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Medieval Romance
How to Marry Your Wife
What foul devilry is this? They told her he was dead. After six long years without a word, her knight falls onto his knees and sings poetry. Then he denies their son? Heed this well. She’s no longer an innocent who’ll giggle and tarry on his every word. The sharp edge of her tongue and knife is the only welcome he’ll get. She’ll not marry him. The pain would be too much to bear should he ever leave again.
Her attitude is beyond understanding. What voice did he have? The king commanded and he obeyed. Regardless of her hatred, the Templar insists they wed. This time she will travel with him and he will win back her favor. It’s a long road from London to Hadrian’s Wall. Evil deeds weave a plot laced with castles, kidnappings, and missives. Will the treacherous journey split them asunder forever? Mayhap only in heaven will he rekindle the passion they once shared.
Her attitude is beyond understanding. What voice did he have? The king commanded and he obeyed. Regardless of her hatred, the Templar insists they wed. This time she will travel with him and he will win back her favor. It’s a long road from London to Hadrian’s Wall. Evil deeds weave a plot laced with castles, kidnappings, and missives. Will the treacherous journey split them asunder forever? Mayhap only in heaven will he rekindle the passion they once shared.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2015
219 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Stella Marie Alden
69 books533 followers Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 22, 2017
Hated the story
The guy was not faithful to his handfasted wife and was away for six years. She thought he was dead but of course she didn't sleep with anyone else. And he questioned her to make sure. She knew he had camp followers with him and saw his familiarity with one of them. But she didn't ask. It seemed she didn't care after that either. So I shouldn't right? But he claimed how much he loved her and thought of her for six long years. Yeah right. but he still would do the camp followers or a willing tavern wench. But now that he was back he only wanted his wife. Yay for her. There was long trip and tons of mishaps and betrayals until they had their HEA. It was just a very odd book. The writing style was different but I may try another one of the authors books. I will definitely check to make sure there are no other women this time. And maybe save my husband some grief. ;)
Okay just read the reviews and notebooks maybe I didn't read the same book?!? I guess there were humorous parts but I didn't think they were funny I guess. Also I thought the H was more annoying. Also he was a Templar Knight? They didn't have sex so why do they have camp followers for sex in the camp? Merry heard them with other knights going at it and the H mentioned that he did them in the past? Too confusing. Think it needs an editor.
The guy was not faithful to his handfasted wife and was away for six years. She thought he was dead but of course she didn't sleep with anyone else. And he questioned her to make sure. She knew he had camp followers with him and saw his familiarity with one of them. But she didn't ask. It seemed she didn't care after that either. So I shouldn't right? But he claimed how much he loved her and thought of her for six long years. Yeah right. but he still would do the camp followers or a willing tavern wench. But now that he was back he only wanted his wife. Yay for her. There was long trip and tons of mishaps and betrayals until they had their HEA. It was just a very odd book. The writing style was different but I may try another one of the authors books. I will definitely check to make sure there are no other women this time. And maybe save my husband some grief. ;)
Okay just read the reviews and notebooks maybe I didn't read the same book?!? I guess there were humorous parts but I didn't think they were funny I guess. Also I thought the H was more annoying. Also he was a Templar Knight? They didn't have sex so why do they have camp followers for sex in the camp? Merry heard them with other knights going at it and the H mentioned that he did them in the past? Too confusing. Think it needs an editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2016
"How to Marry Your Wife" is a medieval romance that started with a bang and slowly lost its luster, I'm sorry to say.
Meredith (Merry) and Thomas met when she was just 16. He was a bit older, although the author didn't mention just how much older. It doesn't matter anyway. They fall madly in love, get married in a non-traditional way, and he is called to service as a Knight of the Templar.
He comes back six years later to discover he has a son and that Merry has stayed true to him, despite the fact that she thinks he's dead. In his absence, his son is deemed a bastard and Merry is called a "Magdalene." A legitimate marriage is performed. Now the problem now is, she hates him.
Thomas is now a wealthy man with lands and money but he has to travel to Scotland to claim it. This is where the plot strays into subplots that had a tendency to make the story a bit confusing. I often found myself going back a page or two to see what I'd missed only to find that I hadn't missed anything. The scene had undergone an abrupt change then had gone back on course.
There were several places in the book that the wrong words were used. For instance, "revenge" was used instead of "avenge"; "thrown" was used instead of "throne"...that sort of thing. The more the story went on, the more errors I saw.
I also found the incessant singing annoying. The author must have a poetry streak in her because even though the singing was annoying, the lyrics were actually quite clever. I laughed a few times.
This is not a horrible book. Thomas is such a great character with his good looks, charm, and wit. There was no way I could dislike him. Merry couldn't make up her mind about Thomas. One minute she hated him; the next she was in love with him.
I would have liked to seen more interaction between Thomas and his son. It would have been nice for Thomas to really "see" the boy, get to know him, and establish a bond. This is just my opinion but Thomas should have had Little Tom on his lap rather than snarky Merry.
There's a cliffhanger so be expecting another book.
Meredith (Merry) and Thomas met when she was just 16. He was a bit older, although the author didn't mention just how much older. It doesn't matter anyway. They fall madly in love, get married in a non-traditional way, and he is called to service as a Knight of the Templar.
He comes back six years later to discover he has a son and that Merry has stayed true to him, despite the fact that she thinks he's dead. In his absence, his son is deemed a bastard and Merry is called a "Magdalene." A legitimate marriage is performed. Now the problem now is, she hates him.
Thomas is now a wealthy man with lands and money but he has to travel to Scotland to claim it. This is where the plot strays into subplots that had a tendency to make the story a bit confusing. I often found myself going back a page or two to see what I'd missed only to find that I hadn't missed anything. The scene had undergone an abrupt change then had gone back on course.
There were several places in the book that the wrong words were used. For instance, "revenge" was used instead of "avenge"; "thrown" was used instead of "throne"...that sort of thing. The more the story went on, the more errors I saw.
I also found the incessant singing annoying. The author must have a poetry streak in her because even though the singing was annoying, the lyrics were actually quite clever. I laughed a few times.
This is not a horrible book. Thomas is such a great character with his good looks, charm, and wit. There was no way I could dislike him. Merry couldn't make up her mind about Thomas. One minute she hated him; the next she was in love with him.
I would have liked to seen more interaction between Thomas and his son. It would have been nice for Thomas to really "see" the boy, get to know him, and establish a bond. This is just my opinion but Thomas should have had Little Tom on his lap rather than snarky Merry.
There's a cliffhanger so be expecting another book.
June 27, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Stella Marie Alden and this series is top-shelf. After six long years, he returns. All he's thought about is her and she tells him her son is his as well. What's a knight to do? Seduce his own wife? Yes, if he ever wants to share her bed and her heart.
A medieval romance with plenty of drama and sparring. But deep down, it's a heart-melting romance between two people who love each other deeply. I loved every minute of it and highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
A medieval romance with plenty of drama and sparring. But deep down, it's a heart-melting romance between two people who love each other deeply. I loved every minute of it and highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
September 8, 2017
I just couldn't get into this. I finished it, but found myself skimming huge sections. There were a number of errors which always irritates me, and the characters were all one-dimensional.
August 7, 2023
A good storyline but very steamy. 3.5 star rating
December 2, 2015
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Reviewed by April Gilly for Readers' Favorite
How to Train Your Knight by Stella Marie Alden is the story of Ann, a woman who learned from a young age that men are hurtful and to be feared. With one failed marriage that ended suddenly when her husband died, Ann is afraid for her life when she is forced to marry again, this time to a man who is known for his fierceness on the battlefield and nicknamed The Beast. Marcus, The Beast, has been charged with marrying Ann and finding out if she is the witch and murderess that she is rumored to be. With his own haunting past, Marcus fights to claim the woman who confuses, challenges, and makes him feel things he's never felt before. Through trial and error, Marcus is able to gain Ann's trust and show her that not all men are the same, just as Ann shows Marcus that sometimes a challenge isn't a bad thing. As problems mount and rumors abound, can Ann and Marcus survive and make it back from court with their heads intact?
How to Train Your Knight by Stella Marie Alden is the heartbreaking yet heartwarming tale of two people from vastly different pasts who are haunted by the things they've seen and had inflicted on them. With imagery that places you in Ann's and Marcus' shoes, you feel everything they've gone through, both the good and the bad. With a creative and believable plot, How to Train Your Knight will show you what it would have been like to live in that period if you were unlucky enough to have a father or marry a man who blamed everything on the women in his life. I had a hard time putting How to Train Your Knight down and will be looking for more books by Stella Marie Alden.
Reviewed by April Gilly for Readers' Favorite
How to Train Your Knight by Stella Marie Alden is the story of Ann, a woman who learned from a young age that men are hurtful and to be feared. With one failed marriage that ended suddenly when her husband died, Ann is afraid for her life when she is forced to marry again, this time to a man who is known for his fierceness on the battlefield and nicknamed The Beast. Marcus, The Beast, has been charged with marrying Ann and finding out if she is the witch and murderess that she is rumored to be. With his own haunting past, Marcus fights to claim the woman who confuses, challenges, and makes him feel things he's never felt before. Through trial and error, Marcus is able to gain Ann's trust and show her that not all men are the same, just as Ann shows Marcus that sometimes a challenge isn't a bad thing. As problems mount and rumors abound, can Ann and Marcus survive and make it back from court with their heads intact?
How to Train Your Knight by Stella Marie Alden is the heartbreaking yet heartwarming tale of two people from vastly different pasts who are haunted by the things they've seen and had inflicted on them. With imagery that places you in Ann's and Marcus' shoes, you feel everything they've gone through, both the good and the bad. With a creative and believable plot, How to Train Your Knight will show you what it would have been like to live in that period if you were unlucky enough to have a father or marry a man who blamed everything on the women in his life. I had a hard time putting How to Train Your Knight down and will be looking for more books by Stella Marie Alden.
November 29, 2015
This book made me enjoy history in a way I have forgotten I could. It was a romance, a love-story, a family's tribute to life and generations of loving...
But it was a subtle reminder of the history and the re-kindling of a bygone era, shown in a fresh new look.
The characters are vivid, the setting is and experiences are fitting of the times it was written for - the language beautifully crafted.
The book has a heat rating of ... beautiful. Okay, that IS my opinion, but it has lusty chemistry and a genuine, passionate, sexual connection and 'deed' between the mains.
All in all, like the first book "How to Train your Knight." Stella Marie Alden has kept the level of integrity in her writing, all the while presenting a Historical Romance, without making history boring.
xxx
Adri.
But it was a subtle reminder of the history and the re-kindling of a bygone era, shown in a fresh new look.
The characters are vivid, the setting is and experiences are fitting of the times it was written for - the language beautifully crafted.
The book has a heat rating of ... beautiful. Okay, that IS my opinion, but it has lusty chemistry and a genuine, passionate, sexual connection and 'deed' between the mains.
All in all, like the first book "How to Train your Knight." Stella Marie Alden has kept the level of integrity in her writing, all the while presenting a Historical Romance, without making history boring.
xxx
Adri.
February 14, 2016
2.5/5.0
This story leaves no time to waste with a quick and steamy love scene that has very sexy descriptions and a romance just bursting at the seams.
Read full review in the 2016 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This story leaves no time to waste with a quick and steamy love scene that has very sexy descriptions and a romance just bursting at the seams.
Read full review in the 2016 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 1, 2016
This was an excellent historical romance that kept me on the edge throughout the story! http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
October 15, 2018
Comedy of errors
This is a very amusing Medieval tale, though with a mixture of modern. Not my idea of a Templar, though, with wealth AND a wife.
This is a very amusing Medieval tale, though with a mixture of modern. Not my idea of a Templar, though, with wealth AND a wife.
January 22, 2016
*ARC provided by Author*
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Meredith): 2.5/5 – she was very whiny
Hero (Thomas): 3.5/5 – he was crass but not as bad as the H’s whining
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none
HEA: yes
Triggers: does a whiny, spoilt and aggravating heroine count?
Average score: 3/5
Best Quote: H to h: “fall into me and I will catch you”
Worst Quote: h to H before having sex: “I’m six and ten seasons. I know my own mind” (what 16 year old knows her own mind?!)
Personal Review:
This is a medieval story of a young girl (16) who gets impregnated by her fiancé (age unknown but I am going to pretend he is 17 because otherwise its gross). Anyway, they sleep together before the H has to go off (maybe to war? But not sure). They have a son and the H unexpectedly returns about 7 years later. Upon his return the h tries to stab him, they get married and then the h spends the rest of the story being whiny.
The H was not my type of hero but the h was too damn annoying. Despite this I persevered and finished the book. I have to say, the H tried to do his best to make up for being missing AND he had been writing her letters (which the h did not receive) but the h kept on finding excuses to be angry with him WHICH I DID NOT UNDERSTAND. I just wanted to slap her and scream GROW UP!!.
Random Ramblings:
After having sex for the first time it was a bit…
…because H had orgasmed then drank some ‘love potion’ and became angry at the h?
How can you not laugh at “her melon breasts” – the way that both the h’s and the H’s bodies were described was crazy!
When the H and h reunited the h was naked….minutes later she is trying to stab the H when their 5 year old son walks in….does the son see his mother naked???????
The H’s rhyming was pretty funny!
“Pintle”
Overall Feeling:
Message to the heroine:
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Meredith): 2.5/5 – she was very whiny
Hero (Thomas): 3.5/5 – he was crass but not as bad as the H’s whining
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none
HEA: yes
Triggers: does a whiny, spoilt and aggravating heroine count?
Average score: 3/5
Best Quote: H to h: “fall into me and I will catch you”
Worst Quote: h to H before having sex: “I’m six and ten seasons. I know my own mind” (what 16 year old knows her own mind?!)
Personal Review:
This is a medieval story of a young girl (16) who gets impregnated by her fiancé (age unknown but I am going to pretend he is 17 because otherwise its gross). Anyway, they sleep together before the H has to go off (maybe to war? But not sure). They have a son and the H unexpectedly returns about 7 years later. Upon his return the h tries to stab him, they get married and then the h spends the rest of the story being whiny.
The H was not my type of hero but the h was too damn annoying. Despite this I persevered and finished the book. I have to say, the H tried to do his best to make up for being missing AND he had been writing her letters (which the h did not receive) but the h kept on finding excuses to be angry with him WHICH I DID NOT UNDERSTAND. I just wanted to slap her and scream GROW UP!!.
Random Ramblings:
After having sex for the first time it was a bit…
…because H had orgasmed then drank some ‘love potion’ and became angry at the h?
How can you not laugh at “her melon breasts” – the way that both the h’s and the H’s bodies were described was crazy!
When the H and h reunited the h was naked….minutes later she is trying to stab the H when their 5 year old son walks in….does the son see his mother naked???????
The H’s rhyming was pretty funny!
“Pintle”
Overall Feeling:
Message to the heroine:
January 9, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last. I plan to go back and read the book just prior to this one, "How to Train Your Knight". Not that it is necessary... this can certainly be a stand-alone book. I simply WANT to read it.
HOW TO MARRY YOUR WIFE is a delightful, funny, adventurous, romantic tale set in Medieval times.
The story starts out with Lady Meredith and Sir Thomas, a Templar knight, as a young couple in love, binding their love and vowing to be married. Sir Thomas, referred to as Tom, must leave hurriedly to distant lands and is unable to say proper good-byes to his love. Upon his return, Merry is less than excited to see him. The reunion is sharp witted and humorous, beautifully written by this author. When Tom realizes he has a son, and his "wife" is betrothed to another man, he wastes no time in getting his reluctant bride to marry him. Keeping her is another part of the story.
The adventure that follows is fast paced and sometimes difficult to follow, but detailed to perfection. I loved Merry's spunk!
Stella Marie Alden's ability to pull you in to a world of knights and castles and wenches and mayhem is amazing. She develops each character to the point that you almost believe they truly exist.
Another thing I truly loved about this book is that it was a complete novel, even though another book in this "series" was written prior to this one and after reading the last line in this book, it's quite obvious that there will be another book in this "series". But each book is a stand-alone and and can be read as such.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Readers Favorites with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
This review was originally posted on Readers Favorites and on The Novel Lady Book Blog.
HOW TO MARRY YOUR WIFE is a delightful, funny, adventurous, romantic tale set in Medieval times.
The story starts out with Lady Meredith and Sir Thomas, a Templar knight, as a young couple in love, binding their love and vowing to be married. Sir Thomas, referred to as Tom, must leave hurriedly to distant lands and is unable to say proper good-byes to his love. Upon his return, Merry is less than excited to see him. The reunion is sharp witted and humorous, beautifully written by this author. When Tom realizes he has a son, and his "wife" is betrothed to another man, he wastes no time in getting his reluctant bride to marry him. Keeping her is another part of the story.
The adventure that follows is fast paced and sometimes difficult to follow, but detailed to perfection. I loved Merry's spunk!
Stella Marie Alden's ability to pull you in to a world of knights and castles and wenches and mayhem is amazing. She develops each character to the point that you almost believe they truly exist.
Another thing I truly loved about this book is that it was a complete novel, even though another book in this "series" was written prior to this one and after reading the last line in this book, it's quite obvious that there will be another book in this "series". But each book is a stand-alone and and can be read as such.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Readers Favorites with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
This review was originally posted on Readers Favorites and on The Novel Lady Book Blog.
November 8, 2017
Humorous and fun
This was a humorous and fun romance with a bit of intrigue and I found it highly entertaining. Merry and Thomas were such a fun couple and I enjoyed their play at words with each other. I loved Thomas's sense of humor and how he broke out into song about Merry. It made him such a fun hero but one with faults also. Merry was a brave and smart heroine and I liked how she stood up to Thomas. The storyline was interesting and filled with intrigue and I enjoyed every minute.
.
This was a humorous and fun romance with a bit of intrigue and I found it highly entertaining. Merry and Thomas were such a fun couple and I enjoyed their play at words with each other. I loved Thomas's sense of humor and how he broke out into song about Merry. It made him such a fun hero but one with faults also. Merry was a brave and smart heroine and I liked how she stood up to Thomas. The storyline was interesting and filled with intrigue and I enjoyed every minute.
.
December 29, 2017
Historical people that may remind you of someone you know well.
Interesting tale of a time, when people were obliged to fight in wars, they had no real interest or reason I for caring about who won. They lost lives, homes, and families, and suffered traumatic stress syndrome, just as many do today. I enjoyed the way that Thomas and Marcus responded to their families and to each other. I was repelled by the lack of attention to the loss of lives, and the disregard for the rapes, and misuses of women.
Interesting tale of a time, when people were obliged to fight in wars, they had no real interest or reason I for caring about who won. They lost lives, homes, and families, and suffered traumatic stress syndrome, just as many do today. I enjoyed the way that Thomas and Marcus responded to their families and to each other. I was repelled by the lack of attention to the loss of lives, and the disregard for the rapes, and misuses of women.
September 6, 2016
Woman and men will love this story not only for the romance, the steamy sexy adult scenes, but for the very believable (and sometimes scary... at least for me!) I personally fell in love with Merry she had such warriors spirit and I loved that she wasn't afraid to stand to her beliefs! If like me I would suggest you read this wonderfully written story. Especially if you enjoy adult scenes once in a while!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2015
How To Marry Your Wife is an excellent romantic adventure that feels like a Shakespearean comedy. There are so many wonderful laugh-out-loud moments and creative physical comedy that you'll feel like you're reading a romantic comedy! Please read my full review at http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
October 25, 2017
A lot of twists and turns.
I enjoy reading historical romance and this one had me anxious to turn every page. It is different than most stories even from the beginning. Read and enjoy.
I enjoy reading historical romance and this one had me anxious to turn every page. It is different than most stories even from the beginning. Read and enjoy.
November 28, 2017
A medieval good love story.
This book is very good! I usually just read regency era stories. This story of a Templar knight and his soul mate lover/wife is very sweet and a little convoluted., which makes it very interesting.
This book is very good! I usually just read regency era stories. This story of a Templar knight and his soul mate lover/wife is very sweet and a little convoluted., which makes it very interesting.
August 13, 2016
Fun
A good story wrapped around with humor. Really entertaining and hard to put down. Don't start it if it is close to bed time.
A good story wrapped around with humor. Really entertaining and hard to put down. Don't start it if it is close to bed time.
October 14, 2017
Good read
I loved this book it kept me on the edge of me seat and I would recommend it to everyone
I loved this book it kept me on the edge of me seat and I would recommend it to everyone
December 30, 2017
Couldn't put this down
I loved this book from cover to cover. The main characters were well written and easy to love. I felt like I was right there with them through thick and thin.
I loved this book from cover to cover. The main characters were well written and easy to love. I felt like I was right there with them through thick and thin.
January 25, 2018
Interesting
This book was very interesting! I love old stories like this one! Hope to read more of this great story!
This book was very interesting! I love old stories like this one! Hope to read more of this great story!
February 27, 2018
How to Marry Your Wife
A good, strong female character makes all the difference in this book of Knights, quests and love. Unfortunately, deceit abounds.
A good, strong female character makes all the difference in this book of Knights, quests and love. Unfortunately, deceit abounds.
March 26, 2018
Sweet!
I enjoyed this story! Good characters and lots of twists and action. Excellent historical references and lots of humor. Thumbs up!
I enjoyed this story! Good characters and lots of twists and action. Excellent historical references and lots of humor. Thumbs up!
April 26, 2018
2nd book of the series and just as good!
I have finished both the 1 & 2 of this series this one kept my interest from beginning to the end.
Worth the money and read!
I have finished both the 1 & 2 of this series this one kept my interest from beginning to the end.
Worth the money and read!
February 6, 2018
If the ridiculous, swallowed-a-thesaurus, never-actually-had-sex-in-my-life opening sex scene is cringe-y to you, you're probably better off putting this one down right then. The sex scenes get a little less “good lord, are you planning to die a virgin??” after a while, but this book is “meh” at best.
The concept had some promise, Merry is pretty likeable, and the detail of her having a freaky-good memory was interesting, but good lord did the author fail to do anything productive with any of it.
Plot threads were added and dropped on a whim (the wager I assumed the plot would center around (based on the title of the book) was made and after, like, three chapters was never mentioned again) and our POV couldn’t even stay consistent: Merry and Thomas alternate narrating, except in two random chapters in the middle that happen to be from the perspectives of secondary characters who then never narrate again.
Could the author think of no other way to convey the exposition that particular character shared? It was jarring and bizarre to read.
Additionally, ending your epilogue on an obvious-sequel-hook ending is tacky. Epilogue means “The Conclusion.” As in, “there is nothing of relevance after this.”
If you MUST have a hook for a sequel I don’t care about, just don’t include an epilogue!! Call it chapter 36 instead!!
There were also four conspicuous typos - she peaked someone’s interest? The thrown of Scotland? You’re a published author!!
Did this book even have an editor? It desperately needed one.
The concept had some promise, Merry is pretty likeable, and the detail of her having a freaky-good memory was interesting, but good lord did the author fail to do anything productive with any of it.
Plot threads were added and dropped on a whim (the wager I assumed the plot would center around (based on the title of the book) was made and after, like, three chapters was never mentioned again) and our POV couldn’t even stay consistent: Merry and Thomas alternate narrating, except in two random chapters in the middle that happen to be from the perspectives of secondary characters who then never narrate again.
Could the author think of no other way to convey the exposition that particular character shared? It was jarring and bizarre to read.
Additionally, ending your epilogue on an obvious-sequel-hook ending is tacky. Epilogue means “The Conclusion.” As in, “there is nothing of relevance after this.”
If you MUST have a hook for a sequel I don’t care about, just don’t include an epilogue!! Call it chapter 36 instead!!
There were also four conspicuous typos - she peaked someone’s interest? The thrown of Scotland? You’re a published author!!
Did this book even have an editor? It desperately needed one.
April 10, 2020
What a Awesome story! How to Marry Your Wife will hold you spellbound as it comes to life with all the intrigue, betrayal and treason with a web of deceit and lies that is spun that will keep you reading to the very end. Stella Marie Alden has written unforgettable romance with a strong plot, remarkable emotions, unforgettable characters, quick-witted banner, with setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly and will keep you captivated from the moment you begin the journey with Thomas and Merry until the very end! Thomas, a Templar Knight must do his kings bidding but before he leaves he hand-fasts with his sweet Merry. Years latter upon his return to claim Merry and make her his bride Thomas finds his sweet Merry not so sweet no more! Thinking Thomas dead these years and finding him alive with no word from him and he thinks she'll just marry him! How dare he!! Merry is a feisty lass with a tongue as sharp as a knife and will do anything to stop herself from letting herself love Thomas again. Thomas has other plans and sets out to win his fair Merry again. With many emotions start to bombard them on their journey to admitting their love for one another they soon find their passions building in this heart pounding action-packed story filled with sizzling passion, drama, adventure, heartbreak, giggles, trials and tribulations, turmoil, and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with the twist and turns abound that makes this one outstanding story!
November 30, 2019
I offered to review this audiobook because I am such an an avid reader but also almost exclusively audio due to my schedule. Because of this, I can be critical of narrators. Especially when books have a single narrator required to speak with different voices for multiple characters. Most cannot do it without having some errors where they use the wrong 'voice' for the wrong character. I am a true believer in the fact that a bad narrator can destroy a great book and have turned away several books with good ratings because of just that. The narrator in this book did a great job, so I was able to listen to the book without issue.
Next is the story. I am not one to give a lot of specific story details since I feel you should read the story for that, and in this case, you won't be disappointed. This is book 2 in a fun romance series, which has great characters that make you not want to quit listening. The storyline was an easy read and entertaining. I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series!
I received a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Next is the story. I am not one to give a lot of specific story details since I feel you should read the story for that, and in this case, you won't be disappointed. This is book 2 in a fun romance series, which has great characters that make you not want to quit listening. The storyline was an easy read and entertaining. I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series!
I received a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2020
I would rate this book more 2.5.
unfortunately I found a lot of the book was repetitive, the same story scenarios just in different environmental settings. I’d say the last 50% of the book was like that, which irritated me to no end because book one and book 3 were a solid four stars.
This is an easy book to read. There’s not a lot of internal character dialogue or overly written historical or scenario scenes which i enjoy not having too much of in a book. there is really NO historical accuracy in this book (which is not a massive deterrent for me reading a book).
there’s somewhat good humour and attraction with H/H. the romance level is 3/5 and even this had me rolling my eyes as it was dragged out with ‘we’re almost doing it but something or someone interrupts us’....like constantly written (not my cup of tea).
I read book 3 first then book 1 which both were a close 4 stars for me...you definitely don’t have to read this book in order to enjoy the other 2.
Because if the other books I will check out Stella Marie Alden other books.
unfortunately I found a lot of the book was repetitive, the same story scenarios just in different environmental settings. I’d say the last 50% of the book was like that, which irritated me to no end because book one and book 3 were a solid four stars.
This is an easy book to read. There’s not a lot of internal character dialogue or overly written historical or scenario scenes which i enjoy not having too much of in a book. there is really NO historical accuracy in this book (which is not a massive deterrent for me reading a book).
there’s somewhat good humour and attraction with H/H. the romance level is 3/5 and even this had me rolling my eyes as it was dragged out with ‘we’re almost doing it but something or someone interrupts us’....like constantly written (not my cup of tea).
I read book 3 first then book 1 which both were a close 4 stars for me...you definitely don’t have to read this book in order to enjoy the other 2.
Because if the other books I will check out Stella Marie Alden other books.
January 4, 2020
Firstly, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review of this book.
This book of the series was quite fun. I love the singing they did while traveling. I love that even though they've been apart a long time, Thomas still felt quite strongly for Mary (Meredith) and felt betrayal at learning she had had a child in his absence. Boy, did that sobered him up fast though. I enjoyed that he had to seduce her back to him, even though he had her heart and love all along.
Like I mentioned in the other review for this series, I read/listened to them out of ordered so there was some confusion as to who some of the characters were. Still, the author did a good job at providing enough information so as that wasn't such an issue as the main characters were the focal point of the story. Narrator did a very good job, had no trouble following the dialogues between the characters at all.
Overall, if you enjoy historical, this is one not to be missed.
This book of the series was quite fun. I love the singing they did while traveling. I love that even though they've been apart a long time, Thomas still felt quite strongly for Mary (Meredith) and felt betrayal at learning she had had a child in his absence. Boy, did that sobered him up fast though. I enjoyed that he had to seduce her back to him, even though he had her heart and love all along.
Like I mentioned in the other review for this series, I read/listened to them out of ordered so there was some confusion as to who some of the characters were. Still, the author did a good job at providing enough information so as that wasn't such an issue as the main characters were the focal point of the story. Narrator did a very good job, had no trouble following the dialogues between the characters at all.
Overall, if you enjoy historical, this is one not to be missed.
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