What do you think?
Rate this book
His #3
His Forgotten Bride
Seven years ago, Claire Hotchkiss thought she’d found her very own happily-ever-after with Gabriel Newsom, the Marquess of Leighton—but when she discovered that her marriage license hadn’t been worth the paper it had been written on, her fairytale swiftly turned into a nightmare. Since then she has found a place for herself in the world working as a housekeeper, but when circumstances compel her to seek out a new post, she finds herself unwittingly accepting a position within the household of the man who destroyed her life. And, to her shock, he doesn’t seem to remember her at all.
Gabriel Newsom has spent the last seven years pretending there’s nothing wrong with him. Plagued by migraines—a remnant of the accident that stole years of his life from him—he spends the majority of his time avoiding society, lest his condition be discovered. He cannot bear the seething jealousy he holds for people who are whole and unburdened by the loss of self he has suffered. When his father confesses that within those missing years he might have been married, he is shaken anew. Somewhere out in the world is a woman whom he unwillingly abandoned, a woman he had once loved. And he doesn’t even know her name.
His new housekeeper is perhaps the only person in his life who is unflinching in the face of his temper, unwilling to leave him to wallow in his misery. Like a guardian angel she watches over him, expects better of him, and against all odds he finds himself comforted by her presence and seeking her approval. He entrusts to her his secrets, never knowing that Claire has secrets of her own…
Gabriel Newsom has spent the last seven years pretending there’s nothing wrong with him. Plagued by migraines—a remnant of the accident that stole years of his life from him—he spends the majority of his time avoiding society, lest his condition be discovered. He cannot bear the seething jealousy he holds for people who are whole and unburdened by the loss of self he has suffered. When his father confesses that within those missing years he might have been married, he is shaken anew. Somewhere out in the world is a woman whom he unwillingly abandoned, a woman he had once loved. And he doesn’t even know her name.
His new housekeeper is perhaps the only person in his life who is unflinching in the face of his temper, unwilling to leave him to wallow in his misery. Like a guardian angel she watches over him, expects better of him, and against all odds he finds himself comforted by her presence and seeking her approval. He entrusts to her his secrets, never knowing that Claire has secrets of her own…
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
177 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 29, 2022
I waited a couple of days before I posted to see if I felt differently as there were so may high reviews. But nope.
What I thought was going to be a cute Regency read with an amnesia, second chance for love turned into a rage read.
I honestly didn’t understand either character’s decisions. Normally I could blame stupid decisions on poor, sloppy writing that tries to create OTT angst over nothing. Here the writing is too good for that to be the case.
What I thought was going to be a cute Regency read with an amnesia, second chance for love turned into a rage read.
I honestly didn’t understand either character’s decisions. Normally I could blame stupid decisions on poor, sloppy writing that tries to create OTT angst over nothing. Here the writing is too good for that to be the case.
January 16, 2022
Excellent Angsty Amnesia Romance
This was quite good. The hero had retrograde amnesia from an accident and forgot at least three years of memories, including his marriage to Clair. Little did he know but she had shown up at his house but his Father sent her away telling her the marriage license was fake. He didn't tell her about the accident and lied to her about were Gabriel was. And she believed him. So for seven years she thought she had been duped. She became a housekeeper for the nobility. Her son is living with her sister. The hero had terrible migraines and dreams of a woman with no face. He actually ends up getting engaged to someone but then his Dad tells him about the woman and that he might already be married. So engagement is broken and he is in search of his wife. In the meantime, Claire is hired to replace his housekeeper. He suddenly feels an instant connection to her. But he doesn't remember her. She also has a son. I really loved them getting to know each other but when he does find put, he is totally a jerk to her. It's very angsty and be his pretty cruel. The journey to the HEA is sad but it is wonderful. This is another free KU book and it's even safe. Loved it.
This was quite good. The hero had retrograde amnesia from an accident and forgot at least three years of memories, including his marriage to Clair. Little did he know but she had shown up at his house but his Father sent her away telling her the marriage license was fake. He didn't tell her about the accident and lied to her about were Gabriel was. And she believed him. So for seven years she thought she had been duped. She became a housekeeper for the nobility. Her son is living with her sister. The hero had terrible migraines and dreams of a woman with no face. He actually ends up getting engaged to someone but then his Dad tells him about the woman and that he might already be married. So engagement is broken and he is in search of his wife. In the meantime, Claire is hired to replace his housekeeper. He suddenly feels an instant connection to her. But he doesn't remember her. She also has a son. I really loved them getting to know each other but when he does find put, he is totally a jerk to her. It's very angsty and be his pretty cruel. The journey to the HEA is sad but it is wonderful. This is another free KU book and it's even safe. Loved it.
August 8, 2022
"His Forgotten Bride" is the story of Claire and Gabriel.
CUE GUSHING.
WOW.
When I began this book and it immediately made me cry on the first chapter, I knew I loved it.
Somewhere out there was the woman who might very well be his marchioness, cast into the winds of fate. And she might be the literal woman of his dreams. If only he could remember her face. If only he could recall her name.
The book begins with the heroine approaching the hero's home with the news of their marriage, and getting dismissed with a cheque. She was apparently cheated by the man she gave herself to!
We move to a few years later. Hero has apparently had amnesia and is thinking of marriage. That's when his father informs him that he could potentially be married, and his world is shaken. He starts looking for his wife, and confusion leads to the assumption that she and his son died.
The heroine, on the other hand, works as a housekeeper. Circumstances lead her to seek employment with the hero, and to her pain, he doesn't even recognize her.
“I, I, I,” Westwood parroted. “My God, Leighton, listen to yourself. By your own admission, she knew nothing but what she had been told. What was she supposed to do? Trust you—the man whom she believed had betrayed her—with her child?”
The story proceeds to him discovering about her son, the son moving in due to health reasons, her discovering the truth about his amnesia and the final reveal of her identity to him.
Then begins the painful part of the book where the heroine is not only shunned by the hero and the servants, but her own son. To say I cried tears that took half a box of tissues is an understatement.
A mother was always supposed to do what was best for her child. And she had tried—all his life she had tried. But she could never provide for him the comfort and security he now enjoyed. She couldn’t give him half—a tenth, even—of what Gabriel could.
She makes tough and painful decisions for their betterment, and is ready to make gut wrenching sacrifices. The hero realizes his error almost too late but he does. The grovel is worth it, and the epilogue is heartwarming.
They talked first in a fragile sort of way, voices hushed as if any sound above a murmur might break the spell woven around them. As the night wore on, it was like the years were stripped away, the pain of the past relieved, and it became more reminiscence, more nostalgia, than reciting memories. She surprised herself by laughing. He surprised her by crying. And by the time she finally fell asleep, well into the early morning hours, she found herself more at peace than she had been in years.
100% recommended to the fans of second chance romances!
When they slept at last, it was with her legs entangled with his own, her palm splayed over his heart, his arm banded around her, his chin resting atop her head. And when he woke in the morning, her face was the first thing he saw.
Safe
4.75/5
CUE GUSHING.
WOW.
When I began this book and it immediately made me cry on the first chapter, I knew I loved it.
Somewhere out there was the woman who might very well be his marchioness, cast into the winds of fate. And she might be the literal woman of his dreams. If only he could remember her face. If only he could recall her name.
The book begins with the heroine approaching the hero's home with the news of their marriage, and getting dismissed with a cheque. She was apparently cheated by the man she gave herself to!
We move to a few years later. Hero has apparently had amnesia and is thinking of marriage. That's when his father informs him that he could potentially be married, and his world is shaken. He starts looking for his wife, and confusion leads to the assumption that she and his son died.
The heroine, on the other hand, works as a housekeeper. Circumstances lead her to seek employment with the hero, and to her pain, he doesn't even recognize her.
“I, I, I,” Westwood parroted. “My God, Leighton, listen to yourself. By your own admission, she knew nothing but what she had been told. What was she supposed to do? Trust you—the man whom she believed had betrayed her—with her child?”
The story proceeds to him discovering about her son, the son moving in due to health reasons, her discovering the truth about his amnesia and the final reveal of her identity to him.
Then begins the painful part of the book where the heroine is not only shunned by the hero and the servants, but her own son. To say I cried tears that took half a box of tissues is an understatement.
A mother was always supposed to do what was best for her child. And she had tried—all his life she had tried. But she could never provide for him the comfort and security he now enjoyed. She couldn’t give him half—a tenth, even—of what Gabriel could.
She makes tough and painful decisions for their betterment, and is ready to make gut wrenching sacrifices. The hero realizes his error almost too late but he does. The grovel is worth it, and the epilogue is heartwarming.
They talked first in a fragile sort of way, voices hushed as if any sound above a murmur might break the spell woven around them. As the night wore on, it was like the years were stripped away, the pain of the past relieved, and it became more reminiscence, more nostalgia, than reciting memories. She surprised herself by laughing. He surprised her by crying. And by the time she finally fell asleep, well into the early morning hours, she found herself more at peace than she had been in years.
100% recommended to the fans of second chance romances!
When they slept at last, it was with her legs entangled with his own, her palm splayed over his heart, his arm banded around her, his chin resting atop her head. And when he woke in the morning, her face was the first thing he saw.
Safe
4.75/5
September 15, 2022
Exceptionally well-written book, but the angst got a bit too contrived which overwhelmed the plot. I became quite frustrated by Claire's reluctance to tell Gabriel the truth and her reasons became more flimsy and unjustifiable as the story progressed. I thus fully understood his ire. Matthew was a delight, an inquisitive child who saw and heard too much and was not shy to remind the adults that they can't hoodwink him. I loved the gradual evolution of Gabriel's cute friendship with Westwood, much to his reluctance and puzzlement. Despite the author trying too hard to milk the drama, I really enjoyed the quality of her prose, the authentic language and the detailed and complex characterisations. This is my first book by Ms Richards and I'm already onto the next book in her catalogue.
Most days he felt like a jigsaw puzzle, missing more pieces than he'd retained. It had changed him, fundamentally altered him, as if all of those missing pieces had been the core of him and without them he was simply hollow, a shell of the man he might have been.
She wore a gown of nondescript grey, properly starched and pressed. her eyes swept over him, but he could not determine the color at this distance. Still, he had the distinct impression from the slight purse of her lips that she had judged him and found him wanting. Rather impertinent of her, really.
He gave a brief nod, as if unconvinced. "I find myself wondering," he mused, "whether it is easier to know or to not know. Does knowing what it is you've lost make it easier to bear? Are the memories any comfort at all?"
Yes," she said immediately, her voice hoarse with suppressed emotion. "I would never want to forget - not for a moment. Even the memories that are painful are precious."
Most days he felt like a jigsaw puzzle, missing more pieces than he'd retained. It had changed him, fundamentally altered him, as if all of those missing pieces had been the core of him and without them he was simply hollow, a shell of the man he might have been.
She wore a gown of nondescript grey, properly starched and pressed. her eyes swept over him, but he could not determine the color at this distance. Still, he had the distinct impression from the slight purse of her lips that she had judged him and found him wanting. Rather impertinent of her, really.
He gave a brief nod, as if unconvinced. "I find myself wondering," he mused, "whether it is easier to know or to not know. Does knowing what it is you've lost make it easier to bear? Are the memories any comfort at all?"
Yes," she said immediately, her voice hoarse with suppressed emotion. "I would never want to forget - not for a moment. Even the memories that are painful are precious."
February 14, 2024
Re-read 2-20-2024
Still a super sweet story. I enjoy this author's storytelling so much!
This story of our poor heroine Claire, left behind (pregnant and very destitute) by her very rich husband Gabriel. Yeah, that definitely brought out some decent angsty feels....
When Claire tries unsuccessfully to track Gabriel down, she's sneered at, ridiculed and informed by Gabriel's asshole of a father, that she was just a dalliance, and that Gabriel was only using her. Broken hearted and believing that her marriage license was indeed fake, Claire is sent on her way back to wherever she had come from.
This beginning was the perfect setting to draw me into this story and I enjoyed the entire ride. Claire definitely had backbone, and she never lost her pluck, no matter the hand that life dealt her. It was fun experiencing these two slowly working their way back to each other, as well as experiencing the shitty behavior of the staff towards Claire, because they believed Claire to be no better than a slut. The story started to get a little long and a little drawn out towards the end, but it finally picked back up again, and ended with a very nice HEA.
Still a super sweet story. I enjoy this author's storytelling so much!
This story of our poor heroine Claire, left behind (pregnant and very destitute) by her very rich husband Gabriel. Yeah, that definitely brought out some decent angsty feels....
When Claire tries unsuccessfully to track Gabriel down, she's sneered at, ridiculed and informed by Gabriel's asshole of a father, that she was just a dalliance, and that Gabriel was only using her. Broken hearted and believing that her marriage license was indeed fake, Claire is sent on her way back to wherever she had come from.
This beginning was the perfect setting to draw me into this story and I enjoyed the entire ride. Claire definitely had backbone, and she never lost her pluck, no matter the hand that life dealt her. It was fun experiencing these two slowly working their way back to each other, as well as experiencing the shitty behavior of the staff towards Claire, because they believed Claire to be no better than a slut. The story started to get a little long and a little drawn out towards the end, but it finally picked back up again, and ended with a very nice HEA.
December 24, 2020
Firmly on my keeper shelf ...
This book had a lot of my favorite plot points ... and was full of angst ...
Rich, marquess H marries h who is an ordinary girl ... H goes to inform his father of the marriage when he has an accident and loses his memory ...
h comes to see H but his father turns her away, tells her marriage is fake and all
7 years later she is hired as his housekeeper ... and realises he does not recognize her .. and she later learns that he had an injury and has amnesia ...
She has had a baby, H's son ...
The H is a genuinely good man who lavishes attention on h's son even without knowing that the little boy is his ...
he reacts badly when he finds out h is his wife and her son is their son ...
and later regrets his actions and grovels
h is a brave woman who has her reasons .. and when she has had enough, she draws away from him ...
as I said, its an angst fest and thoroughly enjoyable ...
This book had a lot of my favorite plot points ... and was full of angst ...
Rich, marquess H marries h who is an ordinary girl ... H goes to inform his father of the marriage when he has an accident and loses his memory ...
h comes to see H but his father turns her away, tells her marriage is fake and all
7 years later she is hired as his housekeeper ... and realises he does not recognize her .. and she later learns that he had an injury and has amnesia ...
She has had a baby, H's son ...
The H is a genuinely good man who lavishes attention on h's son even without knowing that the little boy is his ...
he reacts badly when he finds out h is his wife and her son is their son ...
and later regrets his actions and grovels
h is a brave woman who has her reasons .. and when she has had enough, she draws away from him ...
as I said, its an angst fest and thoroughly enjoyable ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
New favorite author alert! 2 books in and I’m smitten.
Amnesia can be a tricky plot line but this is done in the most perfect way. A strong heroine was the cherry on top.
Amnesia can be a tricky plot line but this is done in the most perfect way. A strong heroine was the cherry on top.
January 7, 2025
Interesting story about a second chance relationship.
This couple get married and then get separated by unfortunate circumstances.
This couple get married and then get separated by unfortunate circumstances.
May 7, 2022
MAGICAL❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
Wowwwwwww!!!! This book was gripping!!! I can’t believe this author isn’t more well known. This story was MAGIC, it was beautifully written, with so much intense, gut-wrenching emotion that I cried. And so, soooo much angst while still being SAFE.
I absolutely fucking loved that the hero—even tho he had forgotten he was married—never slept with anyone in the years of separation because no one felt “right.” Sweet, sweet swoon!
And the heroine’s strength and courage, her kindness and perseverance in difficult times made me love her.
I found the characters engaging and believable, even when they made mistakes.
For example, when the heroine realizes that the hero has amnesia, she doesn’t tell him who she is. It may seem stupid, but her silence was understandable. The risks of exposing herself wouldn’t just affect her, but her child. Keeping silent assured her that her child was safe. Opening her mouth, there was too much uncertainty that they would be flung out.
And at the same time, the hero’s rage at her keeping silent was understandable. His anger and anguish and heartbreak at being kept in the dark when she had the power to bring the light and when he trusted her, was completely believable. And when he had time to calm down and see things from her perspective, he was apologetic and contrite and groveled for her forgiveness.
Altogether this was a magnificent story and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Safe. No others during separation. Hero’s past before the heroine isn’t mentioned. Heroine was a virgin, although their first time is never shown. No cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
Wowwwwwww!!!! This book was gripping!!! I can’t believe this author isn’t more well known. This story was MAGIC, it was beautifully written, with so much intense, gut-wrenching emotion that I cried. And so, soooo much angst while still being SAFE.
I absolutely fucking loved that the hero—even tho he had forgotten he was married—never slept with anyone in the years of separation because no one felt “right.” Sweet, sweet swoon!
And the heroine’s strength and courage, her kindness and perseverance in difficult times made me love her.
I found the characters engaging and believable, even when they made mistakes.
For example, when the heroine realizes that the hero has amnesia, she doesn’t tell him who she is. It may seem stupid, but her silence was understandable. The risks of exposing herself wouldn’t just affect her, but her child. Keeping silent assured her that her child was safe. Opening her mouth, there was too much uncertainty that they would be flung out.
And at the same time, the hero’s rage at her keeping silent was understandable. His anger and anguish and heartbreak at being kept in the dark when she had the power to bring the light and when he trusted her, was completely believable. And when he had time to calm down and see things from her perspective, he was apologetic and contrite and groveled for her forgiveness.
Altogether this was a magnificent story and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Safe. No others during separation. Hero’s past before the heroine isn’t mentioned. Heroine was a virgin, although their first time is never shown. No cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
May 20, 2022
I really liked the first half and felt the last bit sorta dragged on and on with a lot of superfluous and intentional miscommunication.
I understood the justifications and totally get that people are like this. Really, love can make you stupid, but there was no peril, no intrigue, no mystery, just a bit of drama (and a few moments of angst) but nothing the reader could feel. I think if we'd followed Claire through those years of pain and were shown the difficulties, it would have been more gripping. Instead we were told about it in a dismissive fashion and saw the tumultuous (but happy) resolution at the end.
I appreciate the research and skill that went into writing this novel, and I get that no author can make everyone happy, it just didn't hold the particular weight I need to earn more stars (because of entertainment value). My taste is weird though, so I definitely recommend it to all fans of Historical Fiction. It's a cute read!
I understood the justifications and totally get that people are like this. Really, love can make you stupid, but there was no peril, no intrigue, no mystery, just a bit of drama (and a few moments of angst) but nothing the reader could feel. I think if we'd followed Claire through those years of pain and were shown the difficulties, it would have been more gripping. Instead we were told about it in a dismissive fashion and saw the tumultuous (but happy) resolution at the end.
I appreciate the research and skill that went into writing this novel, and I get that no author can make everyone happy, it just didn't hold the particular weight I need to earn more stars (because of entertainment value). My taste is weird though, so I definitely recommend it to all fans of Historical Fiction. It's a cute read!
Read
November 2, 2021DNF at 53%
Historical romance where H suffers a head injury and forgets getting married. The h is rejected by his father, and thrown out in the rain…literally. This is slow going, at this point they’ve just started getting romantic, but he’s still clueless of who she is. He’s also kind of beta which isn’t really my thing. (rakes are so much more entertaining) I am not in the mood to be patient, but may try again another time.
Historical romance where H suffers a head injury and forgets getting married. The h is rejected by his father, and thrown out in the rain…literally. This is slow going, at this point they’ve just started getting romantic, but he’s still clueless of who she is. He’s also kind of beta which isn’t really my thing. (rakes are so much more entertaining) I am not in the mood to be patient, but may try again another time.
July 26, 2025
Claire and Gabriel’s second chance story had potential. But it dwelled too much on her servant status, his memory loss and migraines. Intimacy between characters felt forced or nonexistent. The only part I connected with was kid Matthew developing a relationship with Gabriel without being informed of their relationship. I also identified with Claire’s emotionally driven housecleaning therapy. cannot recall if there were any sexy times. Westwood and Poppy make an appearance 👍
April 27, 2022
This was almost four stars, but it didn’t sit right with me that he allowed her to still be a servant well after realizing they’re married and she’s the mother of his child.
April 7, 2024
H has amnesia, the h is his very competent housekeeper. But she is actually his wife, married years before. I found this very tedious as she 'protects him from her love'. It was quite a silly story with overused tropes.
January 4, 2024
4.75 stars
I was little wary at first because this sounded like the ultimate miscommunication / big secret romance (they married in secret, circumstances tore them apart, they’re reunited but he has amnesia), and I was nervous it was going to be cliche… but IT WAS SO GOOD. Even if part of me was thinking “tell him!!!”, I could 100% understand Claire’s actions.
I also loved how well-paced the story was, probably because who knew what kept changing, and the relationship dynamic between Claire and Gabriel also shifted a few times. There were really sweet and swoony moments alongside all the angsty pangs… until we hit peak angst. 😢
Seriously, the angst in this book was so heartwrenching it needs to be trademarked, but the remorse/grovel payoff was cathartic.
I *loved* it.
I was little wary at first because this sounded like the ultimate miscommunication / big secret romance (they married in secret, circumstances tore them apart, they’re reunited but he has amnesia), and I was nervous it was going to be cliche… but IT WAS SO GOOD. Even if part of me was thinking “tell him!!!”, I could 100% understand Claire’s actions.
I also loved how well-paced the story was, probably because who knew what kept changing, and the relationship dynamic between Claire and Gabriel also shifted a few times. There were really sweet and swoony moments alongside all the angsty pangs… until we hit peak angst. 😢
Seriously, the angst in this book was so heartwrenching it needs to be trademarked, but the remorse/grovel payoff was cathartic.
I *loved* it.
December 31, 2023
Due to the plot holes, it should be a 2 stars rating but loved the angst. 🤷🏻♀️
July 25, 2022
I’m so glad a decided to check out this author after seeing one of my mutuals mentioning and highly praising this particular book.
I have a feeling His Forgotten Bride might be one of the best books I’ve read this year, and Aydra Richards a new author I’ll closely follow.
His Forgotten Bride is superbly written fresh take on the Beauty and the Beast story with added twist of second chance romance, and amnesia plot.
The latter is so difficult to write well; most of the stories with this particular theme are either rushed or seem somewhat awkward. But not this one.
First of all, I admit, this book has a slow start. I understand how some readers decided to DNF it, I was also kind of toying with the idea of leaving it “for later”. But believe me, when the story gets good, it’s GOOD.
Gabriel’s struggle with his affliction was honest and didn’t shy away from the darkest parts of recuperating from such life altering injury. The hero even admits on several occasions how his personality changed after his accident; how missing a huge parts of his life, of himself, made him felt alienated, bitter, and resentful. How it made him doubt he could ever be a good person.
Aydra Richards conveyed all of those dark and difficult emotions with a certain poignant touch, making Gabriel’s redemption arc so satisfying and refreshing.
What’s more, him doubting himself indirectly leads to the best conversations in the whole book – Gabriel and Claire discussing what it means to be a good person. It’s a incredibly intimate and bittersweet dialog, but it perfectly encapsulated what makes them such a classic romance couple. Definitely one of the best moments in the whole book.
There are many, many more amazing moments and all of them show how well Claire and Gabriel work as a couple.
Because, she was such wonderful and strong heroine too. If Gabriel’s story arc was so good, it’s only because of Claire. I loved her stoic resolve and stubbornness, even if at times it brought her more grief. The last third of the book portrayed her inner struggles so well. The quite despair and willingness to sacrifice so much for her loved ones.
The whole book is full of a beautiful mixture of deep romance, intimate connection, and a dash of angst to make it that much sweeter. And the sweet moments are so lovely!
Every interaction Claire and Gabriel have is electric, but it has a certain intimate feel to it. It’s more subdued that a new love kind of spark, deeper, more comfortable. That’s why their story works so well as a second chance romance too. Their romance is both exciting and heady, but also quiet and intimate when it needs to be.
His Forgotten Bride is a wonderful book that has just the right balance of deeply emotional moments with romantic and light scenes. It has the elegance of classic romances with all the exciting chemistry, humor, and sensual intimacy of modern ones.
Highly recommended!
5/5 stars
I have a feeling His Forgotten Bride might be one of the best books I’ve read this year, and Aydra Richards a new author I’ll closely follow.
His Forgotten Bride is superbly written fresh take on the Beauty and the Beast story with added twist of second chance romance, and amnesia plot.
The latter is so difficult to write well; most of the stories with this particular theme are either rushed or seem somewhat awkward. But not this one.
First of all, I admit, this book has a slow start. I understand how some readers decided to DNF it, I was also kind of toying with the idea of leaving it “for later”. But believe me, when the story gets good, it’s GOOD.
Gabriel’s struggle with his affliction was honest and didn’t shy away from the darkest parts of recuperating from such life altering injury. The hero even admits on several occasions how his personality changed after his accident; how missing a huge parts of his life, of himself, made him felt alienated, bitter, and resentful. How it made him doubt he could ever be a good person.
Aydra Richards conveyed all of those dark and difficult emotions with a certain poignant touch, making Gabriel’s redemption arc so satisfying and refreshing.
What’s more, him doubting himself indirectly leads to the best conversations in the whole book – Gabriel and Claire discussing what it means to be a good person. It’s a incredibly intimate and bittersweet dialog, but it perfectly encapsulated what makes them such a classic romance couple. Definitely one of the best moments in the whole book.
There are many, many more amazing moments and all of them show how well Claire and Gabriel work as a couple.
Because, she was such wonderful and strong heroine too. If Gabriel’s story arc was so good, it’s only because of Claire. I loved her stoic resolve and stubbornness, even if at times it brought her more grief. The last third of the book portrayed her inner struggles so well. The quite despair and willingness to sacrifice so much for her loved ones.
The whole book is full of a beautiful mixture of deep romance, intimate connection, and a dash of angst to make it that much sweeter. And the sweet moments are so lovely!
Every interaction Claire and Gabriel have is electric, but it has a certain intimate feel to it. It’s more subdued that a new love kind of spark, deeper, more comfortable. That’s why their story works so well as a second chance romance too. Their romance is both exciting and heady, but also quiet and intimate when it needs to be.
His Forgotten Bride is a wonderful book that has just the right balance of deeply emotional moments with romantic and light scenes. It has the elegance of classic romances with all the exciting chemistry, humor, and sensual intimacy of modern ones.
Highly recommended!
5/5 stars
December 12, 2023
Angsty goodness!
October 12, 2022
Alternating “woe is me” mentalities, characters deciding they know best for the other without any communication, and the decision to put away one’s own happiness and make themself the “sacrificial lamb” for absolutely no reason? All of this added up into some of my least favorite tropes rolled into one. Two stars is a bit generous for this book.
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed the book and read it over 24 hours. There was a lot of push and pull of withholding information, but the reasons were acceptable and the grovel by the H was also acceptable. It was a different scenario than I’m used to reading and the author used terms familiar with the times.
Steam was maybe 2/5. There were a few short scenes. The epilogue was a nice addition and definitely ends with an HEA.
Read this if you are in the mood for a ‘We’re married, but I have no idea who you are.’ H has amnesia from an accident and has no idea he was married. h becomes his housekeeper and he doesn’t recognize her and she’s mortified because of it. There are a few gut punch moments, and I live for them so I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Steam was maybe 2/5. There were a few short scenes. The epilogue was a nice addition and definitely ends with an HEA.
Read this if you are in the mood for a ‘We’re married, but I have no idea who you are.’ H has amnesia from an accident and has no idea he was married. h becomes his housekeeper and he doesn’t recognize her and she’s mortified because of it. There are a few gut punch moments, and I live for them so I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
January 14, 2024
I read to 30%. Then I read some reviews here. Then I skipped to 60% just to get on with the plot and see the big reveal. Then I just stayed for the rest of the ride to see the grovelling. Grovelling began around the 78% mark. It was weak asf. It lasted til the end.
For the grovelling and lack there of, in giving it ⭐⭐.
The MMC suCKED. He was so selfish. Sure, he had an epiphany, but it was so....man of him to have that epiphany after humiliating and abusing the FMC so badly. He's absolutely pathetic. And his idea of winning her back was waiting for her to willingly do that. Which is good so his 0 stars is actually a 1 star ⭐
The FMC, I totally understand where she's coming from. Childbirth is difficult. Childbirth without a husband and believing your entire relationship with your husband to be a lie and that he just played you for a fool with a fake marriage.... I get it bro. I too would do what I gotta do to protect my child. If that means never getting him near his deadbeat dad, then so be it. Ofc, there's no way she'd have been able to even come up with why he left her since the reason is literally out of a soap opera...that being said I'll give her ⭐⭐⭐
Okay....the plot. MMC keeps saying he's lost friends he's made with the 4 year gap in his memory. He says he's a POS and has lots of enemies now. Wanna know what would've been absolutely epic ?? IF THAT WAS PART OF THE PLOT ! LIKE, imagine if he owed someone money or owed someone favors and they came to collect and now he's gonna be like "dude I don't remember what happened 11 years ago, 7 years ago my brain sort of leaked a bit and I lost some memories" and SEE THAT I would've loved to see the conflict with that. Also, I appreciate how we don't have to deal with the Ton aka vapid London society at all but I think this novel needed some of that. How would the FMC be accepted? How would she navigate society? How will they left her up? We get none of that, just an epilogue where it's 7 years later and she popped out 2 more babies and that's it. 2 stars ⭐⭐
Overall, that's like 2+ stars. I'll round up to 3 🌟🌟🌟
We needed to see more the sister and more of the dad. Both dads. Would've loved to see how they would've handled FMCs dad. There's so many loose ends.
Anyway it's 4 am. I'm going to bed. It's stopped snowing. Adios. 🌊
For the grovelling and lack there of, in giving it ⭐⭐.
The MMC suCKED. He was so selfish. Sure, he had an epiphany, but it was so....man of him to have that epiphany after humiliating and abusing the FMC so badly. He's absolutely pathetic. And his idea of winning her back was waiting for her to willingly do that. Which is good so his 0 stars is actually a 1 star ⭐
The FMC, I totally understand where she's coming from. Childbirth is difficult. Childbirth without a husband and believing your entire relationship with your husband to be a lie and that he just played you for a fool with a fake marriage.... I get it bro. I too would do what I gotta do to protect my child. If that means never getting him near his deadbeat dad, then so be it. Ofc, there's no way she'd have been able to even come up with why he left her since the reason is literally out of a soap opera...that being said I'll give her ⭐⭐⭐
Okay....the plot. MMC keeps saying he's lost friends he's made with the 4 year gap in his memory. He says he's a POS and has lots of enemies now. Wanna know what would've been absolutely epic ?? IF THAT WAS PART OF THE PLOT ! LIKE, imagine if he owed someone money or owed someone favors and they came to collect and now he's gonna be like "dude I don't remember what happened 11 years ago, 7 years ago my brain sort of leaked a bit and I lost some memories" and SEE THAT I would've loved to see the conflict with that. Also, I appreciate how we don't have to deal with the Ton aka vapid London society at all but I think this novel needed some of that. How would the FMC be accepted? How would she navigate society? How will they left her up? We get none of that, just an epilogue where it's 7 years later and she popped out 2 more babies and that's it. 2 stars ⭐⭐
Overall, that's like 2+ stars. I'll round up to 3 🌟🌟🌟
We needed to see more the sister and more of the dad. Both dads. Would've loved to see how they would've handled FMCs dad. There's so many loose ends.
Anyway it's 4 am. I'm going to bed. It's stopped snowing. Adios. 🌊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
I was 3/4ths of the way through when it occurred to me that the hero -who persistently said he was a bad dude - may actually be the villain in one or more of the prior books. At the very least his badness may be written into those stories because we didn't see it here.
If this is the case, then for this book to be truly appreciated, I think it needs to be read in the order it appears in the series. Without doing that I am giving it 3 stars. It was fine. It was not a waste of time to read. The story was unique and interesting. However the fact that the reader is continually told about his badness and how much the heroine has helped him change, I just didn't see it. It was basically 2 relatively nice people who were in a crappy situation.
I am going to read the other books in the series so I can hopefully have a good understanding of the hero's character. I do love a reformed villain and if that is the case I will edit this reveiw.
Spoiler under here
Whenever a heroine knowingly keeps a child from their father, I lose all respect for them. This heroine did that- even if her actions were somewhat excusable in the beginning, they failed to be when she found out about the amnesia. Then for her to be willing to leave her kid - when it wasn't required nor asked for - just put her down another notch. I wanted to punch her in the face.
I also did not like that the marriage license issue was not addressed promptly by the Hero. Waiting until the epilogue to let the reader know it was resolved was lazy writing IMO.
If this is the case, then for this book to be truly appreciated, I think it needs to be read in the order it appears in the series. Without doing that I am giving it 3 stars. It was fine. It was not a waste of time to read. The story was unique and interesting. However the fact that the reader is continually told about his badness and how much the heroine has helped him change, I just didn't see it. It was basically 2 relatively nice people who were in a crappy situation.
I am going to read the other books in the series so I can hopefully have a good understanding of the hero's character. I do love a reformed villain and if that is the case I will edit this reveiw.
Spoiler under here
Whenever a heroine knowingly keeps a child from their father, I lose all respect for them. This heroine did that- even if her actions were somewhat excusable in the beginning, they failed to be when she found out about the amnesia. Then for her to be willing to leave her kid - when it wasn't required nor asked for - just put her down another notch. I wanted to punch her in the face.
I also did not like that the marriage license issue was not addressed promptly by the Hero. Waiting until the epilogue to let the reader know it was resolved was lazy writing IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2023
Tedious. Even skimming, it was tedious. The guy was a jerk, as all this author’s male main characters are. I might have felt some sympathy for the female main character, who WAS treated very badly by the hero’s father and left in dire circumstances, except for this:
I hated this book and all the people in it, except for Westwood.
I hated this book and all the people in it, except for Westwood.
March 31, 2022
Head trauma done right
Having had a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago, I avoid amnesia stories like the plague. After enjoying a few other of this authors books (give me a good grovel and I'm a reader for life) I was hesitant but prepared to DNF.
This book articulates the struggles of missing years of memory so well and so empathetically and was almost healing for me as a reader who has suffered the way Gabriel does in the book.
20/10 cannot recommend enough I feel like my life would be lacking for not having read this book.
Having had a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago, I avoid amnesia stories like the plague. After enjoying a few other of this authors books (give me a good grovel and I'm a reader for life) I was hesitant but prepared to DNF.
This book articulates the struggles of missing years of memory so well and so empathetically and was almost healing for me as a reader who has suffered the way Gabriel does in the book.
20/10 cannot recommend enough I feel like my life would be lacking for not having read this book.
August 5, 2023
Beautiful 😍
What a lovely story! I started it this afternoon and only put it down when absolutely necessary. So many chores went undone so I could continue to read.
This is a romance, a love story pure and simple. A second chance romance that happened because due to circumstances beyond the couples control, they were torn apart. But even with all the turbulence if the past, the angst and uncertainty in the future the love they thought lost was found; drawn together by forces they could not explain. This lead to a sweet HEA and a adorable epilogue.
What a lovely story! I started it this afternoon and only put it down when absolutely necessary. So many chores went undone so I could continue to read.
This is a romance, a love story pure and simple. A second chance romance that happened because due to circumstances beyond the couples control, they were torn apart. But even with all the turbulence if the past, the angst and uncertainty in the future the love they thought lost was found; drawn together by forces they could not explain. This lead to a sweet HEA and a adorable epilogue.
October 6, 2025
A beautiful and simple story. Hero and heroine are very young when they fall in love and get married. Hero is a Marquess. The heroine is a simple country girl with no lineage at all. Hero goes away for a few hours to tell his father about his marriage. But he never returns. The heroine waits. Then she goes to his house. Hero’s father tells her it was just a dalliance. The hero never meant it seriously.
Cut to seven years later. The heroine is thrown out of the house where she is housekeeper because the man of the house kept pawing her. The butler sends her to a house where his sister is retiring.
The heroine reaches there and finally meets the hero again. He has no recollection of her.
Then the story proceeds. How he gets entranced by her again. His guilt about his wife who he does not remember. (His father has told him about her existence)
He finds out the heroine has a child. He brings that child home. His father comes to visit and outs the heroine as the lost wife.
Hero is upset. Heroine was a girl of her time. Naive. Unaware of what to do. When hero asked her to marry him, she refused because she was already married to him and thought it would be bigamy!!
Finally they work through their or rather her fears of commitment and live happily ever after.
So that’s my review.
I’m so happy to have found this author. I love her voice. I love her world view. I’m going to enjoy reading all her books. Blessed is goodreads.
Good night.
Cut to seven years later. The heroine is thrown out of the house where she is housekeeper because the man of the house kept pawing her. The butler sends her to a house where his sister is retiring.
The heroine reaches there and finally meets the hero again. He has no recollection of her.
Then the story proceeds. How he gets entranced by her again. His guilt about his wife who he does not remember. (His father has told him about her existence)
He finds out the heroine has a child. He brings that child home. His father comes to visit and outs the heroine as the lost wife.
Hero is upset. Heroine was a girl of her time. Naive. Unaware of what to do. When hero asked her to marry him, she refused because she was already married to him and thought it would be bigamy!!
Finally they work through their or rather her fears of commitment and live happily ever after.
So that’s my review.
I’m so happy to have found this author. I love her voice. I love her world view. I’m going to enjoy reading all her books. Blessed is goodreads.
Good night.
February 5, 2023
3.7/4 🌟 💟
Loved this. 💓💓
Historical Romance ✔️
Lord/Servant ✔️
Marriage in trouble/ secret marriage ✔️
Angst ✔️
Acceptable grovel ✔️
Grumpy/Rude H turned soft for h ✔️
👪💑✔️
This was great. I usually detest the amnesia trope in books but this one wasn't bad. I enjoyed reading this historical Romance. And I'm glad that I finally picked this up to read. 💖 Loved Claire and Gabriel together, the bond Gabriel and their son, Matthew had, was sweet. 🥺 I did feel like Gabriel was truly sorry for some of his words and actions towards the end of the book so did not mind the grovel. Claire annoyed me at the end because of how she tried to sacrifice her own happiness and downplayed her suffering while also keeping unnecessary secrets from Gabriel.
The TRUE villains were definitely the other servants. The disrespect and audacity they had 😭✋️😤
Besides that, I really liked this. 🤩💜
Loved this. 💓💓
Historical Romance ✔️
Lord/Servant ✔️
Marriage in trouble/ secret marriage ✔️
Angst ✔️
Acceptable grovel ✔️
Grumpy/Rude H turned soft for h ✔️
👪💑✔️
This was great. I usually detest the amnesia trope in books but this one wasn't bad. I enjoyed reading this historical Romance. And I'm glad that I finally picked this up to read. 💖 Loved Claire and Gabriel together, the bond Gabriel and their son, Matthew had, was sweet. 🥺 I did feel like Gabriel was truly sorry for some of his words and actions towards the end of the book so did not mind the grovel. Claire annoyed me at the end because of how she tried to sacrifice her own happiness and downplayed her suffering while also keeping unnecessary secrets from Gabriel.
The TRUE villains were definitely the other servants. The disrespect and audacity they had 😭✋️😤
Besides that, I really liked this. 🤩💜
dnf
February 2, 2022DNF 31%
This is just going soooo slowly I can’t
This is just going soooo slowly I can’t
January 20, 2024
So angsty...A very hard earned HEA
August 24, 2024
Well-written and entertaining, I could not put it down.
However, I found it hard to forgive Gabriel. I allow a lot of leeway with HR because they are of their time and I try to leave it as that and nothing more but he was just awful. Arrogant, selfish and just loved being a victim.
Claire was so kind and understanding to him after everything she'd been through and he did not offer her the same courtesy.
- She didn't lash out when she believed she was just "one of many" (she didn't realize he had amnesia when he didn't recognize her and his father told her 7 years ago that he made a habit of promising women things he never intended to deliver).
- She showed him compassion and empathy when she thought he'd married someone else after her, despite her heart breaking she comforted him, and he didn't even bother to try to understand how hard it must've been to be a pregnant woman alone in the 1800s.
She even calls him out and tells him that if she admitted to being his wife and matthew his child once she learned of his condition, he'd just accuse her of being an opportunist and throw her out - he proceeds to then admit that she's correct in that assumption but he still doesn't try to empathize.
Then Gabriel goes to visit her sister to learn the truth, has a big moment of realization and he doesn't do anything to fix it. He gets ahold of the marriage license and STILL doesn't act on it. Oh but I LOVED the way her sister told him off.
Gabriel's treatment of her was not only horrid after learning the truth but he alienated her from the staff and their son, Matthew. I understand that he was mad at her but as a rich, TITLED man - no one should be disrespecting your wife and so publicly, especially the help. Mind you as the housekeeper, that made her their BOSS. Matthew also started treating her horribly and Gabriel didn't bother to admonish him until far too late in my opinion.
Oh and then when the staff continues to treat her like garbage, he's like wtf guys that's my wife? I'm sorry but how are they supposed to treat her with any respect when you don't?
Keep in mind, Gabriel's father knew about her this whole time and is the one that turned her away, but he takes all his anger out on her.
Claire was great. She was not a doormat and I love that she stood up for herself, protected her son at all cost and didn't let how others treated her get her (because I could never). She was so classy and graceful and still offered anyone a reference if they chose to quit, even after they all called her a "harlot" or "whore."
I thought it was funny that Gabriel missed all the signs. Gabriel knew his wife's initials were likely "CH" and when he learns of Claire's name he's like oh CH. Then he learns she has a son and he's like "oh that child would've been the same age as mine" even Lord Westwood was like "are you sure he isn't yours? He looks just like you?"
He did trust Claire and she didn't admit to anything so it makes somewhat sense he didn't draw the conclusion but it was just funny.
Also, I understand why Claire lied by omission, but like did she not think she'd ever run into Gabriel's father especially if she was living in his home? (which is exactly what happened lmao) she should've came clean after he proposed.
Anyway, I still really enjoyed it. Would definitely read again.
Most importantly: both celibate during 7 years separation.
However, I found it hard to forgive Gabriel. I allow a lot of leeway with HR because they are of their time and I try to leave it as that and nothing more but he was just awful. Arrogant, selfish and just loved being a victim.
Claire was so kind and understanding to him after everything she'd been through and he did not offer her the same courtesy.
- She didn't lash out when she believed she was just "one of many" (she didn't realize he had amnesia when he didn't recognize her and his father told her 7 years ago that he made a habit of promising women things he never intended to deliver).
- She showed him compassion and empathy when she thought he'd married someone else after her, despite her heart breaking she comforted him, and he didn't even bother to try to understand how hard it must've been to be a pregnant woman alone in the 1800s.
She even calls him out and tells him that if she admitted to being his wife and matthew his child once she learned of his condition, he'd just accuse her of being an opportunist and throw her out - he proceeds to then admit that she's correct in that assumption but he still doesn't try to empathize.
Then Gabriel goes to visit her sister to learn the truth, has a big moment of realization and he doesn't do anything to fix it. He gets ahold of the marriage license and STILL doesn't act on it. Oh but I LOVED the way her sister told him off.
Gabriel's treatment of her was not only horrid after learning the truth but he alienated her from the staff and their son, Matthew. I understand that he was mad at her but as a rich, TITLED man - no one should be disrespecting your wife and so publicly, especially the help. Mind you as the housekeeper, that made her their BOSS. Matthew also started treating her horribly and Gabriel didn't bother to admonish him until far too late in my opinion.
Oh and then when the staff continues to treat her like garbage, he's like wtf guys that's my wife? I'm sorry but how are they supposed to treat her with any respect when you don't?
Keep in mind, Gabriel's father knew about her this whole time and is the one that turned her away, but he takes all his anger out on her.
Claire was great. She was not a doormat and I love that she stood up for herself, protected her son at all cost and didn't let how others treated her get her (because I could never). She was so classy and graceful and still offered anyone a reference if they chose to quit, even after they all called her a "harlot" or "whore."
I thought it was funny that Gabriel missed all the signs. Gabriel knew his wife's initials were likely "CH" and when he learns of Claire's name he's like oh CH. Then he learns she has a son and he's like "oh that child would've been the same age as mine" even Lord Westwood was like "are you sure he isn't yours? He looks just like you?"
He did trust Claire and she didn't admit to anything so it makes somewhat sense he didn't draw the conclusion but it was just funny.
Also, I understand why Claire lied by omission, but like did she not think she'd ever run into Gabriel's father especially if she was living in his home? (which is exactly what happened lmao) she should've came clean after he proposed.
Anyway, I still really enjoyed it. Would definitely read again.
Most importantly: both celibate during 7 years separation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews