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Never the Bride #1
Always the Bridesmaid
Always the bridesmaid and never the bride - but not if the Duke of Axwick has anything to do with it…
Miss Tabitha Chesworth is walking down the aisle for the third time, but never as the bride. Frustrated with being passed over, there's nothing that a well-born lady can do about it. But at four and twenty, she's starting to worry that this is her lot in life - until a fiery encounter with the Duke of Axwick.
Richard St Maur, sixteenth in his line, has sworn an oath never to marry. He's seen the damage of the male Axwick line, and he won't bring another gambler or drunkard into the world. Of course, that doesn't mean he can't have a little fun and there's no one he'd like to play with more than Miss Tabitha Chesworth. He's determined to have her. She's determined to hold out until a ring is on her finger. Sparks fly as this repeat bridesmaid takes on one of the most determined men of the ton.
Whose offer will eventually be accepted? Will the Duke of Axwick find his way into Tabitha's bed - or her heart?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited!
Never the Bride Series
Always the Bridesmaid
Always the Chaperone
Always the Courtesan
Always the Best Friend
Always the Wallflower
Always the Bluestocking
Miss Tabitha Chesworth is walking down the aisle for the third time, but never as the bride. Frustrated with being passed over, there's nothing that a well-born lady can do about it. But at four and twenty, she's starting to worry that this is her lot in life - until a fiery encounter with the Duke of Axwick.
Richard St Maur, sixteenth in his line, has sworn an oath never to marry. He's seen the damage of the male Axwick line, and he won't bring another gambler or drunkard into the world. Of course, that doesn't mean he can't have a little fun and there's no one he'd like to play with more than Miss Tabitha Chesworth. He's determined to have her. She's determined to hold out until a ring is on her finger. Sparks fly as this repeat bridesmaid takes on one of the most determined men of the ton.
Whose offer will eventually be accepted? Will the Duke of Axwick find his way into Tabitha's bed - or her heart?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited!
Never the Bride Series
Always the Bridesmaid
Always the Chaperone
Always the Courtesan
Always the Best Friend
Always the Wallflower
Always the Bluestocking
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2020
1269 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
177 books279 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
November 8, 2020
2.5
Sooooo much agonizing from both our Duke and young heroine. Well-written but slightly boring.
No real Calgon take me away moments. I actually liked the older spinster sister of the Duke best— I may try the next book. Only to see if Charlotte can get through a few chapters without too much whining.
Maybe I spent too much agonizing over whether I should quit the book— by the time I’d made up my mind, the book was almost at its required happy ending. Hence the half-star for managing to keep me just interested enough to finish.
Sooooo much agonizing from both our Duke and young heroine. Well-written but slightly boring.
No real Calgon take me away moments. I actually liked the older spinster sister of the Duke best— I may try the next book. Only to see if Charlotte can get through a few chapters without too much whining.
Maybe I spent too much agonizing over whether I should quit the book— by the time I’d made up my mind, the book was almost at its required happy ending. Hence the half-star for managing to keep me just interested enough to finish.
May 30, 2020
All was going fine enough until THE scene.
I don't ask a 100% historical accuracy in a historical romance but I need a minimum. I don't know how the author did her research (or if she did some…) but a gentleman even a Duke and even in Bath who organizes a ball in his own home CAN'T leave the ballroom in the arms of an unmarried lady and disapear TOGETHER ALL NIGHT without causing a very big scandal with the banishment of the girl as one of the consequences
+ other discrepancies
+ sometimes a behavior I didn't like as well from the heroine as the hero (the hero's poor sister...)
I'm very disappointed as I liked the plot a lot.
The two stars are for the moments I like but I won't read the rest of the series.
I don't ask a 100% historical accuracy in a historical romance but I need a minimum. I don't know how the author did her research (or if she did some…) but a gentleman even a Duke and even in Bath who organizes a ball in his own home CAN'T leave the ballroom in the arms of an unmarried lady and disapear TOGETHER ALL NIGHT without causing a very big scandal with the banishment of the girl as one of the consequences
+ other discrepancies
+ sometimes a behavior I didn't like as well from the heroine as the hero (the hero's poor sister...)
I'm very disappointed as I liked the plot a lot.
The two stars are for the moments I like but I won't read the rest of the series.
May 9, 2021
Lovely quick read.
June 13, 2021
"Always the Bridesmaid (Never the Bride #1)" is a first time read by Emily E.K. Murdoch, a new author to this reader. For the most part, this short novella started off just right but got a bit tedious with all of the chasing by Richard, the Duke with trying to get Tabitha, 3-times bridesmaid's attention and affection. Tabitha is very wealthy in her own right and is waiting out for love and a ring on her finger instead of men seeking her for her money. Richard on the other hand has sworn off matrimony because of his predecessors but is having a change of heart when he sees Tabitha...he wants her body and not her money. Thus starts the cat and mouse games to a nice HEA. Although it dragged a bit, I thought it was a delightful short read and I look forward to reading the others in this series.
January 19, 2020
NAH, I LOVE THE IDEA BUT THE EXECUTION WAS WEAK. TOO SHALLOW, AND DIDN'T HAVE A MEANINGFUL STORY. CHARACTERS WEREN'T REALLY DEVELOPED.
TABITHA was always the bridesmaid, never the bride. When playing 3rd time bridesmaid to her cousin, she laments her fate but at the same time attracts the attention of a handsome duke who then pursues her without the intention of marriage. Tabitha stands firm in what she believes in. He wants her? He has to marry her. When their passion gets out of hand and she finally makes love with him, she had misunderstood his question as a proposal and believed them to be engaged. What happens when the truth comes to light?
RICHARD was shallow. He's a duke, but he's also afraid to commit to love. The men in his family line have proven themselves to be wastrels, drunkards and prone to debt. Richard is currently handling the hefty debt left by his dead older brother, which is why he is now the Duke. Bankrupt with only the legacy title, he doesn't have much to live for, until he meets Tabitha. It was lust at first sight which turns into love but I didn't like how he led Tabitha own...thinking that she KNEW that they were only having some fun.
OVERALL it could have been better. The story was truly promising, but if both characters didn't give in so quickly and there was some sort of 'I chase you, You chase me' kind of thing going on, it would have been splendid, apart from building the characters more.
TABITHA was always the bridesmaid, never the bride. When playing 3rd time bridesmaid to her cousin, she laments her fate but at the same time attracts the attention of a handsome duke who then pursues her without the intention of marriage. Tabitha stands firm in what she believes in. He wants her? He has to marry her. When their passion gets out of hand and she finally makes love with him, she had misunderstood his question as a proposal and believed them to be engaged. What happens when the truth comes to light?
RICHARD was shallow. He's a duke, but he's also afraid to commit to love. The men in his family line have proven themselves to be wastrels, drunkards and prone to debt. Richard is currently handling the hefty debt left by his dead older brother, which is why he is now the Duke. Bankrupt with only the legacy title, he doesn't have much to live for, until he meets Tabitha. It was lust at first sight which turns into love but I didn't like how he led Tabitha own...thinking that she KNEW that they were only having some fun.
OVERALL it could have been better. The story was truly promising, but if both characters didn't give in so quickly and there was some sort of 'I chase you, You chase me' kind of thing going on, it would have been splendid, apart from building the characters more.
January 16, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Very enjoyable and entertaining read , the relationship between the lead characters was excellent, they definitely had chemistry.
Their banter and steamy meetings made the pages turn so easily and I loved the story.
Can’t wait for the rest of the series, especially Charlottes story .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋
Very enjoyable and entertaining read , the relationship between the lead characters was excellent, they definitely had chemistry.
Their banter and steamy meetings made the pages turn so easily and I loved the story.
Can’t wait for the rest of the series, especially Charlottes story .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 18, 2020
A nice short story to pass a couple of hours with on a rainy afternoon. All in all, a good story with a decent plot, well researched and excellently written.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 20, 2023
Richard, Duke of Axwick swore an oath that he would never marry, but I think we know that's going out the window. Richard first saw Tabitha at the wedding, she being a bridesmaid for the third time. Richard never wants to get married, but that's not going to happen!
I very much enjoyed reading 'Always the Bridesmaid', and will definitely read #2. 4☆
I very much enjoyed reading 'Always the Bridesmaid', and will definitely read #2. 4☆
April 12, 2020
A Regency in Bath, England. I gave the story 2.5 stars.
The hero Richard (a duke) was crazy about heroine
Tabitha but only offered a mistress arrangement. She
said no. Later Rich, in an amorous mood, said to gullible
Tab "Will you make me very happy?" which she took as
a marriage proposal. How? Towards the story's end,
Tabitha took an impulsive, unjustified action which
benefitted Rich. How could a relatively smart young
woman lose her common sense when she needed it the
most? Was Richard worth the effort? Each reader must
decide for herself/ himself. The ending: seemed just too
perfect.
The best aspect? When the h confronted the H.
The hero Richard (a duke) was crazy about heroine
Tabitha but only offered a mistress arrangement. She
said no. Later Rich, in an amorous mood, said to gullible
Tab "Will you make me very happy?" which she took as
a marriage proposal. How? Towards the story's end,
Tabitha took an impulsive, unjustified action which
benefitted Rich. How could a relatively smart young
woman lose her common sense when she needed it the
most? Was Richard worth the effort? Each reader must
decide for herself/ himself. The ending: seemed just too
perfect.
The best aspect? When the h confronted the H.
March 25, 2021
I read a lot of Regency books and so when I come across one that is full of historical inaccuracies without explanation, I just can’t rate it very highly no matter how much I enjoyed it. I did like the chemistry between the two main characters but the constant historical inaccuracies were hard to ignore while reading. Some Regency books purposefully add in modern day values for modern day readers but this wasn’t one of those cases. This book just felt as if the author didn’t do enough research, didn’t understand the time period, and thought readers wouldn’t notice.
January 31, 2020
Disappointed
I actually got to 36% of this book before laying it down because of lack of interest. She wants to get married but all he wants is to make her his mistress. Here we have another case of complete lack of honor. He's not getting married but keeps harassing her with his arrogant attitude of no one can deny me because I'm a Duke. Well hooray for him because i do not have to read the rest of this trash.
I actually got to 36% of this book before laying it down because of lack of interest. She wants to get married but all he wants is to make her his mistress. Here we have another case of complete lack of honor. He's not getting married but keeps harassing her with his arrogant attitude of no one can deny me because I'm a Duke. Well hooray for him because i do not have to read the rest of this trash.
May 10, 2021
I gave up. It was just too awful.
I think someone erased part of this book around halfway through and then rewrote the characters. It started off with such promise just to fizzle out terribly. The heroine was interesting at first, proper but with spine, and then suddenly became a spineless, boring naïf. I had my doubts about the hero and those doubts kept growing as the book progressed. I couldn't even read the sex scene because it felt awful and dirty in a bad way. There was no honesty between them, especially from the hero's side, and they didn't know one another AT ALL.
The conflict, which I personally hated, was resolved so EASILY! HOW?? It was a betrayal to the heroine, almost, and she turned it around in one day and even started changing her mind, just so she could be with the hero, who really didn't deserve her. Tabitha, the heroine, DESERVES better. He was immature, had no respect for her boundaries, was selfish and cruel. The only redeeming point is the work he did for his family and his family name, but that's not something related to Tabitha at all. He defended her honour without knowing she was watching, but they kissed shortly after, so it's not like he didn't get his reward.
Besides, I know when I'm reading these historical romance books I need to give some leeway for historical innacuracies for the sake of plot, but this one took the cake in that regard. It was too unbelievable.
I'll be reading the next book because the heroine seems interesting, but I hope it's VERY different from this one. We needed more story and a less narcicistic hero.
I think someone erased part of this book around halfway through and then rewrote the characters. It started off with such promise just to fizzle out terribly. The heroine was interesting at first, proper but with spine, and then suddenly became a spineless, boring naïf. I had my doubts about the hero and those doubts kept growing as the book progressed. I couldn't even read the sex scene because it felt awful and dirty in a bad way. There was no honesty between them, especially from the hero's side, and they didn't know one another AT ALL.
The conflict, which I personally hated, was resolved so EASILY! HOW?? It was a betrayal to the heroine, almost, and she turned it around in one day and even started changing her mind, just so she could be with the hero, who really didn't deserve her. Tabitha, the heroine, DESERVES better. He was immature, had no respect for her boundaries, was selfish and cruel. The only redeeming point is the work he did for his family and his family name, but that's not something related to Tabitha at all. He defended her honour without knowing she was watching, but they kissed shortly after, so it's not like he didn't get his reward.
Besides, I know when I'm reading these historical romance books I need to give some leeway for historical innacuracies for the sake of plot, but this one took the cake in that regard. It was too unbelievable.
I'll be reading the next book because the heroine seems interesting, but I hope it's VERY different from this one. We needed more story and a less narcicistic hero.
September 8, 2020
The most important aspect of writing a historical romance is to get the details of the period correct! Otherwise, one should stick to writing about the 21st century! Consistency is key in period novels and Ms. Murdoch did not do her homework to ensure that her story was an accurate portrayal of the period.
This book is historically inaccurate, ignorant of conventions, manners and society of the time. Implausible and plot holes aplenty made me skipping and finally not finishing.
The title was ridiculous because there were no adult bridesmaids in Regency England. Adult bridesmaids are an invention of the USA, Europeans used to have flower girls, younger relatives of the bridal couple. Look up the weddings of prince Charles and his brothers or have a look at the Regency romances by Georgette Heyer, she is the expert on all things Regency. Nowadays the custom to have girlfriends accompanying the bride as bridesmaids has been spilling to Europe, but 200 years ago - never.
The duke's sister - twelve years ago she would have had her debut and as the daughter of a duke her missing dowry would have been no issue, sitting on the shelf for twelve years- no way.
The language of hero and heroine was too crude, their behaviour would have led to her being ostracized immediately.
The list of all the inaccuracies goes on and on.
This book is historically inaccurate, ignorant of conventions, manners and society of the time. Implausible and plot holes aplenty made me skipping and finally not finishing.
The title was ridiculous because there were no adult bridesmaids in Regency England. Adult bridesmaids are an invention of the USA, Europeans used to have flower girls, younger relatives of the bridal couple. Look up the weddings of prince Charles and his brothers or have a look at the Regency romances by Georgette Heyer, she is the expert on all things Regency. Nowadays the custom to have girlfriends accompanying the bride as bridesmaids has been spilling to Europe, but 200 years ago - never.
The duke's sister - twelve years ago she would have had her debut and as the daughter of a duke her missing dowry would have been no issue, sitting on the shelf for twelve years- no way.
The language of hero and heroine was too crude, their behaviour would have led to her being ostracized immediately.
The list of all the inaccuracies goes on and on.
January 16, 2020
Always the Bridesmaid by Emily Murdoch is the first in a new series. Tabitha Chesworth has just been a bridesmaid for the third time and is sick of people quoting to her, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." At the reception she meets Richard, St. Maur, Duke of Axwicke. He has vowed never to marry because it has become obvious to him that there is a fatal flaw running through the men in his line: they are drunks and gamblers, one and all, and he means to be the last of his line. Since he has spent his sister's dowry to repay his dead brother's gambling notes, she will never marry and bear children either, not that she was likely to at her advanced age of nearly 30. He does, however, see Tabitha at the wedding and is immediately smitten, vowing to make her his, just not his wife. She is as attracted to him, but vows not to give in too him, to wait for her husband.
I have never read Emily Murdoch before and this was a lovely novel, different than most. The bridesmaid angle is new as is how assertive Tabitha became when push came to shove. Richard was a strong man, though misinformed; he meant well. He was honorable: he paid off all the debts of his father and his brother. He told Tabitha how he felt in the very beginning. Tabitha was a strong woman; firm in her beliefs and the way she led her life. The characters were good. Kudos to the author. This was a terrific book, with a good story and good characters. I applaud this initial Dragonblade offering of Emily Murdoch. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Always the Bridesmaid from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
I have never read Emily Murdoch before and this was a lovely novel, different than most. The bridesmaid angle is new as is how assertive Tabitha became when push came to shove. Richard was a strong man, though misinformed; he meant well. He was honorable: he paid off all the debts of his father and his brother. He told Tabitha how he felt in the very beginning. Tabitha was a strong woman; firm in her beliefs and the way she led her life. The characters were good. Kudos to the author. This was a terrific book, with a good story and good characters. I applaud this initial Dragonblade offering of Emily Murdoch. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Always the Bridesmaid from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
March 21, 2020
He's rude, arrogant and determined to win the perennial bridesmaid into his bed. She's gentle, sweet and equally determined that any bedding comes with marriage. One could dislike Richard St Maur, Duke of Axwick but his beastly behaviour has its roots in his rotten past. Tabitha is witty and outgoing, even though she has not found the love she so desperately sought. She has become the laughing stock of Bath Society due to her repeated trips down the aisle as a bridesmaid, but she holds to her promises that she will not succumb to public demand. In the process, Richard hurts her far more than she could have anticipated but when she comes to realise where he's come from, Tabitha is once more determined to go after that which her heart desires. This novel is a fairly short read but engages one from the beginning, drawing on the reader's emotions makes one long to see this couple find their happiness. The book is generally well written and a standalone that comes to a good conclusion.
January 8, 2023
...it's a nice for a white wedding... - Billy Idol
So 2023 is starting out a bit slow for me reading wise. First time reading this author and I have to say the writing was pretty good. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and found that it flowed pretty well. My trouble came with buying into the characters and their relationship together.
Tabitha, our heroine, is making a name for herself as a habitual bridesmaid...never a bride. Enter our hero, St. Maur, who sees her at a wedding, thinks she is the most gorgeous thing, and decides he has to have her. Well, have her in his bed.
This, of course, becomes the conflict as Tabitha does want to be married and make a life with a husband and children. Due to past family transgressions our Duke has decided he will never marry. I've read other novels that have a similar premise that had better execution and I bought into the characters and their interactions with another. Here I struggled.
I would like to try this author again sometime maybe and see if another book is better.
Reading Challenge 2023
Month: January Letters:A/B
So 2023 is starting out a bit slow for me reading wise. First time reading this author and I have to say the writing was pretty good. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and found that it flowed pretty well. My trouble came with buying into the characters and their relationship together.
Tabitha, our heroine, is making a name for herself as a habitual bridesmaid...never a bride. Enter our hero, St. Maur, who sees her at a wedding, thinks she is the most gorgeous thing, and decides he has to have her. Well, have her in his bed.
This, of course, becomes the conflict as Tabitha does want to be married and make a life with a husband and children. Due to past family transgressions our Duke has decided he will never marry. I've read other novels that have a similar premise that had better execution and I bought into the characters and their interactions with another. Here I struggled.
I would like to try this author again sometime maybe and see if another book is better.
Reading Challenge 2023
Month: January Letters:A/B
January 17, 2020
It was the third time Tabitha had been a bridesmaid and it did seem that everyone could not help uttering that saying. "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride." Of course the one man she meets who is very attracted to her and she to him vows never to marry.
Richard St Maur, Duke of Axwick is determined let his line run out with him. It seems the Axwick title only breeds men who gamble or drink away all the money. That is evident with how his father left debt and now his older brother who had passed away. He may never get it all paid off!
But fate with it's lightening touch has him focus on Miss Tabitha Chesworth and he was entranced. No make that utterly captivated, determined to have her, no holds barred.
This was a delightful romance to watch the interactions between these two and the witty banter that carried this story to a wonderful conclusion. Cannot wait to read the next in this series!
Richard St Maur, Duke of Axwick is determined let his line run out with him. It seems the Axwick title only breeds men who gamble or drink away all the money. That is evident with how his father left debt and now his older brother who had passed away. He may never get it all paid off!
But fate with it's lightening touch has him focus on Miss Tabitha Chesworth and he was entranced. No make that utterly captivated, determined to have her, no holds barred.
This was a delightful romance to watch the interactions between these two and the witty banter that carried this story to a wonderful conclusion. Cannot wait to read the next in this series!
September 8, 2020
A quick read, at least
Poor Tabitha started out strong, but quickly lost it. Richard also had little to recommend him, outside that one chivalrous altercation. Also had some annoying editing misses, not the least of which was calling a bridal bouquet a "poesy." Yes, that's a word, but it sure as hell doesn't mean posey!
Poor Tabitha started out strong, but quickly lost it. Richard also had little to recommend him, outside that one chivalrous altercation. Also had some annoying editing misses, not the least of which was calling a bridal bouquet a "poesy." Yes, that's a word, but it sure as hell doesn't mean posey!
May 23, 2021
Delightful!
I happened upon book 6 in the series and the blurb sounded like a pleasant afternoon's entertainment, but I always read series in order because, well really is their another way ... I like the background story even if they are standalone stories.
I love historical romance with headstrong young women meeting their match and catching their catch ... And the twists and turn to get there!
Well, what are you waiting for? I have the next 4 books to read to catch me up to the book I was going to read! If you finish before me no telling me what happens !! Later!
Happy Reading!
I happened upon book 6 in the series and the blurb sounded like a pleasant afternoon's entertainment, but I always read series in order because, well really is their another way ... I like the background story even if they are standalone stories.
I love historical romance with headstrong young women meeting their match and catching their catch ... And the twists and turn to get there!
Well, what are you waiting for? I have the next 4 books to read to catch me up to the book I was going to read! If you finish before me no telling me what happens !! Later!
Happy Reading!
April 15, 2020
Une histoire intéressante avec de l'émotion même si à la fin on a l'impression que l'héroïne monnaye son futur.
February 17, 2021
Over all, A good book
Despite the old english language, which isn't quite to hard to understand, the story flows good.
There is some slight steamy scenes, but nothing over the top.
The character developments has a good pace to it.
This book does introduce you to later characters that will have they're own books down the line. Which is nice, also another reason, at least for me, is a snagger. Makes me want to read the next character's story and development.
Despite the old english language, which isn't quite to hard to understand, the story flows good.
There is some slight steamy scenes, but nothing over the top.
The character developments has a good pace to it.
This book does introduce you to later characters that will have they're own books down the line. Which is nice, also another reason, at least for me, is a snagger. Makes me want to read the next character's story and development.
May 28, 2024
3.5 stars
April 12, 2020
Just as a note (I didn't have time to write a more detailed review)... As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel will be cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
DNF.
Nope. Life is too short to read a 'love' story about two people who barely know each other, one of which is a spoiled man child who can't respect another person's space and autonomy and who literally stalks a woman who has made it clear she isn't interested (i.e., or yes, she feels tingly feelings all over and all that, but she wants marriage and makes that very clear to him and he doesn't and he just... doesn't care about what she wants because all the world should be about him all the time, apparently).
I feel the following review details a lot of the problems with this book. I also have no interest in continuing this torture.
DNF.
Nope. Life is too short to read a 'love' story about two people who barely know each other, one of which is a spoiled man child who can't respect another person's space and autonomy and who literally stalks a woman who has made it clear she isn't interested (i.e., or yes, she feels tingly feelings all over and all that, but she wants marriage and makes that very clear to him and he doesn't and he just... doesn't care about what she wants because all the world should be about him all the time, apparently).
I feel the following review details a lot of the problems with this book. I also have no interest in continuing this torture.
April 5, 2020
Good
I think an editor is needed because the plot had a lot of holes and missed opportunities to make unlikeable characters more sympathetic. The hero seemed almost mentally unstable and more explanation of the one line regarding childhood abuse would have helped a lot. The heroine had no one to care about her and her actions would never have been accepted in that society. Disappearing with the hero in clear view at a ball? Kissing passionately on the street? Not coming home at night? Traveling alone as an unmarried young lady? The secondary characters were underutilized and the resolution of the story was bizarre. Why was all forgiven? The writing was not bad and I am intrigued by the other characters' stories but I think better editing would really help the author's work to shine.
I think an editor is needed because the plot had a lot of holes and missed opportunities to make unlikeable characters more sympathetic. The hero seemed almost mentally unstable and more explanation of the one line regarding childhood abuse would have helped a lot. The heroine had no one to care about her and her actions would never have been accepted in that society. Disappearing with the hero in clear view at a ball? Kissing passionately on the street? Not coming home at night? Traveling alone as an unmarried young lady? The secondary characters were underutilized and the resolution of the story was bizarre. Why was all forgiven? The writing was not bad and I am intrigued by the other characters' stories but I think better editing would really help the author's work to shine.
May 25, 2020
Historically inaccurate and uninteresting
I'm not someone who requires true historical accuracy but there was so much wrong that it became distracting. Also the story was poorly written.
I'm not someone who requires true historical accuracy but there was so much wrong that it became distracting. Also the story was poorly written.
July 15, 2020
Didn't work for me.
The characters and the story just did not work.
Found it a trial to get through.
I wish I had just stopped rather than taking the effort to finish it.
The characters and the story just did not work.
Found it a trial to get through.
I wish I had just stopped rather than taking the effort to finish it.
February 5, 2020
Doormat
The H was a complete jerk. He cared for no one but himself. The h was a completely pathetic doormat.
The H was a complete jerk. He cared for no one but himself. The h was a completely pathetic doormat.
November 21, 2021
Always the Bridesmaid, Book 1 of the Never the Bride series, was about Miss Tabitha "Tabby" Chesworth and His Grace Richard St Maur, the Duke of Axwick.
Tabby had played the role of bridesmaid three times, but she had never been the bride. All of Society paid notice to that fact and the whispers and gossip were plentiful. The only thing she wanted was a husband and family of her own, but after several seasons on the Marriage Mart, no man had offered for her.
Richard, having been the spare to the heir apparent, never expected to become the Duke of Axwick. But then his brother died and had become deeper in debt, much like their father before. After looking back through history, Richard did not like what he saw. It seemed ever Axwick heir had been, at some point in their lives, a wastrel and ne'er do well. Because of that, Richard determined that the Axwick line would end with him, that he would never marry or produce an heir.
After spotting Tabby at a wedding they had both attended, Richard decided to pursue her to become his next mistress. However, Tabby would have none of it. In fact, she informed him that if he wanted her in his bed, he would have to marry her. Nonetheless, Richard continued to chase her, intent on changing her mind.
The more Tabby resisted, the harder Richard pressured her to yield. When he threw a ball for her in hopes of seducing her to give in, she misunderstood his intentions. Tabby believed he had changed his mind and wanted to marry her after all. When she read an article in the paper touting that Richard was in financial straits, she started doubting what he had truly asked of her.
Things happened that caused Richard to become enraged and believed that Tabby had used him before becoming engaged to another man. When he confronted her with what he had learned, all of the misunderstandings between them came out...and devastated Tabby worse than anything else she had ever had to endure.
The story was well-written. There was a tremendous amount of angst and drama, a touch of humor here and there, and an exorbitant amount of passion that was volcanic. But there was also pain, betrayal, heartache, and misery. The constant twists and turns the storyline took were abundant and, at times, a bit overdone.
The characters were not quite as well-developed as they could have been. Richard was way too shallow and arrogant. Sure, he was a duke, right? But that didn't mean he had to be such a hateful character at times. While his past may have warped him for a while, he did eventually come around. Although, he could have been a bit more generous in his treatment of others, considering how he, himself, had been treated. Tabby was a sweetheart, though a bit too naive for a woman of 24 years of age. She needed a bit more of a backbone than she started out with, but she did eventually develop it...to a small degree. Other characters were definitely lacking in all the above-mentioned attributes and needed more fleshing out, especially as some of them will be in future books.
With all that said, it was a decent book with a HEA and, therefore, deserving of at least a four-star rating. But it definitely did not merit a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection. It had too many issues for that honor.
Tabby had played the role of bridesmaid three times, but she had never been the bride. All of Society paid notice to that fact and the whispers and gossip were plentiful. The only thing she wanted was a husband and family of her own, but after several seasons on the Marriage Mart, no man had offered for her.
Richard, having been the spare to the heir apparent, never expected to become the Duke of Axwick. But then his brother died and had become deeper in debt, much like their father before. After looking back through history, Richard did not like what he saw. It seemed ever Axwick heir had been, at some point in their lives, a wastrel and ne'er do well. Because of that, Richard determined that the Axwick line would end with him, that he would never marry or produce an heir.
After spotting Tabby at a wedding they had both attended, Richard decided to pursue her to become his next mistress. However, Tabby would have none of it. In fact, she informed him that if he wanted her in his bed, he would have to marry her. Nonetheless, Richard continued to chase her, intent on changing her mind.
The more Tabby resisted, the harder Richard pressured her to yield. When he threw a ball for her in hopes of seducing her to give in, she misunderstood his intentions. Tabby believed he had changed his mind and wanted to marry her after all. When she read an article in the paper touting that Richard was in financial straits, she started doubting what he had truly asked of her.
Things happened that caused Richard to become enraged and believed that Tabby had used him before becoming engaged to another man. When he confronted her with what he had learned, all of the misunderstandings between them came out...and devastated Tabby worse than anything else she had ever had to endure.
The story was well-written. There was a tremendous amount of angst and drama, a touch of humor here and there, and an exorbitant amount of passion that was volcanic. But there was also pain, betrayal, heartache, and misery. The constant twists and turns the storyline took were abundant and, at times, a bit overdone.
The characters were not quite as well-developed as they could have been. Richard was way too shallow and arrogant. Sure, he was a duke, right? But that didn't mean he had to be such a hateful character at times. While his past may have warped him for a while, he did eventually come around. Although, he could have been a bit more generous in his treatment of others, considering how he, himself, had been treated. Tabby was a sweetheart, though a bit too naive for a woman of 24 years of age. She needed a bit more of a backbone than she started out with, but she did eventually develop it...to a small degree. Other characters were definitely lacking in all the above-mentioned attributes and needed more fleshing out, especially as some of them will be in future books.
With all that said, it was a decent book with a HEA and, therefore, deserving of at least a four-star rating. But it definitely did not merit a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection. It had too many issues for that honor.
February 7, 2023
possibly the worst thing i've ever read
okay so first of all, the fmc, tabitha, is one of the most pathetic female characters that I've read in a looong time - she knew, full well, that the mmc had absolutely no interest in marriage and yet determines that after a few sexual encounters that he must have changed his mind - and the fact that she felt so smug about his sister not knowing they were engaged and acting like she knew him (after knowing him for, what, a week) better than HIS ACTUAL SISTER drove me crazy
now, the mmc, richard, was infuriating - when he wasn't being a misogynistic prick, he was just so fucking dumb - he has had to take care of debts left by his father and brother and decides that when they have basically no money, the best course of action is, ofc, to organise a ball just so he has an excuse to try and seduce the fmc
the miscommunication trope is one of my least favourites in romance but somehow, this book made it even fucking worse - they spent about 100 pages just hooking up and dancing around the topic of marriage without actually addressing it that i thought i was going to lose my mind
there were so many historical inaccuracies - they amount of people that saw them together (in sexual encounters and not) was a ridiculous amount and there was absolutely no focus or even a single sentence about 'oh no, people saw us' nope, it was just 'who gives a fuck, i need to get dicked down'
honestly, lady charlotte was the only relatively normal person in the book and i didn't even really like her that much
i would say that this could have benefitted from being an actual 300 page book but if i had to read more than 165 pages of these characters, i may have lost all my sanity
it was basically just the walmart version of the duke and i by julia quinn
okay so first of all, the fmc, tabitha, is one of the most pathetic female characters that I've read in a looong time - she knew, full well, that the mmc had absolutely no interest in marriage and yet determines that after a few sexual encounters that he must have changed his mind - and the fact that she felt so smug about his sister not knowing they were engaged and acting like she knew him (after knowing him for, what, a week) better than HIS ACTUAL SISTER drove me crazy
now, the mmc, richard, was infuriating - when he wasn't being a misogynistic prick, he was just so fucking dumb - he has had to take care of debts left by his father and brother and decides that when they have basically no money, the best course of action is, ofc, to organise a ball just so he has an excuse to try and seduce the fmc
the miscommunication trope is one of my least favourites in romance but somehow, this book made it even fucking worse - they spent about 100 pages just hooking up and dancing around the topic of marriage without actually addressing it that i thought i was going to lose my mind
there were so many historical inaccuracies - they amount of people that saw them together (in sexual encounters and not) was a ridiculous amount and there was absolutely no focus or even a single sentence about 'oh no, people saw us' nope, it was just 'who gives a fuck, i need to get dicked down'
honestly, lady charlotte was the only relatively normal person in the book and i didn't even really like her that much
i would say that this could have benefitted from being an actual 300 page book but if i had to read more than 165 pages of these characters, i may have lost all my sanity
it was basically just the walmart version of the duke and i by julia quinn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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