What do you think?
Rate this book
Never the Bride #7
Always the Rival
Always the rival and never the bride—and this time, it's her own fault...
What had Miss Priscilla Seton been thinking? She had always assumed that Charles would stay the same forever, but bowing to familial wishes he is now engaged—and Priscilla is determined to sabotage the match. She has known him for all her twenty years, and he is hers.
But Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire, is facing pressures of his own. His marriage arranged for him, there's not a single day that goes by without him regretting Priscilla.
Of course, he could never say anything. His family honor is at stake, and he would never betray them—but letting off a little steam?
He's determined to have his cake and eat it. She's ready to rival any woman that comes into his life. Seduction isn't the problem—it's the pressure of family and commitment that threatens to destroy everything.
Is it possible for Priscilla to rival not just the perfect woman for Charles, but also his family?
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.
What had Miss Priscilla Seton been thinking? She had always assumed that Charles would stay the same forever, but bowing to familial wishes he is now engaged—and Priscilla is determined to sabotage the match. She has known him for all her twenty years, and he is hers.
But Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire, is facing pressures of his own. His marriage arranged for him, there's not a single day that goes by without him regretting Priscilla.
Of course, he could never say anything. His family honor is at stake, and he would never betray them—but letting off a little steam?
He's determined to have his cake and eat it. She's ready to rival any woman that comes into his life. Seduction isn't the problem—it's the pressure of family and commitment that threatens to destroy everything.
Is it possible for Priscilla to rival not just the perfect woman for Charles, but also his family?
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.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2020
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
149 books282 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 9, 2023
Miss Priscilla has been friends with Charles, Duke of Orrinshore, for a long time. He couldn't marry Priscilla as he needed money for his estate. Charles has a month before his wedding to Miss Lloyd, who has a substantial amount of money. In the meantime, Priscilla has fallen in love with Charles - and he with her!
A very nice storyline. A very HEA ending of course. 4☆
A very nice storyline. A very HEA ending of course. 4☆
January 31, 2021
Miss Priscilla Seton has been friends with Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire, for most of their lives. So why is it that she didn't figure out, until after he became engaged, how much she really cared for him? When Priscilla presents herself as a rival for his affection, Charles can't help but realize he feels the same. But getting out of a betrothal with the wedding approaching might not be as easy as he thinks.
This is the seventh book in the Never The Bride series. It can be read alone. I liked that, almost right away, the book surprised me and didn't proceed like I expected. I liked the main characters, I connected with their relationship, and I definitely felt for Priscilla when things went wrong.
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #AlwaysTheRival #NetGalley
This is the seventh book in the Never The Bride series. It can be read alone. I liked that, almost right away, the book surprised me and didn't proceed like I expected. I liked the main characters, I connected with their relationship, and I definitely felt for Priscilla when things went wrong.
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #AlwaysTheRival #NetGalley
October 17, 2020
Where was the chemistry? Where was the romance? Where was the connection? I was terribly confused on how this couple even came to be. Obviously there is a two decade relationship between Priscilla and Charles, and for them to miraculously develop feelings for one another over night is truly baffling. It was so instant and rush, that it just didn’t make this relationship nor romance believable. Plus what you would even consider romance in this historical novel was dull and fell completely flat. I have not read characters so bland in my entire life. This couple just wasn’t working for me and overall it felt more like a chore to complete.
March 7, 2021
“Always the Rival” is an enjoyable love story where two childhood friends with an unbreakable bond realize that they have feelings far beyond friendship for one another.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 22, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Always the Rival sees a young lady realise her jealousy over her best friend's marriage not only be because their relationship will change, but because she is in love with Charles, Duke of Orrinshire. For Charles, he's not excited about the wedding, but all Orrinshire's before him had arranged marriages, and his mother is imploring him to marry the rich heiress, Miss Frances Lloyd. They've never really spoken, but the marriage is in a couple of months, and he's honour bound to see it through. While at the wedding of close friends, Priscilla discovers her own feelings for Charles, and plots to be a rival in his affections, and hopefully make him see her not as the young girl he's been friends with for years, but as someone who he desires, and wants to be with. Can Charles overcome his familial pressures to be with the woman he now knows he loves, or will he bow to tradition?
I have really liked the previous three books in this series, and while I was self isolating, and off work, this instalment became available to review, and I spent an entire morning reading it. Both Priscilla and Charles were enjoyable characters - we've previously met Charles in Always the Bluestocking - and their own histories, and shared experiences helped to cement their romance in my mind. Being neighbours, the two of them, and Charles' younger sister, Mary, were always together, and were inseparable, even more so after Mary's early death, while the two were grieving. I think because their friendship was so important to them both, they had never really considered their feelings towards the other, until the pressures began, and it seemed it might be too late. Both recognised their love for the other during the book, and the moments of revelation were a joy to read, especially when Charles realised he was in love with Priscilla, and not Frances. I found the inevitable moments of angst a little repetitive, and could've been avoided, but the conclusion was heartwarming, and all in all, another fabulous instalment of a wonderful series.
Always the Rival sees a young lady realise her jealousy over her best friend's marriage not only be because their relationship will change, but because she is in love with Charles, Duke of Orrinshire. For Charles, he's not excited about the wedding, but all Orrinshire's before him had arranged marriages, and his mother is imploring him to marry the rich heiress, Miss Frances Lloyd. They've never really spoken, but the marriage is in a couple of months, and he's honour bound to see it through. While at the wedding of close friends, Priscilla discovers her own feelings for Charles, and plots to be a rival in his affections, and hopefully make him see her not as the young girl he's been friends with for years, but as someone who he desires, and wants to be with. Can Charles overcome his familial pressures to be with the woman he now knows he loves, or will he bow to tradition?
I have really liked the previous three books in this series, and while I was self isolating, and off work, this instalment became available to review, and I spent an entire morning reading it. Both Priscilla and Charles were enjoyable characters - we've previously met Charles in Always the Bluestocking - and their own histories, and shared experiences helped to cement their romance in my mind. Being neighbours, the two of them, and Charles' younger sister, Mary, were always together, and were inseparable, even more so after Mary's early death, while the two were grieving. I think because their friendship was so important to them both, they had never really considered their feelings towards the other, until the pressures began, and it seemed it might be too late. Both recognised their love for the other during the book, and the moments of revelation were a joy to read, especially when Charles realised he was in love with Priscilla, and not Frances. I found the inevitable moments of angst a little repetitive, and could've been avoided, but the conclusion was heartwarming, and all in all, another fabulous instalment of a wonderful series.
November 13, 2020
1/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is the worst kind of friends-to-lovers or rival romance I've read. There's no reason for the readers to root for Priscilla and Charles to be together since everything happened so fast without gradual realizations and developing feelings for each other. Priscilla's realization about her feelings for Charles is so surface level and abrupt, I can't believe she came to the conclusion that she has feelings for him. And it happened before we even get to know either of the two of them. I also hated that there's no proper reason for her not to tell Charles her feelings right away, and I hated that she goes into this plan of being Miss Lloyds's rival when in fact she could just talk to Charles and have a proper conversation with him. She just complicates the whole situation, and I hated that. Another thing, I hate that Charles has no agency for himself and still lets his mother dictate his life. In my opinion, Charles and Priscilla are better off as friends than lovers, I truly cannot see a romantic connection between them that isn't forced by the author. I would want for Charles to end up with Miss Lloyd because they have the potential of developing something more, but I feel bad for Miss Lloyd for having a mother like Charles' and a husband without a backbone so I'm still happy they didn't end up together. The premise of this book is very interesting, however, the writing and characterization in this book didn't live up to the expectation and just lead to utter disappointment on my part.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is the worst kind of friends-to-lovers or rival romance I've read. There's no reason for the readers to root for Priscilla and Charles to be together since everything happened so fast without gradual realizations and developing feelings for each other. Priscilla's realization about her feelings for Charles is so surface level and abrupt, I can't believe she came to the conclusion that she has feelings for him. And it happened before we even get to know either of the two of them. I also hated that there's no proper reason for her not to tell Charles her feelings right away, and I hated that she goes into this plan of being Miss Lloyds's rival when in fact she could just talk to Charles and have a proper conversation with him. She just complicates the whole situation, and I hated that. Another thing, I hate that Charles has no agency for himself and still lets his mother dictate his life. In my opinion, Charles and Priscilla are better off as friends than lovers, I truly cannot see a romantic connection between them that isn't forced by the author. I would want for Charles to end up with Miss Lloyd because they have the potential of developing something more, but I feel bad for Miss Lloyd for having a mother like Charles' and a husband without a backbone so I'm still happy they didn't end up together. The premise of this book is very interesting, however, the writing and characterization in this book didn't live up to the expectation and just lead to utter disappointment on my part.
November 7, 2020
DNF at 40 pages.
I couldn't like the rivalry trope. It just left a bad taste.
I couldn't like the rivalry trope. It just left a bad taste.
October 31, 2020
Priscilla and Charles are best friends. They never realize they should be a couple until Charles becomes engaged and Priscilla has to fight for him. I thought Charles was a little weak, letting his mother tell him what to do all the time. I think Priscilla’s rival for Charles may well be his mother! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Press for my honest review.
October 28, 2020
This book has one of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers.
Priscilla and Charles have been friends for 15-20 years. I felt like we came in on the middle of their story, because we never really got to see them as friends. Charles is a Duke whose estate is going bankrupt. He's a mama's boy and is going along with an arranged marriage to save his lands. His betrothed, Frances, isn't too keen on Charles, she doesn't even like him, and at a wedding she and Priscilla conjure up a plan to have Priscilla be a rival to Frances for Charles' affections (even though Charles and Frances never really talked and had never been alone together for their entire betrothal.)
This is where the insta-love happens. Charles and Priscilla go from "oh, we're like brother and sister" to "oh, hello, how YOU doin'?" in the course of a few paragraphs. There was no build up. No tension. One of my least favorite tropes: insta-love.
This whole book was too easy. While the story was good, like other books I've read in this series, there just seems to be some depth lacking to the plot and the characters.
The characters, though most were likable, lacked depth. Charles was whiny couldn't make up his mind. He was annoying. He came across as very immature. I wanted to him to have some grand gesture of redemption at the end, and I wanted him to have a big confrontation with his controlling mother. Nope, nothing. We didn't really learn much about Priscilla except how she suddenly wanted Charles. And the betrothed, Frances. She only shows up again at the end.
If you want a low angst, quick read, easy book with a guaranteed happily ever after, this is for you. I think this author has great bones, I'd just like to see a bit more substance and nuance to the plot and characters.
Always the Rival is book seven of the Never the Bride series. It can be read as a stand alone. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions are my own.
Priscilla and Charles have been friends for 15-20 years. I felt like we came in on the middle of their story, because we never really got to see them as friends. Charles is a Duke whose estate is going bankrupt. He's a mama's boy and is going along with an arranged marriage to save his lands. His betrothed, Frances, isn't too keen on Charles, she doesn't even like him, and at a wedding she and Priscilla conjure up a plan to have Priscilla be a rival to Frances for Charles' affections (even though Charles and Frances never really talked and had never been alone together for their entire betrothal.)
This is where the insta-love happens. Charles and Priscilla go from "oh, we're like brother and sister" to "oh, hello, how YOU doin'?" in the course of a few paragraphs. There was no build up. No tension. One of my least favorite tropes: insta-love.
This whole book was too easy. While the story was good, like other books I've read in this series, there just seems to be some depth lacking to the plot and the characters.
The characters, though most were likable, lacked depth. Charles was whiny couldn't make up his mind. He was annoying. He came across as very immature. I wanted to him to have some grand gesture of redemption at the end, and I wanted him to have a big confrontation with his controlling mother. Nope, nothing. We didn't really learn much about Priscilla except how she suddenly wanted Charles. And the betrothed, Frances. She only shows up again at the end.
If you want a low angst, quick read, easy book with a guaranteed happily ever after, this is for you. I think this author has great bones, I'd just like to see a bit more substance and nuance to the plot and characters.
Always the Rival is book seven of the Never the Bride series. It can be read as a stand alone. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions are my own.
November 1, 2020
"Orrinshires have depended upon arranged marriages for generations," Charles mother said. Oh yes, the great Orrinshires needed an influx of funds and that was the way of it. Charles could see the love matches made, but no, he was to have an arranged marriage.
Priscilla Seaton and Charles had practically grown up together, and with the loss of his sister had grown even closer. She could not believe he was to be married.. An arranged marriage! She missed their walks and in an odd moment, she had a vision of herself and Charles at the altar. Wait... her marry Charles? But she realized she did have feelings for him!
She sets out to get his attention and oh yes, she does! A delightful story of being great friends but not realizing until it is almost too late, how much more they could be. Fantastic!
Priscilla Seaton and Charles had practically grown up together, and with the loss of his sister had grown even closer. She could not believe he was to be married.. An arranged marriage! She missed their walks and in an odd moment, she had a vision of herself and Charles at the altar. Wait... her marry Charles? But she realized she did have feelings for him!
She sets out to get his attention and oh yes, she does! A delightful story of being great friends but not realizing until it is almost too late, how much more they could be. Fantastic!
November 25, 2021
Notice: Just from the title and the blurb, I already had my doubts about this book. Rivalry? It has its place in romance novels, that's a given. However, for a woman to cold-bloodedly determine that she would break up an engagement because she was possessive of the man she grew up with and didn't want to share him, and for that same man to flat out determine he would "have his cake and eat it too" by fulfilling the arranged marriage yet keep Priscilla in his life as well? Those things did not speak of a good story premise...at all. HOWEVER...more than anything it is quite misleading. One has to actually read the story in order to understand what truly transpired...and why. If one stops with just the blurb or only a few pages into the story and determines it's not a book for them, then they would definitely miss out on a decent love story. And now to my review:
Always the Rival, Book 7 of the Never a Bride series, was about Miss "Prissy" Priscilla Seton and His Grace Charles Audley, the Duke of Orrinshire.
Having spent the last 15-20 years as friends, Priscilla had always expected to be a part of Charles' life. Yet when he gave in to the pressures of his mother and accepted the marriage arranged for him by her and the matchmaker, Miss Ashbrooke, she was appalled. At first, Priscilla didn't realize she felt more than friendship for Charles...not until she had attended her best friend's wedding and had seen him with his bride-to-be. She became jealous of the seriously non-existent relationship with his betrothed. Now that he belonged to someone else, she started seeing him differently and longing for something more. She suddenly realized what she was feeling was jealousy and wanted to marry him herself.
Charles knew he had to fulfill his mother's edict, even if it was against his will, and marry the Honorable Miss Frances Lloyd, daughter of Viscount Lloyd, the woman that had been chosen for him in order to increase the family coffers and marry into an "upstanding, noble family". It did not matter that he was desperate to escape his fate. He never would. After all, every single member of his family before him had been subjected to the same rigors he now faced.
It wasn't until his betrothal picnic that Charles saw Priscilla as more than just a childhood friend. He finally saw her as a beautiful woman and he noticed how other men took notice of her as well.
Once the idea of her being more than just a friend took hold, there was no going back and then Charles realized he was not willing to give Priscilla up...to anyone. Yet, he didn't know how to be with her when he was engaged to someone else. To say he was torn would be putting it mildly.
Charles' mother left a great deal to be desired. While it was apparent she loved her son, she loved wealth and her titled position even more and was determined to make his life miserable by controlling every aspect of it. She never let him and his intended have any time alone together to get acquainted, and when one asked the other a question, she answered for that person rather than letting them do it themselves. It was like she was the puppet master, and they were her puppets. She even went so far as to tell him that, although he was 26 years old and a Duke, she could still send him to bed without supper. Personally, I wanted to slap her silly for the way she treated Charles. It was not fun reading how demeaning she was to him.
This story wreaked a little too much like the movie, "My Best Friend's Wedding", even down to the picnic betrothal party in the park. It was sad to see the author stoop to such a tactic to try to improve the book's appeal which, sadly, only made it worse. The storyline was a bit weak and the relationship between Charles and Priscilla, while plausible, was a bit hokey. For two people who had known each other for as long as they did to not realize...or even consider...a relationship between them was a bit of a disappointment and not quite believable.
There was plenty of angst and drama in the book, but there was very little humor to alleviate the tension that was quite thick between the characters. Passion and attraction between Charles and Priscilla were apparent...to everyone but them, at least for a long time.
Side Note: In case the reader is confused that the author had called the dowager duchess "Lady Audley", that was because the dowager would continue to be referred to as "Lady Audley" without the "Dowager" tacked on as long as the current title-holder (her son) remained unmarried, as long as there was not another "Lady Audley". So until Charles actually married, his mother would retain the title of Lady Audley.
To wrap this up with a neat little bow, it was, as previously stated, a decent story...just not five-star worthy. It left a lot to be desired.
Always the Rival, Book 7 of the Never a Bride series, was about Miss "Prissy" Priscilla Seton and His Grace Charles Audley, the Duke of Orrinshire.
Having spent the last 15-20 years as friends, Priscilla had always expected to be a part of Charles' life. Yet when he gave in to the pressures of his mother and accepted the marriage arranged for him by her and the matchmaker, Miss Ashbrooke, she was appalled. At first, Priscilla didn't realize she felt more than friendship for Charles...not until she had attended her best friend's wedding and had seen him with his bride-to-be. She became jealous of the seriously non-existent relationship with his betrothed. Now that he belonged to someone else, she started seeing him differently and longing for something more. She suddenly realized what she was feeling was jealousy and wanted to marry him herself.
Charles knew he had to fulfill his mother's edict, even if it was against his will, and marry the Honorable Miss Frances Lloyd, daughter of Viscount Lloyd, the woman that had been chosen for him in order to increase the family coffers and marry into an "upstanding, noble family". It did not matter that he was desperate to escape his fate. He never would. After all, every single member of his family before him had been subjected to the same rigors he now faced.
It wasn't until his betrothal picnic that Charles saw Priscilla as more than just a childhood friend. He finally saw her as a beautiful woman and he noticed how other men took notice of her as well.
Once the idea of her being more than just a friend took hold, there was no going back and then Charles realized he was not willing to give Priscilla up...to anyone. Yet, he didn't know how to be with her when he was engaged to someone else. To say he was torn would be putting it mildly.
Charles' mother left a great deal to be desired. While it was apparent she loved her son, she loved wealth and her titled position even more and was determined to make his life miserable by controlling every aspect of it. She never let him and his intended have any time alone together to get acquainted, and when one asked the other a question, she answered for that person rather than letting them do it themselves. It was like she was the puppet master, and they were her puppets. She even went so far as to tell him that, although he was 26 years old and a Duke, she could still send him to bed without supper. Personally, I wanted to slap her silly for the way she treated Charles. It was not fun reading how demeaning she was to him.
This story wreaked a little too much like the movie, "My Best Friend's Wedding", even down to the picnic betrothal party in the park. It was sad to see the author stoop to such a tactic to try to improve the book's appeal which, sadly, only made it worse. The storyline was a bit weak and the relationship between Charles and Priscilla, while plausible, was a bit hokey. For two people who had known each other for as long as they did to not realize...or even consider...a relationship between them was a bit of a disappointment and not quite believable.
There was plenty of angst and drama in the book, but there was very little humor to alleviate the tension that was quite thick between the characters. Passion and attraction between Charles and Priscilla were apparent...to everyone but them, at least for a long time.
Side Note: In case the reader is confused that the author had called the dowager duchess "Lady Audley", that was because the dowager would continue to be referred to as "Lady Audley" without the "Dowager" tacked on as long as the current title-holder (her son) remained unmarried, as long as there was not another "Lady Audley". So until Charles actually married, his mother would retain the title of Lady Audley.
To wrap this up with a neat little bow, it was, as previously stated, a decent story...just not five-star worthy. It left a lot to be desired.
October 29, 2020
Always the Rival by Emily EK Murdoch is number even the Never the Bride series, which has been a very satisfying set of books. In this book Priscilla Seton is at a wedding and has just discovered that she is in love with her lifelong friend, Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire. It was not only an amazing feeling, but a total shock to her. She had known him forever. From whence had these feelings come? The bad news was that he was to be married in less than a month . . . an arranged marriage . . . one she had known about for months. She immediately sought out the bride only to discover that she was really not interesting in marrying Charles and would happily allows Priscilla to become her rival. Well, that started things moving and a strange and exciting way.
Priscilla is a fresh and happy character. She was not shy and was happy to begin her campaign to win Charles' heart in the most outrageous ways. Charles, I thought, was a bit of a milque toast that let himself be toadied around by his mother, and soon his wife. He discovered he was in love with Priscilla about the same time she discovered her feeling for him, but really wasn't going to do anything about it except rage internally. The steps she took were entertaining and sometimes, embarrassing. The only support she got was from Charles' fiancée, but that didn't stop her, until it did. This was a funny story, seen from a distance. Probably not much fun for Priscilla. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Always the Rival from Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #alwaystherival
Priscilla is a fresh and happy character. She was not shy and was happy to begin her campaign to win Charles' heart in the most outrageous ways. Charles, I thought, was a bit of a milque toast that let himself be toadied around by his mother, and soon his wife. He discovered he was in love with Priscilla about the same time she discovered her feeling for him, but really wasn't going to do anything about it except rage internally. The steps she took were entertaining and sometimes, embarrassing. The only support she got was from Charles' fiancée, but that didn't stop her, until it did. This was a funny story, seen from a distance. Probably not much fun for Priscilla. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Always the Rival from Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #alwaystherival
July 10, 2022
Charles & Priscilla. Charles is a duke and in an arranged marriage set up by his mother. This is the tradition in his family. They have been friends for over 15 years and until his betrothal was set up Priscilla she never knew she was in love with him. At a friend's wedding, she meets his betrothed and they hatch a plan for Priscilla to rival Frances (his betrothed) for Charles' attention. Frances doesn't want the arranged marriage. Priscilla dresses for his engagement picnic and attracts his attention. At a ball she flirts with his friend and she realizes that he is jealous and is in love with her. She tells him that she loves him and he feels like he can't call off the wedding (honor bound). She comes to his house to tell him that she won't interfere and they end up making love. He tells her that he will call of the engagement and marry her but he finds out that his estate is heavily encumbered and he needs his betrothed's dowry to pay towards the debt and despite hurting her, he plans to go through with the wedding. Frances meets with Charles and tells him that she is calling off the wedding because she knows he loves Priscilla and they belong together. Hearing that the wedding was called off Priscilla meets Frances and argues for her to not call off the wedding because she loves Charles and doesn't want his family ruined financially. He hears her declaration and they stop fighting it and end up together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
Rival a matchmaker
Charles I almost couldn't like! Priscilla realized at an engagement (his) she loved a man she had known all her life! Charles has a domineering mother who is also a spend drift! There is one part where Charles a Duke gets on his knees really!!??? What a whimp! Charles also makes promises and doesn't keep them what grown man lets his mother take care of finances??? Ummm not!! Priscilla is the mature one as she realizes that its not her place to attempt to rival Charles affections she's known him for years and sometimes you miss what's right in front of you!! But there is a mix up Priscilla dowry amount and its like a parody of errors! But there is sweetness and chemistry but an honorable gentleman would not try to please his mom when the woman who has stood by him for over 20 years happiness and love are at stake! I dreaded reading this book...because of the title "rival"! There are so many sweet reasons this is not a rivalry and I do hope Miss Lloyd gets her own HEA! She's an odd person showing up at the oddest times???
Charles I almost couldn't like! Priscilla realized at an engagement (his) she loved a man she had known all her life! Charles has a domineering mother who is also a spend drift! There is one part where Charles a Duke gets on his knees really!!??? What a whimp! Charles also makes promises and doesn't keep them what grown man lets his mother take care of finances??? Ummm not!! Priscilla is the mature one as she realizes that its not her place to attempt to rival Charles affections she's known him for years and sometimes you miss what's right in front of you!! But there is a mix up Priscilla dowry amount and its like a parody of errors! But there is sweetness and chemistry but an honorable gentleman would not try to please his mom when the woman who has stood by him for over 20 years happiness and love are at stake! I dreaded reading this book...because of the title "rival"! There are so many sweet reasons this is not a rivalry and I do hope Miss Lloyd gets her own HEA! She's an odd person showing up at the oddest times???
January 15, 2025
Priscilla and Charles has been form friends since childhood, growing closer after her best friend Mary's death as Mary was Charles younger sister. For this reason his mother completely organises Charles life, to the point of using a matchmaker to find him a wife - a wealthy young lady who he doesn't remember asking.
Priscilla realises after his engagement that she wants him for herself - almost childlike in her governess of him. After meeting Frances the fiance at another wedding Priscilla finds out Frances isn't sure about the proposed marriage either as she doesn't know Charles.
So Priscilla decided to make a play for Charles, a bit very nice thing to do, even if the couple themselves aren't sure. To the point of sneaking into his house and seducing him, am not sure I like her very much,and dislike her morals more.
But conflicted, didn't like either of them cheating with each other and not having any qualms about it. But take out the cheating and it's a nice story. I hope Frances get a her happy ending in this series.
Loose ends and lots of questions.
Priscilla realises after his engagement that she wants him for herself - almost childlike in her governess of him. After meeting Frances the fiance at another wedding Priscilla finds out Frances isn't sure about the proposed marriage either as she doesn't know Charles.
So Priscilla decided to make a play for Charles, a bit very nice thing to do, even if the couple themselves aren't sure. To the point of sneaking into his house and seducing him, am not sure I like her very much,and dislike her morals more.
But conflicted, didn't like either of them cheating with each other and not having any qualms about it. But take out the cheating and it's a nice story. I hope Frances get a her happy ending in this series.
Loose ends and lots of questions.
August 14, 2025
Priscilla and Charles will go down in history as one of the most insufferable couples ever. They genuinely irritated the hell out of me.
I understand fighting for love and going to great lengths to win someone’s heart, but some of Priscilla’s actions bordered on demeaning. She humiliated herself multiple times in her scheme to win Charles—something that really rubbed me the wrong way. If your childhood best friend, someone you claim understands you just by the look on your face, can’t see you as the one, then perhaps he simply doesn’t deserve you. It’s that simple.
Charles was deeply selfish, always putting himself first, but his most unforgivable flaw was the weakness of his promises. He wasn’t a man of his word—and when you think about it, he was a complete coward.
I've never wished for a couple not to end up together as much as this one, which baffles me as the author wrote some of my favorite romance reads!
*I've received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I understand fighting for love and going to great lengths to win someone’s heart, but some of Priscilla’s actions bordered on demeaning. She humiliated herself multiple times in her scheme to win Charles—something that really rubbed me the wrong way. If your childhood best friend, someone you claim understands you just by the look on your face, can’t see you as the one, then perhaps he simply doesn’t deserve you. It’s that simple.
Charles was deeply selfish, always putting himself first, but his most unforgivable flaw was the weakness of his promises. He wasn’t a man of his word—and when you think about it, he was a complete coward.
I've never wished for a couple not to end up together as much as this one, which baffles me as the author wrote some of my favorite romance reads!
*I've received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 4, 2020
Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley have been friends since childhood. They were rivals at everything and have always been there to support each other. Odd that they should realize that they just might love each other a month before Charles’s arranged marriage. As it happens, Charles’s fiancé is not in favor of the marriage either. With the help of his fiancé and a cheery matchmaker, Priscilla sets about a plan to become a rival for his attention, and to make him a rival for hers. This is a short enjoyable story with likeable characters. There are some misunderstandings, secrets and surprises. Priscilla is determined, and Charles is confused, but they find their HEA. This is a good read and a lovely addition to the series. I recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
October 29, 2020
A friends to lovers romance, Charles, the Duke of Orrinshire needs a wealthy bride to appease his bankers and his overbearing mother. His objective is achieved, but at what cost? Just when he thinks everything is settled, in walks his best friends Priscilla Seton, whom he has known since he was a boy, but suddenly he sees her with new eyes. I have read all the preceding books in this series and enjoyed them. However, I was unfortunately unable to lose myself in this novel as it seems to be missing an essential spark. I found Charles to be rather immature and under his disagreeable mother's thumb and despite his obligation to the family name, his concern is more about his lack of finance than a life partner, arranged or otherwise. The story fortunately does come to a happy conclusion and all ends well. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 20, 2021
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishers, Netgalley and the author for an Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed them all. This new installment sees Priscilla and Charles go from childhood sweethearts to lovers. Just when they realise how much they mean to each other he is engaged to marry someone else. If Charles breaks his engagement to marry Priscilla he will disappoint his overbearing mother and be unable to rescue his estate. Torn between obligation and passion Charles is faced with a difficult decision. This one is filled with angst and quite a bit of steam! I always equate these books with a strong shot of espresso - able to be consumed quickly and highly satisfying.
October 5, 2021
Her best friend
Priscilla and Charles had grown up with each other. All their best memories were shared experiences and they couldn't imagine life without one another. That is until the day Charles was told of his betrothal to a young lady of the ton whom he'd only just met!
It strangely occurred around the time he became aware that Priscilla was more than just his true friend. Priscilla seemed to have realized the same thing a little sooner. What was she to do? He wasn't used to going against his mother's dictates and she wasn't used to letting other people's plans play out without her active involvement in seeing things come out right!
You'll love watching this far from simple arrangement work it's way out, maybe, hopefully for the best!
Priscilla and Charles had grown up with each other. All their best memories were shared experiences and they couldn't imagine life without one another. That is until the day Charles was told of his betrothal to a young lady of the ton whom he'd only just met!
It strangely occurred around the time he became aware that Priscilla was more than just his true friend. Priscilla seemed to have realized the same thing a little sooner. What was she to do? He wasn't used to going against his mother's dictates and she wasn't used to letting other people's plans play out without her active involvement in seeing things come out right!
You'll love watching this far from simple arrangement work it's way out, maybe, hopefully for the best!
April 23, 2025
Priscilla and Charles have been friends since childhood- when will they realise they love each other.
Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire have been friends since childhood.
When he reveals that he is due to get married she suddenly realises that she has been in love with him for years.
Unexpectedly Frances (Charles’s fiancee) comes to the rescue when she approaches Priscilla and states that she does not love Charles and they should do what they can to get Charles to realise he loves Priscilla.
What follows is an entertaining tale of misunderstandings and realisations, which eventually resolve themselves.
I hope that Frances gets her own happy ending soon.
Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire have been friends since childhood.
When he reveals that he is due to get married she suddenly realises that she has been in love with him for years.
Unexpectedly Frances (Charles’s fiancee) comes to the rescue when she approaches Priscilla and states that she does not love Charles and they should do what they can to get Charles to realise he loves Priscilla.
What follows is an entertaining tale of misunderstandings and realisations, which eventually resolve themselves.
I hope that Frances gets her own happy ending soon.
May 6, 2025
I enjoyed this story with all the characters that were within. The main two characters were Miss Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley, the Duke of Orrinshire.
Miss Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley, the Duke of Orrinshire, have been close friends for years. While attending a wedding for a friend of theirs, they both realize that they might like each other. But their a problem with this. Charles is already engaged to someone else. Miss Priscilla comes up with a plan to get the Duke of Orrinshire.
This was fun to read. It had action and drama
throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within. I had fun reading to see what Miss Priscilla would do next in the book to get the Duke of Orrinshire.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Miss Priscilla Seton and Charles Audley, the Duke of Orrinshire, have been close friends for years. While attending a wedding for a friend of theirs, they both realize that they might like each other. But their a problem with this. Charles is already engaged to someone else. Miss Priscilla comes up with a plan to get the Duke of Orrinshire.
This was fun to read. It had action and drama
throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within. I had fun reading to see what Miss Priscilla would do next in the book to get the Duke of Orrinshire.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
October 18, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A really good story that will have you addicted in no time. Emily has added another wonderful book to the series.
Priscilla doesn’t realise how she feels about her best friend until he’s engaged and a month from marriage.
Charles is unhappily betrothed to a woman he doesn’t love and his strange affection for his friend are complicating matters.
With a controlling dowager Duchess and know it all Matchmaker and a wedding day looming . This book just about has everything.
Very enjoyable read and I loved the characters.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
A really good story that will have you addicted in no time. Emily has added another wonderful book to the series.
Priscilla doesn’t realise how she feels about her best friend until he’s engaged and a month from marriage.
Charles is unhappily betrothed to a woman he doesn’t love and his strange affection for his friend are complicating matters.
With a controlling dowager Duchess and know it all Matchmaker and a wedding day looming . This book just about has everything.
Very enjoyable read and I loved the characters.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
October 30, 2020
A confusing mix of emotions throws a wrench into the Dowager Duchess's wedding plans for her son Charles. Charles, Duke of Orrinshire is set to wed a woman he has no feelings for but he doesn't want to buck with tradition. Priscilla Seton and Charles have been through the tragedy of losing his sister and her best friend, Mary. They have always been there for each other until things change. Charles is engaged and the wedding is looming closer when they realize he is making a mistake. Charles seems to have been going to through life on auto pilot and it has caught up to him. He has no choice in the future he wants. I love a great best friend to HEA story and this was it.
November 11, 2020
Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire has allowed his mother to arrange a marriage for him and now he can't get an old friend out of his mind.
Miss Priscilla Seton has been friends with Charles all her life. Why wasn't it until after he announced his engagement that she really noticed him.
Friends to lovers can be a complicated road to take. For our protagonists there is a lot more at stake. All the characters are lovely. We have met some of the secondary ones in previous books and hopefully will in future ones. I have read and enjoyed each book in the series so far and look forward to more.
Very good fun.
Miss Priscilla Seton has been friends with Charles all her life. Why wasn't it until after he announced his engagement that she really noticed him.
Friends to lovers can be a complicated road to take. For our protagonists there is a lot more at stake. All the characters are lovely. We have met some of the secondary ones in previous books and hopefully will in future ones. I have read and enjoyed each book in the series so far and look forward to more.
Very good fun.
October 31, 2020
Priscilla Seton has known Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire her whole life and now all of a sudden he’s engaged to be married. She realizes her feeling when she attends a friend’s wedding for Charles and decides to become a rival for his affections especially now that his when his mother is pressuring him to marry a rich heiress. She hopes Charles will begin to see her in a different light, not as friend but as a young desirable woman he can’t live without and defy his family. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
November 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this the seventh book in the series. This series is one of my favourites - I love the idea of a heroine who has for some reason or another been overlooked for romance and finally has her chance for a happily ever after. My only reservation to a five star rating for this book was my modest dislike with the rivalry aspect that forms the basis of the romantic chase. Ultimately, it is an engaging story with an enjoyable happily ever after. I hope that more books will follow and thought that the author had a number of interesting possibilities to follow characters introduced or reintroduced in this book.
December 17, 2020
This book is so good. Charles and Priscilla have been friends all their lives along with Charles's younger sister Mary, who they lost to a freak accident when they were younger,. Charles is engage to be married to a woman who was hand picked by his mother to save the estate. At a wedding of a friends Pricilla and the girl who Charles is suppose to marry plan a way out of the engagement, make Pricilla a rival for Charles.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
Friends to lovers
Very enjoyable. Priscilla and Charles realizing their friendship growing into love came at the most inopportune time. Charles is in an arranged betrothal. When he wants to break things off, his harpy mother informs him he needs the dowry. Priscilla tries to do the right thing, but fate has other ideas. Their journey has ups and downs, joy and sorrow and the least likely person gets them back together.
Very enjoyable. Priscilla and Charles realizing their friendship growing into love came at the most inopportune time. Charles is in an arranged betrothal. When he wants to break things off, his harpy mother informs him he needs the dowry. Priscilla tries to do the right thing, but fate has other ideas. Their journey has ups and downs, joy and sorrow and the least likely person gets them back together.
November 20, 2020
“Being around you hurts.”
I loved it! It is written very smoothly, I was drawn to reading in one sitting.
I really liked the pact two ladies made, based on description is was sure it was all made by Priscilla, but miss Frances is the real heroine all along.
I recommend it, it's well paced and intriguing to read.
Review with my favourite quotes is published here: review Always the rival
I loved it! It is written very smoothly, I was drawn to reading in one sitting.
I really liked the pact two ladies made, based on description is was sure it was all made by Priscilla, but miss Frances is the real heroine all along.
I recommend it, it's well paced and intriguing to read.
Review with my favourite quotes is published here: review Always the rival
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews