and interesting. The twists and turns this one takes are perfect. And the way the characters progress and fall in love, perfection.

Can you tell I enjoyed this one? I really did. I love it. And I can’t wait for more in the series. If you love marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, regency romance and swoon definitely pick up Alex and Emily’s story.

*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread).
403 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2024
From the worst possible match to the perfect one!

This book was delightful. I loved Emily and Alex’s banter. The two were so similar in personality that they drove each other crazy before they found common ground. Once they decided to give their marriage a chance, their chemistry was so good!

Things I loved about this book:
-his willingness to change plans for her.
-she takes care of him when he’s sick.
- The duke and duchess. Their protectiveness and kindness.
-that Mr Evans wasn’t as annoying after all was said and done.

Favorite quote:
The brightness of her eyes, the wide set of her grin, nothing could outshine her current state of happiness. Alex felt the fringes of his heart begin to flitter away, and if he wasn’t careful, the beating thing in his chest wouldn’t belong to himself for very long. That smile had been hard won, and he found a thrilling sensation take over him. He would have little choice in the matter now; his purpose for the rest of his life would be making that woman smile just like that, as often as possible.
Profile Image for Megan  (messybun.bookishfun).
377 reviews41 followers
July 21, 2024
The cover looks regency. The book is set in that time period, sure. But these two go at it like cats and dogs! The hatred is strong with these two. And the “rumbling” is some very powerful banter and verbal sparring.

It all happened when they were caught making out on a balcony, each though they were with their own lovers - guess that really dark! 😏 And so, to save their reputations they were forced into marriage. This is their story of how they come from loathing each other, to co-habitation, to possibly even love?

So microtropes you might be fond of:
🐴He falls first
🐴”As You Wish” (total Princess Bride Vibes)
🐴She takes care of him (illness)
🐴Single child
🐴tragic backstory
🐴To the Seaside!

Thank you @cwillisbooks for allowing me to be on your ARC team again. I have loved very book in this series, and this may be my new favorite! (I’m gonna have to reread Playing the Scoundrel for reevaluation purposes).
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,904 reviews29 followers
July 4, 2024
Emily and Alex have a most inopportune first meeting. It's the kind of meeting that requires them to marry to protect their reputations.
They are strangers, each guarding their hearts and keeping secrets.

Both are head-strong and intense. Both are upset to have to marry when they were seeking a betrothal with someone else. Both get to the point where that intensity is turned to protecting the other.

I enjoyed watching them work through some of their issues and fall in love. I love that moment when each realizes they love the other.
This was an enjoyable story. There is a closed door scene way after they are married, but only kisses aside from that.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Profile Image for MermaidOfMischief.
51 reviews
August 12, 2024
This story was absolutely darling!! I enjoyed every chapter, from the scenes where they butt heads to the ones where they were incredibly tender toward each other. There were also some golden moments of humor and wit. The progression from enemies to lovers was the perfect amount of build, and had me swooning when they finally let go of their own insecurities and actually communicated their feelings to each other. The writing was wonderfully atmospheric, and now I really want to book a trip to Bath or Brighton or really any seaside town in the UK. Oh, and I've sipped my way through several cups of tea while reading this haha I think Emily and I take our tea very similarly. ^-^

A wonderful story that sets the stage for this series. Looking forward to more!
262 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2024
It had been *too* long since I read a book from Courtney and I was beyond thrilled to be part of her ARC team for the first book in her new series: Marriage of Inconvenience. The series title alone told me this would be gold. And Courtney *did not* disappoint.

🔥 That Balcony Kiss
🔥 Amazing Banter
🔥 Nicknames
🔥 My Wife 
🔥 Opposites Attract 
🔥 Secret Past 

Thank you Courtney for a copy of your book. This is my genuine review.

Content Comments: Fade to Black (married), handful of swear words (couple biblical)
Profile Image for Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy.
562 reviews20 followers
July 30, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

What a fun book! Emily and Alexander unexpectedly meet each other on a balcony. After unexpected events, Emily's guardian forces them to marry to preserve her honor. While the circumstances aren't an ideal start to a marriage, Alexander decides to make the best of it and win over Emily.

"How did one set a goal to win over a woman he had already married?"

Emily, however, is not as convinced that her marriage can be a success. I really enjoyed her character growth and personal discovery as she embraced her past and move forward with her life. Also, the way she ended up caring for Alexander was one of the sweetest parts of the story!

Overall I really liked this book! I would categorize it as a closed door historical romance appropriate for adults who enjoy swoony kisses and fade to black romance. Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 3 books22 followers
July 25, 2024
* My first words at the end chapter 2: “oh no”
* Oh man oh man oh man 😅
* Ugh they’re both acting like children
* We love a self aware man 👏
* Who knew the one bed trope could be just as good for married couples? 😏
* Yesss! Go Alex!

Emily and Alex were fairly unique characters. I liked their different quirks and hobbies and it was fun watching them try to combine lives.

The lack of communication was driving me crazy! Especially toward the end. But they figured it all out and I loved the epilogue!

Thanks to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for LookBackAtMe.
142 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2024
This book starts with a flaming hot kiss that lands our leads in a bit of trouble. Being forced to marry when both Emily and Alex are already in love with other people makes for a very rocky beginning to their relationship, but their mutual attraction and chemistry is undeniably. I loved seeing these characters soften and try to make things work, ultimately being just the right person to help heal and complete the other.
70 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
Match Made in Mayhem

While deliciously entertaining, the incendiary chemistry between Alex and Emily is not the best part. This lovely forced-nuptials novel offers lessons for any marriage suffering from distance or disrespect. Alex and Emily both must choose to work at loving the other for better and worse, in sickness and in health so that only death, not disagreements or disdain, will part.
Profile Image for Jessica.
951 reviews11 followers
July 6, 2024
One mistake and their world exploded when they landed in matrimony. The main characters are strong and caring, despite their past. The progress of their relationship from animosity to tender love is engaging. Insecurities, gossip and society’s judgments almost derailed everything. Lovely secondary characters as well!
Profile Image for jennie.and.books.
397 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2024
She is ready to marry him, he is ready to marry her. Then an accidental mixup on the balcony forces a marriage, their dreams are over. Did I mention he wasn't her "him" and she wasn't his "her"?

Enemies and forced marriage and regency rom com! Fun characters, great supportive side characters, a great message!

Content: mild swearing and fade to black scene between married couple.
Profile Image for Julie.
779 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2024
I love the enemies to more trope and this is a great one! Alex and Emily's first meeting was fire in the best way. Then it gets really interesting. I love the growth that takes place in each of them as they finally try to help each other instead of hurt each other. One of my favorite scenes is Alex standing up for his wife. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
97 reviews
April 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5/5 Stars

This was such a fun & easy read! The story drew me in quickly and kept me entertained throughout! The main characters were full of banter & chemistry.

🌶️ Spice: Closed Door
🤐 Language: Mild Language Throughout

I really enjoyed this regency romance as a light read between my other books! It’s super cute and I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Taylor Wright.
53 reviews
July 9, 2024
This was such a fun read! I loved the uniqueness of the tropes that still felt familiar which made this book feel fresh and fun, and the chemistry between the two leads was great!

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Crowder.
167 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2024
Definitely swoon worthy! I loved this book! Courtney Willis is such a great author that really draws you into the story. I feel that I know Emily and Alex like friends. I could hardly put the book down! Definitely a recommended book, even if you haven't read any of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
125 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2024
For me to remember…. Emily is immature and pretty irritating throughout this book. I’m not really sure why made her soften her stance on Alex. I hate how they won’t communicate with each other. Very frustrating.
Profile Image for Deb.
426 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2024
This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last! All the elements of romance, scandal, heartbreak, stubbornness, temper and also joy and love wrapped up in "the worst possible match" for Alex and Emily.
Profile Image for Danielle.
188 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2024
This was such a good blend of originality and recognizable tropes. Both MC’s were unique and likeable while still making mistakes and being human/relatable. Loved it!
Profile Image for Anna Bowen.
12 reviews1 follower
Read
October 10, 2024
I LOVED this book, the characters were so well written I wondered what they were doing when I HAD to put this book down. It was never down for long but I had to eat!
1,125 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2025
great book

This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.


Profile Image for Dev G.
369 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2024
I absolutely loved this regency enemies to lovers, forced marriage romance. I have come to the conclusion that if Courtney Willis writes it, I will read it.

Alex and Emily are both strong, determined, stubborn people. When their first meeting could result in a scandal, they are forced to marry. Anger and resentment overwhelm them as both their hearts belong to other people.

A tentative and fragile truce opens the doors and their eyes to the possibilities in their marriage. But it won’t be easy. Broken hearts take time to mend and marriage takes work. Do they want to work at it?

I was invested in their journey from the moment they met on the balcony IYKYK 🔥😏. I was taken on a ride filled with emotion: anger, pain, resentment, sadness, fear, friendship, hope, and love. Through it all, Alex and Emily come to realize it wasn’t the worst possible match, it was the best and only match for them.

The chemistry. The swoony MMC. The enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience. It was all perfection. I adore this book!!

I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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