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His Bride for the Taking
*This novella was originally published in Rogues Rush In: a Regency Duet (2018), by Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell
It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister.
Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold…and to love.
It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister.
Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold…and to love.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
446 people are currently reading
1779 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Dare
51 books15k followersSign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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October 4, 2019Hi, Goodreads!
This novella was originally published inRogues Rush In in 2018.
I’ve made it available on its own for anyone who might have missed it!
Two fun facts:
1. Sebastian and Mary are a “best friend’s little sister” pairing except that they’re a “best friend’s slightly-older sister” pairing. She’s got one or two years on him, and he LOVES it.
2. My favorite scene to write involves the true test of any relationship - putting together unassembled furniture. If IKEA has ever brought you to the brink of a breakup, here is a story where true love conquers even the vaguest assembly instructions.
Hope you enjoy!
Tessa
This novella was originally published inRogues Rush In in 2018.
I’ve made it available on its own for anyone who might have missed it!
Two fun facts:
1. Sebastian and Mary are a “best friend’s little sister” pairing except that they’re a “best friend’s slightly-older sister” pairing. She’s got one or two years on him, and he LOVES it.
2. My favorite scene to write involves the true test of any relationship - putting together unassembled furniture. If IKEA has ever brought you to the brink of a breakup, here is a story where true love conquers even the vaguest assembly instructions.
Hope you enjoy!
Tessa
January 27, 2024
Free at the Kindle store! <--for now, anyway.
This was a short, sweet novella (did I mention free?) from Tessa Dare.
I love the been in love with best friend's sister for years trope and this one was adorably well done.
Our hero steps in to save his secret love from the shame of being abandoned at the altar, and then they proceed to his (unbeknownst to him) horribly maintained vacation cottage by the sea.
To him, he's an unsuitable choice that has been unfairly thrust upon this goddess of a woman, and he's trying desperately not to offend or frighten her delicate sensibilities. The poor lady has lost her brother and has been forced by circumstance to marry his best friend or face ruin!
Turns out, there's a lot he doesn't know about his wife or how she really feels about him.
If you're jonesing for some Tessa Dare, this hits the spot!
Recommended!
This was a short, sweet novella (did I mention free?) from Tessa Dare.
I love the been in love with best friend's sister for years trope and this one was adorably well done.
Our hero steps in to save his secret love from the shame of being abandoned at the altar, and then they proceed to his (unbeknownst to him) horribly maintained vacation cottage by the sea.
To him, he's an unsuitable choice that has been unfairly thrust upon this goddess of a woman, and he's trying desperately not to offend or frighten her delicate sensibilities. The poor lady has lost her brother and has been forced by circumstance to marry his best friend or face ruin!
Turns out, there's a lot he doesn't know about his wife or how she really feels about him.
If you're jonesing for some Tessa Dare, this hits the spot!
Recommended!
July 31, 2020
A jilted bride, a troubled Lord and a delapidated seaside cottage. What could possible happen? Especially when the caretakers are called Dick and Fanny....
I can't deny this was a little slice of fun, with a few nods to the farcicle at times. Predictable but not without a dash of charm.
I can't deny this was a little slice of fun, with a few nods to the farcicle at times. Predictable but not without a dash of charm.
February 20, 2025
A splash of HR bubbly from Tessa Dare. An effervescent and sparkling read!
🌹My thanks to Danielle Hart for bringing this to my attention.🌹
🌹My thanks to Danielle Hart for bringing this to my attention.🌹
June 8, 2020
Can always rely on Tessa Dare for feel-good stories.
March 2, 2020
Honouring the silent rules of friendship Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has kept his desires tightly leashed for years when it comes to his best-friend's sister the very tempting Mary Clayton, but when she is left waiting at the alter, Sebastian is damned if he will let her reputation be smeared, so he persuades her to marry him. The trickery that occurred wasn't really needed as a plot strand, but still enjoyed the read.
A light, short and fluffy read - just what I needed.
Potential Triggers:
A light, short and fluffy read - just what I needed.
Potential Triggers:
July 21, 2022
Sweet little novella and a quick read. Mary is left at the altar. Sebastian can’t stand to see his friend’s sister, the woman he’s been secretly in love with since childhood, jilted on the most important day of her life. So he presents her with his plan. They will marry, he will protect her and they will make a go of a life together. Just a cute little story of the beginning of a marriage between two people who have suffered many losses. They are adorable and so is their relationship. Nice way to spend my morning coffee time.
July 18, 2020
Lovely little story
July 12, 2020
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★.5
this was... not my fave tessa dare novella :(
i really hate the whole 'lying' trope that was the catalyst for the conflict and i wasn't the hugest fan of the characters, but it was short and funny so i'll give it that!
trigger warnings: loss of family members and friends (in the past).
★★.5
this was... not my fave tessa dare novella :(
i really hate the whole 'lying' trope that was the catalyst for the conflict and i wasn't the hugest fan of the characters, but it was short and funny so i'll give it that!
trigger warnings: loss of family members and friends (in the past).
February 22, 2021
This was pretty good! It wasn't terrible and it wasn't amazing.
I'm going with 3 stars for this short story by Tessa Dare.
His Bride for the Taking is a historical romance novella about Mary Clayton and Sebastian, Lord Byrne.
Sebastian is best friends with Mary's brother. Since a kid, he's also been close to the whole Clayton family. They have been a part of his life for years and during this time, he's been in love with Mary.
He promised himself he would always look after Mary and not take advantage of his feelings for her.
What Sebastian doesn't realize is that Mary feels the same.
Mary is about to be left at the alter and sparks are about to fly in this cute romance...
I'm going with 3 stars for this short story by Tessa Dare.
His Bride for the Taking is a historical romance novella about Mary Clayton and Sebastian, Lord Byrne.
Sebastian is best friends with Mary's brother. Since a kid, he's also been close to the whole Clayton family. They have been a part of his life for years and during this time, he's been in love with Mary.
He promised himself he would always look after Mary and not take advantage of his feelings for her.
What Sebastian doesn't realize is that Mary feels the same.
Mary is about to be left at the alter and sparks are about to fly in this cute romance...
September 9, 2021
A short but cute novella to break the cycle of fantasy books I've been reading for the last couple of weeks.
January 30, 2022
I adore the beautiful little novella. Everything is amazing, Sebastian, Mary, the honeymoon from hell, the caretakers, the dinner scene…🤣🤣🤣
Tessa Dare never fails to lift my mood 🥰
Tessa Dare never fails to lift my mood 🥰
February 19, 2025
Summary:
After that last disaster, I needed a sure thing, so I finally read His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare. No surprises here—5 stars. Tessa Dare is an automatic buy for me, and once again, she delivered. Despite being a novella, nothing felt rushed. The buildup was solid, the characters were lovable, and somehow, she even managed to slip in an IKEA joke in a historical romance. Only Tessa Dare could pull that off.
Characters:
Sebastian: A+ hero. He’s devoted, desperate, and absolutely head over heels. I love a man who is secretly pining, and Sebastian has it bad. His unwavering love for Mary made my heart ache in the best way.
Mary: Mary was wonderful—smart, strong, and just enough to make Sebastian’s longing even better. Their dynamic was perfection, and the way their relationship unfolded felt so natural, even in a short format.
Overall Thoughts:
This was exactly the palate cleanser I needed. It had the perfect mix of heart, humor, and romance, plus a caretaker couple named Dick and Fanny, which made me laugh out loud. Tessa Dare just gets it. She knows how to make a novella feel just as satisfying as a full-length novel, and that’s no easy feat. Highly recommend, as always.
Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
After that last disaster, I needed a sure thing, so I finally read His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare. No surprises here—5 stars. Tessa Dare is an automatic buy for me, and once again, she delivered. Despite being a novella, nothing felt rushed. The buildup was solid, the characters were lovable, and somehow, she even managed to slip in an IKEA joke in a historical romance. Only Tessa Dare could pull that off.
Characters:
Sebastian: A+ hero. He’s devoted, desperate, and absolutely head over heels. I love a man who is secretly pining, and Sebastian has it bad. His unwavering love for Mary made my heart ache in the best way.
Mary: Mary was wonderful—smart, strong, and just enough to make Sebastian’s longing even better. Their dynamic was perfection, and the way their relationship unfolded felt so natural, even in a short format.
Overall Thoughts:
This was exactly the palate cleanser I needed. It had the perfect mix of heart, humor, and romance, plus a caretaker couple named Dick and Fanny, which made me laugh out loud. Tessa Dare just gets it. She knows how to make a novella feel just as satisfying as a full-length novel, and that’s no easy feat. Highly recommend, as always.
Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
January 17, 2021
'It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister.
Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold…and to love.'
_______________________________
His Bride for the Taking is a stand alone novella by Tessa Dare that was oringinally in 2018 as a part of the Rogues Rush In: a Regency Duet.
This is very short at a little over 100 pages, but there's a good amount of plot filling up the pages. Very sweet story with the 'best friend's little sister trope, except she's technically an older sister. He's kept his distance despite being in love with her forever, but with her brother gone Sebastian takes it upon himself to be her knight in shining armor when she jilted on her wedding day.
Supporting characters Dick and Fanny, not even counting their unfortunate names, were a great spot of comedy. The whole story is fun, with a very modern romantic comedy vibe. The one thing that I didn't really care for was the deception, everything was so lovely up until theat was revealed. That kind of pulled me out of enjoying the story as much. Overall I still thought it was a really fun novella that was well fleshed out considering the limited number of pages and I will be reading more books by Tessa Dare in future.
Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold…and to love.'
_______________________________
His Bride for the Taking is a stand alone novella by Tessa Dare that was oringinally in 2018 as a part of the Rogues Rush In: a Regency Duet.
This is very short at a little over 100 pages, but there's a good amount of plot filling up the pages. Very sweet story with the 'best friend's little sister trope, except she's technically an older sister. He's kept his distance despite being in love with her forever, but with her brother gone Sebastian takes it upon himself to be her knight in shining armor when she jilted on her wedding day.
Supporting characters Dick and Fanny, not even counting their unfortunate names, were a great spot of comedy. The whole story is fun, with a very modern romantic comedy vibe. The one thing that I didn't really care for was the deception, everything was so lovely up until theat was revealed. That kind of pulled me out of enjoying the story as much. Overall I still thought it was a really fun novella that was well fleshed out considering the limited number of pages and I will be reading more books by Tessa Dare in future.
February 9, 2021
Sebastian, Lord Bryne, has had the hots for his bff's older sister, Mary Clayton, for YEARS. So when it looks like she's getting jilted, he's ON THE JOB, BONERS SET TO STUN. Except after they get married, they gotta get all their lies out on the table for processing or something.
1. The backstory is left SUPER slim since it's such a short novella. But basically Sebastian's dad was a deadbeat who maybe beat Sebastian once or twice and that means he's been tight with the Claytons ever since.
2. Meanwhile, a late-in-the-game reveal by Mary posits that she's been in love with him for years and years and kept it secret because of reasons or something but now she's happy to confess LOVE and FEELINGS.
3. The "Swedish furniture building" scene was not that cute, to me.
4. The "French titles are hard" scene was not that cute, either.
5. Because Mary's got Secrets and they're all kept for a late reveal, there's no good way to get any sensation about what kind of a heroine she is since it's all flipped over in the last two chapters for the drama.
6. It's just: trite. Trite and boring and expected and cutesy and dull.
1. The backstory is left SUPER slim since it's such a short novella. But basically Sebastian's dad was a deadbeat who maybe beat Sebastian once or twice and that means he's been tight with the Claytons ever since.
2. Meanwhile, a late-in-the-game reveal by Mary posits that she's been in love with him for years and years and kept it secret because of reasons or something but now she's happy to confess LOVE and FEELINGS.
3. The "Swedish furniture building" scene was not that cute, to me.
4. The "French titles are hard" scene was not that cute, either.
5. Because Mary's got Secrets and they're all kept for a late reveal, there's no good way to get any sensation about what kind of a heroine she is since it's all flipped over in the last two chapters for the drama.
6. It's just: trite. Trite and boring and expected and cutesy and dull.
August 10, 2020
A light, sexy, fun novella. I had a great time reading it.
August 15, 2020
This was such an amazing way to get over my mini slump! I wanted something quick and nothing seemed to appeal to me, until I noticed this novella sitting on my kindle , thanks to the quarantine freebie the author gave to us! So thankful for all of the free books btw!
Back to our book, we have our heroine that I honestly loved, especially with her attitude and that little twist, Mary was simply a great heroine and I wished the novella was a larger one. However it gave me what I needed! Our hero, Sebastian, was interesting as well, but I believe Mary was more developed as a character.
I laughed, swooned, smiled all in just a few hours. If you need something quick, this one is a gem!
Back to our book, we have our heroine that I honestly loved, especially with her attitude and that little twist, Mary was simply a great heroine and I wished the novella was a larger one. However it gave me what I needed! Our hero, Sebastian, was interesting as well, but I believe Mary was more developed as a character.
I laughed, swooned, smiled all in just a few hours. If you need something quick, this one is a gem!
June 2, 2023
4 stars
Sebastian’s best friend’s sister Mary (who he has been pining after for years) is left at the altar, so obviously the only solution is to marry her himself.
This novella has Tessa Dare’s winky humour (there is a Swedish furniture scene that I found hilarious), a feminist heroine, and a grumpy but besotted hero. Sebastian basically turns into a teenage boy when he sees his wife naked 😂.
My attention span is a bit short at the moment, so this was perfect for a fun and easy read.
Sebastian’s best friend’s sister Mary (who he has been pining after for years) is left at the altar, so obviously the only solution is to marry her himself.
This novella has Tessa Dare’s winky humour (there is a Swedish furniture scene that I found hilarious), a feminist heroine, and a grumpy but besotted hero. Sebastian basically turns into a teenage boy when he sees his wife naked 😂.
My attention span is a bit short at the moment, so this was perfect for a fun and easy read.
December 31, 2021
I was in the mood for a novella - a good story that doesn't keep me tied down for an entire day (or 5) and Tessa Dare's His Bride for the Taking delivered.
It was short and enjoyable and I read it very, very quickly.
I like Tessa Dare's books. Even if I don't always connect with the characters, I still thoroughly enjoy her writing.
It was short and enjoyable and I read it very, very quickly.
I like Tessa Dare's books. Even if I don't always connect with the characters, I still thoroughly enjoy her writing.
March 4, 2022
Not my favorite trope: I find it hard to believe that there is any sort of rule against wooing a best friend's sister. It might be squicky, but it I would guess it's more likely encouraged than not, especially if the brother is bestowing her hand.
But the muddle and difficulties and awkwardness of the next couple of days: that was very well done. The hardest thing about being married is not taking everything personally when there are only the two of you. If I am annoyed, then you must be annoying.
And that's the end of the Dare oeuvre for now. It's been delightful throughout.
Library copy
But the muddle and difficulties and awkwardness of the next couple of days: that was very well done. The hardest thing about being married is not taking everything personally when there are only the two of you. If I am annoyed, then you must be annoying.
And that's the end of the Dare oeuvre for now. It's been delightful throughout.
Library copy
April 14, 2020
Too sweet!
December 16, 2019
I'm very much not here for last minute drama centring around a character lying and being manipulative only for their behaviour to be effortlessly forgiven 😤
April 2, 2020
This was a quick, cute, and steamy read from one of my favorite HR authors who never disappoints!
Mary is being stood up on her wedding day. True, the groom is not anyone she was ever madly in love with, but it would create scandal for her while it would deflect off the runaway groom. As such, her brother's best friend Sebastian insists on wedding her himself to protect her reputation... there's also the little incentive that he has been hopelessly in love with her for the last 11 years since he met her, but that's beside the point. Mary is in need, and he promised her brother that he would always take care of her, especially now as her brother was not as lucky as he was to return from the war. While Mary attempts to dissuade Sebastian by offering up several arguments against this idea, he will not be deterred, and they end up eloping that night by marrying at a small church where Sebastian makes a very generous donation to gain the speedy license. From there, they set off to his seaside cottage that he believes will afford them some privacy while the gossiping dies down and will also be a nice place to spend a honeymoon.
When the newlywed couple arrives at the quaint home, they find it in a pretty poor state of disrepair as the caretakers have obviously not kept it up despite the continued, generous payments for its upkeep. Though Sebastian is angry that their retreat is not up to standards, they decide to make the best of it and stay for the night as it is too late to make it back to the nearest inn a couple of hours away. Sebastian realizes that this was not Mary's original plan or groom, so he fights within himself to takes things slow and tells Mary that he will not consummate their marriage until she is ready no matter how long it takes. Mary is actually irritated by this as she is more than willing to enjoy marital relations with the man whose kiss sets her heart racing, and when she asks for a "goodnight kiss," things get hot and heavy until..... the caretakers return and mistake her naked husband for a squatter. Things seem to keep going from bad to worse on this ill-fated attempt at a honeymoon, but Mary is determined to make the best of it and to make her new husband her true husband despite his insistence that they take it slowly. Will they ever find true wedded bliss with each other? Is Mary being completely honest with Sebastian about her situation? And what will happen if a lie is exposed?
This was a very fun read with minimal angst, steamy goodness, likeable characters, and a quick-moving story. I would recommend!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Mary is being stood up on her wedding day. True, the groom is not anyone she was ever madly in love with, but it would create scandal for her while it would deflect off the runaway groom. As such, her brother's best friend Sebastian insists on wedding her himself to protect her reputation... there's also the little incentive that he has been hopelessly in love with her for the last 11 years since he met her, but that's beside the point. Mary is in need, and he promised her brother that he would always take care of her, especially now as her brother was not as lucky as he was to return from the war. While Mary attempts to dissuade Sebastian by offering up several arguments against this idea, he will not be deterred, and they end up eloping that night by marrying at a small church where Sebastian makes a very generous donation to gain the speedy license. From there, they set off to his seaside cottage that he believes will afford them some privacy while the gossiping dies down and will also be a nice place to spend a honeymoon.
When the newlywed couple arrives at the quaint home, they find it in a pretty poor state of disrepair as the caretakers have obviously not kept it up despite the continued, generous payments for its upkeep. Though Sebastian is angry that their retreat is not up to standards, they decide to make the best of it and stay for the night as it is too late to make it back to the nearest inn a couple of hours away. Sebastian realizes that this was not Mary's original plan or groom, so he fights within himself to takes things slow and tells Mary that he will not consummate their marriage until she is ready no matter how long it takes. Mary is actually irritated by this as she is more than willing to enjoy marital relations with the man whose kiss sets her heart racing, and when she asks for a "goodnight kiss," things get hot and heavy until..... the caretakers return and mistake her naked husband for a squatter. Things seem to keep going from bad to worse on this ill-fated attempt at a honeymoon, but Mary is determined to make the best of it and to make her new husband her true husband despite his insistence that they take it slowly. Will they ever find true wedded bliss with each other? Is Mary being completely honest with Sebastian about her situation? And what will happen if a lie is exposed?
This was a very fun read with minimal angst, steamy goodness, likeable characters, and a quick-moving story. I would recommend!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
May 21, 2020
Trigger warnings: death of a friend (in the past), death of a sibling (in the past), lying.
I've been feeling kind of slumpy reading-wise this month, and this was the perfect tiny little pick-me-up. It's a typical Tessa Dare story - a hero who's a badass on the outside but turns to marshmallow fluff around the woman he loves, a heroine who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it, a side of general ridiculousness and hilarity, some swoon, and a happily ever after.
I loved a lot about this. The fact that Mary is two years older. The fact that it doesn't feel like instalove because they've both been secretly in love with the other one for YEARS. And the fact that their first fight as a married couple is about how to assemble the frame and slats on a Swedish bed frame without instructions (*cough* IKEA *cough*).
And when you add in the servants trying their hardest to impress through French cuisine and then announcing that dinner consists of soup and pain, poison, cocky vein with pumpery, and chocolate mouse and I was positively HOWLING with laughter.
That being said, I...didn't love the lying plotline. But there had to be SOME conflict and it's hard to properly develop conflict in an 80-odd page novella, so I'll accept it.
I've been feeling kind of slumpy reading-wise this month, and this was the perfect tiny little pick-me-up. It's a typical Tessa Dare story - a hero who's a badass on the outside but turns to marshmallow fluff around the woman he loves, a heroine who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it, a side of general ridiculousness and hilarity, some swoon, and a happily ever after.
I loved a lot about this. The fact that Mary is two years older. The fact that it doesn't feel like instalove because they've both been secretly in love with the other one for YEARS. And the fact that their first fight as a married couple is about how to assemble the frame and slats on a Swedish bed frame without instructions (*cough* IKEA *cough*).
And when you add in the servants trying their hardest to impress through French cuisine and then announcing that dinner consists of soup and pain, poison, cocky vein with pumpery, and chocolate mouse and I was positively HOWLING with laughter.
That being said, I...didn't love the lying plotline. But there had to be SOME conflict and it's hard to properly develop conflict in an 80-odd page novella, so I'll accept it.
March 29, 2020
Lovely novella! So romantic and fun.
It was Mary’s wedding day and her fiance failed to show up.
Sebastian, her deceased brother’s best friend, insists she marries him instead to protect her from the scandal.
The problem is Sebastian has been forever in love with his best friend’s older sister, but he does not want to impose on her, believing she is heartbroken.
The story is very sweet. Sebastian is a wonderful hero and Mary so smart and fun.
There are some laugh out loud moments, especially when their servants decide to serve a French dinner.
Great short read. Highly recommended.
It was Mary’s wedding day and her fiance failed to show up.
Sebastian, her deceased brother’s best friend, insists she marries him instead to protect her from the scandal.
The problem is Sebastian has been forever in love with his best friend’s older sister, but he does not want to impose on her, believing she is heartbroken.
The story is very sweet. Sebastian is a wonderful hero and Mary so smart and fun.
There are some laugh out loud moments, especially when their servants decide to serve a French dinner.
Great short read. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2020
Spoilers ahead
It's been quite awhile since I read a historical but I've loved this author's books before so I took a chance on this novella
Best friend's older sister
With the friend dead he's been looking out for her
When she's supposedly jilted on her wedding day he steps in to marry her and off they go
Plot twist in the end
This trope isn't a favourite of mine, especially if both mcs have feelings for each other but don't take a chance.....but it's regency so some stuff could be forgiven
I liked the h, she wasn't a shy wallflower at all
The H was ok but I frown upon self sacrifice lol....just man up and claim her damn
Too short to really say anything else really
Not bad
It's been quite awhile since I read a historical but I've loved this author's books before so I took a chance on this novella
Best friend's older sister
With the friend dead he's been looking out for her
When she's supposedly jilted on her wedding day he steps in to marry her and off they go
Plot twist in the end
This trope isn't a favourite of mine, especially if both mcs have feelings for each other but don't take a chance.....but it's regency so some stuff could be forgiven
I liked the h, she wasn't a shy wallflower at all
The H was ok but I frown upon self sacrifice lol....just man up and claim her damn
Too short to really say anything else really
Not bad
March 10, 2022
3.5 ⭐
A Mary Clayton la dejan esperando en el altar el día de su boda. Junto a ella, esta el mejor amigo de su hermano, Sebastian.
Él decide salvar a Mary de la vergüenza, y casarse con ella.
Esta historia es corta y bonita. 💞
Aunque el plot twist es... 👀🤣
Igual estuvo lindo.
_
You will not be ruined, and you are not going to be a spinster, either. You’re going to marry me.”
_
“You’re mine now,” he said through clenched teeth. “Do you hear me? You’re mine.”
A Mary Clayton la dejan esperando en el altar el día de su boda. Junto a ella, esta el mejor amigo de su hermano, Sebastian.
Él decide salvar a Mary de la vergüenza, y casarse con ella.
Esta historia es corta y bonita. 💞
Aunque el plot twist es... 👀🤣
Igual estuvo lindo.
_
You will not be ruined, and you are not going to be a spinster, either. You’re going to marry me.”
_
“You’re mine now,” he said through clenched teeth. “Do you hear me? You’re mine.”
April 30, 2020
Another one of those "This day sucked so I am going to read a book that sucks more to feel better."
I wasn't going to actually admit to reading it, but it pleasantly surprised me enough that I feel it deserves some recognition. (At least, if I mark the really lousy pseudo-Regency Kindle freebies I read, I should mark the semi-decent ones too, right?)
Its a novella, so not a lot of room for character growth, and I don't think the plot could handle much more anyway. But it works fairly well with what it has by turning a lot of the usual tropes on their head. In particular, you have a pretty great heroine who doesn't mindlessly go along with a notorious rake. (I think he's supposed to be a rake? It is supppperrrr vague. Probably notorious only in his own head.) Anyway, she has quite a bit of agency, which I liked.
But like many pseudo-Regency novels, it picks and chooses historical accuracy....actually, pausing to wonder if this was even supposed to be set in the Regency era. Maybe it is supposed to be more Victorian?
That might make marginally more sense in the context of her fighting for votes for women and actually having a wedding dress. But there is talk of young nobles joining the war which usually refers to the Napoleonic wars. So, who knows?
It was decent and didn't make me hate it which kind of why I read these books so I clearly didn't go in predisposed to like it.
I wasn't going to actually admit to reading it, but it pleasantly surprised me enough that I feel it deserves some recognition. (At least, if I mark the really lousy pseudo-Regency Kindle freebies I read, I should mark the semi-decent ones too, right?)
Its a novella, so not a lot of room for character growth, and I don't think the plot could handle much more anyway. But it works fairly well with what it has by turning a lot of the usual tropes on their head. In particular, you have a pretty great heroine who doesn't mindlessly go along with a notorious rake. (I think he's supposed to be a rake? It is supppperrrr vague. Probably notorious only in his own head.) Anyway, she has quite a bit of agency, which I liked.
But like many pseudo-Regency novels, it picks and chooses historical accuracy....actually, pausing to wonder if this was even supposed to be set in the Regency era. Maybe it is supposed to be more Victorian?
That might make marginally more sense in the context of her fighting for votes for women and actually having a wedding dress. But there is talk of young nobles joining the war which usually refers to the Napoleonic wars. So, who knows?
It was decent and didn't make me hate it which kind of why I read these books so I clearly didn't go in predisposed to like it.
January 5, 2022
This was an absolutely delightful stand alone novella. I admit that one of my favorite tropes is Brother’s Best Friend/Best Friend’s Sister. I just love when someone you have grown up knowing becomes more.
Sebastian and Mary were such a fun couple. They’ve both been harboring unrequited love for the other but felt they couldn’t do anything about it. While circumstances drive them together … neither is disappointed. This makes for a lot of fun banter and sexy time on their unconventional honeymoon. Dare has a great sense of humor and this such an easy read.
Sebastian and Mary were such a fun couple. They’ve both been harboring unrequited love for the other but felt they couldn’t do anything about it. While circumstances drive them together … neither is disappointed. This makes for a lot of fun banter and sexy time on their unconventional honeymoon. Dare has a great sense of humor and this such an easy read.
March 28, 2020
Okay, this was adorable and I could have easily read a full book about Mary and Sebastian.
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