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Heart & Soul (Lords in Love) #3
Chasing the Bride
Alternate cover edition can be found here
In this fast, feel-good romp from a New York Times bestselling author, forbidden love blooms between a runaway bride and the man sent to find her…
Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. Their families had warred for generations, and this union will heal the longstanding rift. But Tabitha doesn’t want to be a pawn—or a consolation prize. She dreams of a love match, and failing that, at least one night of true love. Even if she has to run away to find it!
As Viscount Oldfield’s trusted man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton is his lordship’s right-hand man, attack dog, and fixer. When a nervous bride jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is meant to find and return her to his employer posthaste. He is not supposed to fall in love. Or kiss his employer’s bride. Or say yes when Tabitha makes an indecent proposal that will ruin them both…
In this fast, feel-good romp from a New York Times bestselling author, forbidden love blooms between a runaway bride and the man sent to find her…
Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. Their families had warred for generations, and this union will heal the longstanding rift. But Tabitha doesn’t want to be a pawn—or a consolation prize. She dreams of a love match, and failing that, at least one night of true love. Even if she has to run away to find it!
As Viscount Oldfield’s trusted man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton is his lordship’s right-hand man, attack dog, and fixer. When a nervous bride jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is meant to find and return her to his employer posthaste. He is not supposed to fall in love. Or kiss his employer’s bride. Or say yes when Tabitha makes an indecent proposal that will ruin them both…
208 pages, ebook
First published June 9, 2023
80 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
133 books2,202 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 11, 2023
3.5/5
A short sweet story, perfect for when you're looking to read on a lazy afternoon or travel! Travelling is when I read the most.
Our story revolves around Tabitha, the daughter of a marquess, who has been bethroed to a much much older man - Viscount Oldfield (just in case you miss that he's old). She does not wish to marry him, because he's old, spends his time gambling and tupping women young enough to be his grandaughters, and has a habit of looking down her bodice every single time they meet. But, she's a dutiful daughter and must marry him to bring peace between the two familes that have been at odds for centuries apparently.
Why, don't ask because the author doesn't exactly expand on that. Just accept it and move on.
Our hero, Hudson Frampton has been in the employ of the lecher viscount for a decade now, and has been sweet on Tabitha for at least half that time. He doesn't envy her position knowing what a horrible marraige awaits her, but as a man not born in this world he keeps his thoughts - and hands - to himself. For a while.
Our heroine sets out to explore a week of freedom before her life is unwittingly tied down to the old dude, and Hudson joins in to protect her. Well, you can see where this is going.
I enjoyed the conversation and banter between the MC's, and Hudson was actually quite a fun, flirty, and yet honorable hero. I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more information about his history and his story, but alas these stories are usually quite small in length. Which would be my next criticism; things happen too fast and resolve too fast. It's more a novella than a full fledged book, which means the plot moving forward becomes more vital than emotional or character depth.
If you're looking for something quick, fun with cute banter to read then give this a shot!
I received this book from Netgalley and the author for my honest review. It does not effect my views of the story or the characters.
A short sweet story, perfect for when you're looking to read on a lazy afternoon or travel! Travelling is when I read the most.
Our story revolves around Tabitha, the daughter of a marquess, who has been bethroed to a much much older man - Viscount Oldfield (just in case you miss that he's old). She does not wish to marry him, because he's old, spends his time gambling and tupping women young enough to be his grandaughters, and has a habit of looking down her bodice every single time they meet. But, she's a dutiful daughter and must marry him to bring peace between the two familes that have been at odds for centuries apparently.
Why, don't ask because the author doesn't exactly expand on that. Just accept it and move on.
Our hero, Hudson Frampton has been in the employ of the lecher viscount for a decade now, and has been sweet on Tabitha for at least half that time. He doesn't envy her position knowing what a horrible marraige awaits her, but as a man not born in this world he keeps his thoughts - and hands - to himself. For a while.
Our heroine sets out to explore a week of freedom before her life is unwittingly tied down to the old dude, and Hudson joins in to protect her. Well, you can see where this is going.
I enjoyed the conversation and banter between the MC's, and Hudson was actually quite a fun, flirty, and yet honorable hero. I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more information about his history and his story, but alas these stories are usually quite small in length. Which would be my next criticism; things happen too fast and resolve too fast. It's more a novella than a full fledged book, which means the plot moving forward becomes more vital than emotional or character depth.
If you're looking for something quick, fun with cute banter to read then give this a shot!
I received this book from Netgalley and the author for my honest review. It does not effect my views of the story or the characters.
June 4, 2023
Joyful, tummy churningly good romance!
Ridley is an author, I trust wholeheartedly to sweep me up on an entertaining journey, with characters that are going to get under my skin, irrelevant of what sex they are or social class they were born into and in order to appreciate the emotional highs and lows to the fullest, I deliberately choose to avoid the blurb at all costs and in the case of CHASING THE BRIDE, I'm so glad I did.
Each twist came as a surprise beyond my hopes for Tabitha and Hudson and heightened the sweet, heartwarming levity steeped in the fun and wonder of 'a first love' romance and interlaced it with a tummy churning dread and anguish for what her future was destined to hold. An impending misery that would see her sacrifice her happiness to be the dutiful daughter and marry the odious roué Viscount Oldfield, intensifying to a greater degree my connection and desire for her to defy duty because I was unaware of where her choices would lead beforehand.
I enjoyed the glimpses of lightheartedness seeped in respect, care and admiration, so vividly portraying the difference between our dependable, bodyguard come man of business, Hudson, and the distasteful Lord Oldfield. As an easy warmth and humour, within the wit and derived nonsense banter, designed to delight and make her laugh, created this radiation of pure joy as they seized each moment of happiness.
I just loved how much depth this engaging story sung with. A bittersweet tale in three acts that wove a touch of the forbidden meets the awakening of a love at first sight - matured through time and deepened through longing on one side, and allowed close proximity to crumble misperceptions on the other - before a moment of true freedom and soul deep love could bubble up and connect them so intimately and so profoundly deliciously. As Ridley created two characters so perfect for each other and cloaked them in a situation that pitched duty, however heinous, against the dream of grasping love with both hands and fighting to have to let it go. Or maybe, just maybe, there is another more rewarding and statisfying choice? That if like me, will have you tangled up in knots fighting tears and finding it so hard to wipe the love struck smile off your face, to find out!
An emotionally entangling, addition to a series that is so much more that the lighthearted romance you expect from the book covers but has a depth in a need to overcome bitter haunting torment and internal conflict at their core.
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
Ridley is an author, I trust wholeheartedly to sweep me up on an entertaining journey, with characters that are going to get under my skin, irrelevant of what sex they are or social class they were born into and in order to appreciate the emotional highs and lows to the fullest, I deliberately choose to avoid the blurb at all costs and in the case of CHASING THE BRIDE, I'm so glad I did.
Each twist came as a surprise beyond my hopes for Tabitha and Hudson and heightened the sweet, heartwarming levity steeped in the fun and wonder of 'a first love' romance and interlaced it with a tummy churning dread and anguish for what her future was destined to hold. An impending misery that would see her sacrifice her happiness to be the dutiful daughter and marry the odious roué Viscount Oldfield, intensifying to a greater degree my connection and desire for her to defy duty because I was unaware of where her choices would lead beforehand.
I enjoyed the glimpses of lightheartedness seeped in respect, care and admiration, so vividly portraying the difference between our dependable, bodyguard come man of business, Hudson, and the distasteful Lord Oldfield. As an easy warmth and humour, within the wit and derived nonsense banter, designed to delight and make her laugh, created this radiation of pure joy as they seized each moment of happiness.
I just loved how much depth this engaging story sung with. A bittersweet tale in three acts that wove a touch of the forbidden meets the awakening of a love at first sight - matured through time and deepened through longing on one side, and allowed close proximity to crumble misperceptions on the other - before a moment of true freedom and soul deep love could bubble up and connect them so intimately and so profoundly deliciously. As Ridley created two characters so perfect for each other and cloaked them in a situation that pitched duty, however heinous, against the dream of grasping love with both hands and fighting to have to let it go. Or maybe, just maybe, there is another more rewarding and statisfying choice? That if like me, will have you tangled up in knots fighting tears and finding it so hard to wipe the love struck smile off your face, to find out!
An emotionally entangling, addition to a series that is so much more that the lighthearted romance you expect from the book covers but has a depth in a need to overcome bitter haunting torment and internal conflict at their core.
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
May 30, 2023
4.25⭐️
I'm always amazed at the amount of story and depth that Erica Ridley packs into a novella. Chasing the Bride give a well-rounded plot that worked well on its own, but also fit nicely into the larger world of the Lords in Love series. Readers can easily read this novella as the sixth story in a series or completely as a standalone; any mentions to events or characters from the rest of the series were brilliantly worked into Tabitha and Hudson's story, enhancing the story if you've read the series but not detracting from it if you haven't.
Chasing the Bride introduced readers to two fantastic main characters blurring the line between doing what's responsible versus following their hearts. I absolutely loved Tabitha as a character. Torn between fulfilling her father's final wish and letting herself dream of something more, Tabitha was a perfect combination of dutiful daughter and rebel. There was real emotion behind her actions, and readers will easily get swept away by Tabitha's courageous actions and her sass when it comes to Hudson. And as for Hudson, I really loved that Tabitha spurned a viscount and fell for his man of business. Not every historical romance needs to feature a duke or an earl, and Hudson is a prime example of the love and happiness that can be found outside of the upper echelons of society.
This was a fun, easy novella that didn't compromise on Ridley's storytelling or character development. At just under two hundred pages, Chasing the Bride was a quick read that packed in a lot of action and a lot of great characters. I could have easily devoured a full-length novel for this story, but was still left satisfied with Tabitha and Hudson's romance.
[Chasing the Bride was read and reviewed as part of Erica Ridley's Review Crew. Opinions are my own.]
I'm always amazed at the amount of story and depth that Erica Ridley packs into a novella. Chasing the Bride give a well-rounded plot that worked well on its own, but also fit nicely into the larger world of the Lords in Love series. Readers can easily read this novella as the sixth story in a series or completely as a standalone; any mentions to events or characters from the rest of the series were brilliantly worked into Tabitha and Hudson's story, enhancing the story if you've read the series but not detracting from it if you haven't.
Chasing the Bride introduced readers to two fantastic main characters blurring the line between doing what's responsible versus following their hearts. I absolutely loved Tabitha as a character. Torn between fulfilling her father's final wish and letting herself dream of something more, Tabitha was a perfect combination of dutiful daughter and rebel. There was real emotion behind her actions, and readers will easily get swept away by Tabitha's courageous actions and her sass when it comes to Hudson. And as for Hudson, I really loved that Tabitha spurned a viscount and fell for his man of business. Not every historical romance needs to feature a duke or an earl, and Hudson is a prime example of the love and happiness that can be found outside of the upper echelons of society.
This was a fun, easy novella that didn't compromise on Ridley's storytelling or character development. At just under two hundred pages, Chasing the Bride was a quick read that packed in a lot of action and a lot of great characters. I could have easily devoured a full-length novel for this story, but was still left satisfied with Tabitha and Hudson's romance.
[Chasing the Bride was read and reviewed as part of Erica Ridley's Review Crew. Opinions are my own.]
June 9, 2023
Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. Their families had warred for generations, and this union will heal the longstanding rift. But Tabitha dreams of a love match.
As Viscount Oldfield’s trusted man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton is his lordship’s right-hand man, attack dog, and fixer. When Tabitha jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is to find and return her to his employer posthaste. The only problem is Hudson has loved Tabitha for years.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Strong characters & a well paced story had me reading it in a sitting. I loved both Tabitha & Hudson. She’s a marquis's daughter & wants to make her dying father proud so will accept a marriage to the aging roué as it is what her father wishes. Hudson was orphaned at an early age & has raised himself from the gutter to be a shrewd businessman. I loved how they got to know each other & enjoyed spending time together & fell in love but she's betrothed & he's not much better than a servant - how things are resolved are a delight
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
As Viscount Oldfield’s trusted man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton is his lordship’s right-hand man, attack dog, and fixer. When Tabitha jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is to find and return her to his employer posthaste. The only problem is Hudson has loved Tabitha for years.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Strong characters & a well paced story had me reading it in a sitting. I loved both Tabitha & Hudson. She’s a marquis's daughter & wants to make her dying father proud so will accept a marriage to the aging roué as it is what her father wishes. Hudson was orphaned at an early age & has raised himself from the gutter to be a shrewd businessman. I loved how they got to know each other & enjoyed spending time together & fell in love but she's betrothed & he's not much better than a servant - how things are resolved are a delight
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 8, 2023
Chasing the Bride. This story was very entertaining. I really enjoyed the very sweet and charming moments between Tabitha and Hudson, while they spent moments at the Mayfair. Hudson is ever the gentleman in this story. I think that’s why he is my favorite character. Tabitha is a smart woman who desperately worked to be the master of her being. The story Isa quick story. For the readers who love romantic stories you will enjoy this one. The romance stands out mostly in the book, which was a sweet delight. The passion that Tabitha and Hudson start consumes the story with heated kisses and passionate affairs. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2023
ARC✨️
what bothered me most was the lack of depth the story and characters had. their thoughts were just "im so attracted to them but I can't bc x y z" on repeat. also, their dynamic felt more like best buddies than potential love interests until 60% of the book, they were just vibing giggling and throwing flowers around. I gave it 2 stars just because the smut is really well written
also, if I have to read the word "barouche" ever again I might throw up
what bothered me most was the lack of depth the story and characters had. their thoughts were just "im so attracted to them but I can't bc x y z" on repeat. also, their dynamic felt more like best buddies than potential love interests until 60% of the book, they were just vibing giggling and throwing flowers around. I gave it 2 stars just because the smut is really well written
also, if I have to read the word "barouche" ever again I might throw up
July 16, 2023
Very low on smut. It was a quick read about a woman, who is promised to marry an old man, her father's friend and her fiance's man of business who loved her for ages. Quick-paced, not much action or drama. A book to pass by but not something I'd reread.
3 stars.
p.s: I did love Erica's previous books but this book just wasn't for me.
ARC was provided via author VIP mail in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3 stars.
p.s: I did love Erica's previous books but this book just wasn't for me.
ARC was provided via author VIP mail in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 6 of the Lords in Love series, written by Erica Ridley. In this one, our lovers are not looking to make a match at the Marrywell matrimonial fair. Instead, our heroine, Lady Tabitha Kerr, rather ironically finds peace and solace there. She is not looking for her ideal love match, you see, because she is already promised in wedlock to a peer. The match was made before she was even born, by her father, the marquess, to an old friend, the Viscount Oldfield. Apparently they had become fast friends during war, when Oldfield saved the Marquess's life, but prior to that, their families were on opposite sides of some kind of rift. Her father had hopes that the union of his daughter to his old friend would heal the old wounds, and as he is terminally ill, that he would see them wed before he died.
Unfortunately, Lady Tabitha despises Oldfield, who is a disgusting old roue more interested in carousing, drinking, gambling, and rogering whores and ogling the other debs bosoms that courting his own fiancee. What he is interested in however is manipulating his friend, and getting his hands on Tabetha's inheritance especially as he has run through his own wealth like it was water. But Tabitha is loyal and obedient to her father, and no matter how much she may not wish to, she has resolved to marry Oldfield because of her loyalty.... but not quite until she absolutely has to...
While Tabitha runs off to find some peace, and fun before having to sacrifice herself to her fiancee and a life of misery, Oldfield sets his man of business, his personal hound, talented investor and factotum Hudson Frampton after her, to keep her in line and ensure she returns to wed Oldfield. However, Frampton has been suppressing his attraction and admiration of the Lady Tabitha for years, and now that they are forced to be in intimately close quarters for days at a time, he falls deeply in love with her, despite knowing that he cannot have her. Likewise Tabitha learns that Hudson is more than just Oldfield's yes man, and they enjoy their stolen time together, knowing what they really want is out of reach for them.
But can Lady Tabitha give up her freedom and the possibility of the love she found with Hudson to be a martyr to her father's wishes? Or can she and Hudson turn away from her declared fate to seek out a future of hope and love together?
I quite enjoyed this story because of the stolen time that Hudson and Tabitha enjoyed together when she did the runaway bride routine. Their growing closeness was very sweet with lots of yearning desire, fighting temptation, and unrequited love. I was likewise disgusted by the complete cluelessness of her father though - he was supposed to be so close to Oldfield, but is either unknowing of his reprehensible behaviour and his disrespectful treatment of the daughter he is supposed to love, or willfully ignorant, and willing to sacrifice his daughter to a likely miserable future? His only child??? I love my parents, but that does not mean I am willing to face decades of misery and probably disease/dismemberment/dementia/death related to syphilis for them. As for Hudson - what is with his loyalty to his employer? He obviously built his own wealth, and doesn't really like or respect Oldfield - why could he not have found a position with another peer considering his talents? Why did he not inform the Marquess of Oldfield's finances and behaviours and how he plans on misusing Tabitha and her inheritance?
Otherwise, I did enjoy the story telling and the runaway bride theme of the story, as well as the hints of the adjacent storylines from the other books in the series.
3.75 stars out of 5
This is book 6 of the Lords in Love series, written by Erica Ridley. In this one, our lovers are not looking to make a match at the Marrywell matrimonial fair. Instead, our heroine, Lady Tabitha Kerr, rather ironically finds peace and solace there. She is not looking for her ideal love match, you see, because she is already promised in wedlock to a peer. The match was made before she was even born, by her father, the marquess, to an old friend, the Viscount Oldfield. Apparently they had become fast friends during war, when Oldfield saved the Marquess's life, but prior to that, their families were on opposite sides of some kind of rift. Her father had hopes that the union of his daughter to his old friend would heal the old wounds, and as he is terminally ill, that he would see them wed before he died.
Unfortunately, Lady Tabitha despises Oldfield, who is a disgusting old roue more interested in carousing, drinking, gambling, and rogering whores and ogling the other debs bosoms that courting his own fiancee. What he is interested in however is manipulating his friend, and getting his hands on Tabetha's inheritance especially as he has run through his own wealth like it was water. But Tabitha is loyal and obedient to her father, and no matter how much she may not wish to, she has resolved to marry Oldfield because of her loyalty.... but not quite until she absolutely has to...
While Tabitha runs off to find some peace, and fun before having to sacrifice herself to her fiancee and a life of misery, Oldfield sets his man of business, his personal hound, talented investor and factotum Hudson Frampton after her, to keep her in line and ensure she returns to wed Oldfield. However, Frampton has been suppressing his attraction and admiration of the Lady Tabitha for years, and now that they are forced to be in intimately close quarters for days at a time, he falls deeply in love with her, despite knowing that he cannot have her. Likewise Tabitha learns that Hudson is more than just Oldfield's yes man, and they enjoy their stolen time together, knowing what they really want is out of reach for them.
But can Lady Tabitha give up her freedom and the possibility of the love she found with Hudson to be a martyr to her father's wishes? Or can she and Hudson turn away from her declared fate to seek out a future of hope and love together?
I quite enjoyed this story because of the stolen time that Hudson and Tabitha enjoyed together when she did the runaway bride routine. Their growing closeness was very sweet with lots of yearning desire, fighting temptation, and unrequited love. I was likewise disgusted by the complete cluelessness of her father though - he was supposed to be so close to Oldfield, but is either unknowing of his reprehensible behaviour and his disrespectful treatment of the daughter he is supposed to love, or willfully ignorant, and willing to sacrifice his daughter to a likely miserable future? His only child??? I love my parents, but that does not mean I am willing to face decades of misery and probably disease/dismemberment/dementia/death related to syphilis for them. As for Hudson - what is with his loyalty to his employer? He obviously built his own wealth, and doesn't really like or respect Oldfield - why could he not have found a position with another peer considering his talents? Why did he not inform the Marquess of Oldfield's finances and behaviours and how he plans on misusing Tabitha and her inheritance?
Otherwise, I did enjoy the story telling and the runaway bride theme of the story, as well as the hints of the adjacent storylines from the other books in the series.
3.75 stars out of 5
June 4, 2023
In this captivating romance, a runaway bride finds freedom in forbidden love.
Lady Tabitha Kerr is betrothed to the lecherous Viscount Oldfield, since before her birth. Her father’s dying wish is to see her married to fix an old feud between the two families. Tabitha dreams of love, but duty compels her. The viscount’s man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton, takes responsibility for keeping an eye on Tabitha when she shows signs of rebelling against this age-old agreement.
I can’t describe how much I wanted Tabitha and Hudson to be together. It was really difficult to imagine how that would come about, but I had faith because Erica Ridley has an uncanny ability to make seemingly impossible endings possible. When they were together, they just seemed like they belonged with each other, despite their vastly unequal stations in life. The differences that kept them apart were solely due to societal constructs.
Tabitha was caught in a web of familial guilt. There were so many moments where I just wanted to shake her so she could come to her senses. Hudson tried his best to stay impartial, but Tabitha won him over with her guileless charm. The ending wasn’t entirely predictable and I loved how it all wrapped up.
I can recommend this entire series to anyone who loves historical romance. Each book stands well on its own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2023
I never thought I would spend an entire book wishing for an old man’s death, but that is indeed how it felt. Tabitha has been betrothed to the lecherous friend of her father since she was born, and I couldn’t help but wish for an accident to take him so she could live her own life. Ever the dutiful daughter she will grant her father’s dying wish and marry Lord Oldfield. But when she flees the wedding wishing only for a week to herself to prepare, she is not prepared for a week spent in the company of her betroth’s handsome man of business. Nor for the fact that despite his loyalty to his employer, he has loved her for years. Their time spent together in Marrywell was the perfect idyllic holiday. We finally get to see Tabitha free to be herself and to grasp happiness. Hudson literally worships the ground she walks on and after a lifetime of service to others will, she deserves nothing less. A truly wonderful story of a quest for happiness and the courage to reach out and grasp life. These two truly deserved every happiness together.
June 11, 2023
The Heiress Bride by Erica Ridley is the newest book (#6) in the Lords in Love Series. We even get to spend time in Marrywell again! We are introduced to Tabitha and how she is being pressured by her father into marrying the odious Viscount Oldfield. She does not want to, but she is trying to be a good daughter.
Tabitha only wants to be a good daughter. Her father is dying and she is trying to give him his last wish. She does not want to marry the old, lecherous man. Tabitha leaves to go to the Marrywell Celebration, but his man of business Hudson Frampton is sent to watch her.
Hudson and Tabitha have a good time but know that she needs to go back and marry. The time comes for the wedding and Tabitha runs away and Hudson is sent to find her. This time, they begin a relationship pretending to be married. The closer to the second wedding, the more Tabitha is conflicted. Will Tabitha and Hudson have their happily ever after ending?
The Heiress Bride by Erica Ridley is a good read.
Tabitha only wants to be a good daughter. Her father is dying and she is trying to give him his last wish. She does not want to marry the old, lecherous man. Tabitha leaves to go to the Marrywell Celebration, but his man of business Hudson Frampton is sent to watch her.
Hudson and Tabitha have a good time but know that she needs to go back and marry. The time comes for the wedding and Tabitha runs away and Hudson is sent to find her. This time, they begin a relationship pretending to be married. The closer to the second wedding, the more Tabitha is conflicted. Will Tabitha and Hudson have their happily ever after ending?
The Heiress Bride by Erica Ridley is a good read.
June 4, 2023
When I say I devoured this book. Y'all.
We've seen glimpses of Lady Tabitha in the previous books in this series and I was very intrigued to learn more about her, her betrothal, and it would all work out!
We have: runaway bride, one bed, fake marriage, bodyguard.
Ridley amazed me with the chemistry these two developed in just a few joking lines🐘, and how (mostly) pure Tabitha and Hudson spend time together and bond and think of one another.
I was curious (not anxious, because in Erica we trust!) how they would get their HEA because it seemed impossible without someone dying. I loved it. Of course I did, it's Erica Ridley!
We've seen glimpses of Lady Tabitha in the previous books in this series and I was very intrigued to learn more about her, her betrothal, and it would all work out!
We have: runaway bride, one bed, fake marriage, bodyguard.
Ridley amazed me with the chemistry these two developed in just a few joking lines🐘, and how (mostly) pure Tabitha and Hudson spend time together and bond and think of one another.
I was curious (not anxious, because in Erica we trust!) how they would get their HEA because it seemed impossible without someone dying. I loved it. Of course I did, it's Erica Ridley!
June 10, 2023
This is my 19th book by Erica Ridley. I found her when I read The Wicked Duke's Club that she wrote with Darcy Burke back in 2016. I didn't really pick her up again until 2019. Glad to see a series with Darcy Burke again. I have really been enjoying this series.
This book was okay. Kind of boring. Characters were good just a bit lackluster.
This book was okay. Kind of boring. Characters were good just a bit lackluster.
June 14, 2023
I felt that even though this book was short, it could have gone into much more detail about feelings, interactions and chemistry. It was very surface level which led to me rating it lowly. It would have been much better if we understood more about the characters, why they fell in love, thought they were a good fit and why Hudson decided to intervine in the end but not before.
July 4, 2023
4.5⭐️
Family responsibilities are the absolute pits, especially when you’re promised from birth to marry a man older than your father and meaner than a bear!
Erica Ridley brings us back to the festivities with Chasing the Bride, the sixth instalment in the Lords in Love duet series with Darcy Burke.
This series revolves around the Marrywell May Day marriage festival- and weeklong festivities were single people mingle in the hopes of meeting their match!
Too bad for lady Tabitha Kerr, that she doesn’t even get to attempt to make a match at the marriage festival! At least she has a reprieve from her first marriage to crusty Viscount Oldfield in a weeklong holiday to Marrywell to enjoy the festivities… the only stipulation is that she must bring Oldfields man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton as her chaperoned/bodyguard.
Tabatha and Hudson seem find a rapport as they enjoy the entertainments together- Tabatha even starts wondering what it would be like if she was Mary Hudson instead of Oldfield.
Needless to say, there may be a switch up in this coupling!
I loved watching Tabitha fight against what she feels to be her family duty for her father and her wishes for her own future. Her through freedom and independence. She finds her own strength to go for what she wants.
As for Hudson, a man came from nothing, he also needs to fight against his own duty and responsibility towards Oldfield.
It’s so rewarding to see two characters find themselves with the help of each other and fight for love worth having!
The whole Lords in Love series has been a lot of fun, and this book up there with my favourites!
Thanks to author Erica Ridley and WebMotion for my review copy.
#LordsInLove #ChasingTheBride #EricaRidley
Family responsibilities are the absolute pits, especially when you’re promised from birth to marry a man older than your father and meaner than a bear!
Erica Ridley brings us back to the festivities with Chasing the Bride, the sixth instalment in the Lords in Love duet series with Darcy Burke.
This series revolves around the Marrywell May Day marriage festival- and weeklong festivities were single people mingle in the hopes of meeting their match!
Too bad for lady Tabitha Kerr, that she doesn’t even get to attempt to make a match at the marriage festival! At least she has a reprieve from her first marriage to crusty Viscount Oldfield in a weeklong holiday to Marrywell to enjoy the festivities… the only stipulation is that she must bring Oldfields man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton as her chaperoned/bodyguard.
Tabatha and Hudson seem find a rapport as they enjoy the entertainments together- Tabatha even starts wondering what it would be like if she was Mary Hudson instead of Oldfield.
Needless to say, there may be a switch up in this coupling!
I loved watching Tabitha fight against what she feels to be her family duty for her father and her wishes for her own future. Her through freedom and independence. She finds her own strength to go for what she wants.
As for Hudson, a man came from nothing, he also needs to fight against his own duty and responsibility towards Oldfield.
It’s so rewarding to see two characters find themselves with the help of each other and fight for love worth having!
The whole Lords in Love series has been a lot of fun, and this book up there with my favourites!
Thanks to author Erica Ridley and WebMotion for my review copy.
#LordsInLove #ChasingTheBride #EricaRidley
June 13, 2023
This didn’t have enough depth for me. The stakes were low and the relationship development was weak, but I Iiked Hudson and their flirty banter. This was my first Erica Ridley and I’ll seek out another, but probably not from this series.
I received an arc from net galley
I received an arc from net galley
June 7, 2023
Back in Marrywell once again in Chasing the Bride, the sixth book of the Lords in Love series. Another satisfying story from talented author Erica Ridley. Regency romances always remind us just how rigid and strict the rules were then. And how little official standing and power women had.
Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. He’s an old friend of her father’s and her father feels indebted to him from past events. That should tell you something: an old friend of her father’s? Probably not a dashing young man then. Nope. Creepy, yes. Debauched, yes. Her father is terminally ill, and his dying wish is that this marriage will heal the longstanding rift between the families. But Viscount Oldfield is not so much interested in the husband-wife thing or bringing the families together as he is in getting his hands on her dowry. Tabitha doesn’t want this. Why would she? She’s a young woman who doesn’t wants the riches and status a match with a Viscount will bring but instead longs for an ordinary life with a man who truly cares about her, However, the rules are the rules, fathers are in charge, and her father demands she honor his last wish to prove she is a dutiful daughter and earn his love.
Mr. Hudson Frampton escorted Tabitha to the Marrywell Festival in Oldfield’s absence, who had pressing matters with other young women. Hampton is his lordship’s trusted man of business, handles and fixes everything and has made his own fortune investing for himself as he invests for the Viscount. He’s also a man who has admired Lady Tabitha for a long time, and he IS a dashing young man. Handsome, strong, virile. But a common man, no right talking to a Lady, no right thinking the thoughts he does about Tabitha. Their time together at Marrywell is perfect, though. Feels right, feels natural. For him it’s a last look at what he can’t have. For her it’s a last chance to dream and live a little before life as she knows it ends.
Oldfield needs that dowry and changes his mind about the timing of the marriage ceremony. Tabitha begs her father to delay to no avail. She tries her best but she can’t go through with it and she runs away. Guess who is sent to find her? And since he’s a wizard at business and handling things and fixing things it doesn’t take him long at all to find her in – Marrywell! Under an assumed name, A Mrs. whose Mr. isn’t there right this minute. Until Hudson shows up and wants to take her back. She convinces him (not that hard, considering how he already feels) to give them two weeks to pretend to the town to be husband and wife and give her just a little bit bigger glimpse of that life she’ll never have once she and the Viscount are wed. There’s no festival happening in Marrywell right now. It’s just the two of them, and that pretending starts to feel like not pretending after all.
Of course we know where this is all going, don’t we, but it is so, so, so much fun getting there. Tabitha and Hudson are perfect together. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as well as tender, heart-pounding moments, and a view into just how reprehensible Oldfield is. This is a story you won’t want to miss.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Chasing the Bride to me as a member of Erica’s Review Crew for my reading pleasure and honest review. Everything this author writes is a pleasure to read. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. He’s an old friend of her father’s and her father feels indebted to him from past events. That should tell you something: an old friend of her father’s? Probably not a dashing young man then. Nope. Creepy, yes. Debauched, yes. Her father is terminally ill, and his dying wish is that this marriage will heal the longstanding rift between the families. But Viscount Oldfield is not so much interested in the husband-wife thing or bringing the families together as he is in getting his hands on her dowry. Tabitha doesn’t want this. Why would she? She’s a young woman who doesn’t wants the riches and status a match with a Viscount will bring but instead longs for an ordinary life with a man who truly cares about her, However, the rules are the rules, fathers are in charge, and her father demands she honor his last wish to prove she is a dutiful daughter and earn his love.
Mr. Hudson Frampton escorted Tabitha to the Marrywell Festival in Oldfield’s absence, who had pressing matters with other young women. Hampton is his lordship’s trusted man of business, handles and fixes everything and has made his own fortune investing for himself as he invests for the Viscount. He’s also a man who has admired Lady Tabitha for a long time, and he IS a dashing young man. Handsome, strong, virile. But a common man, no right talking to a Lady, no right thinking the thoughts he does about Tabitha. Their time together at Marrywell is perfect, though. Feels right, feels natural. For him it’s a last look at what he can’t have. For her it’s a last chance to dream and live a little before life as she knows it ends.
Oldfield needs that dowry and changes his mind about the timing of the marriage ceremony. Tabitha begs her father to delay to no avail. She tries her best but she can’t go through with it and she runs away. Guess who is sent to find her? And since he’s a wizard at business and handling things and fixing things it doesn’t take him long at all to find her in – Marrywell! Under an assumed name, A Mrs. whose Mr. isn’t there right this minute. Until Hudson shows up and wants to take her back. She convinces him (not that hard, considering how he already feels) to give them two weeks to pretend to the town to be husband and wife and give her just a little bit bigger glimpse of that life she’ll never have once she and the Viscount are wed. There’s no festival happening in Marrywell right now. It’s just the two of them, and that pretending starts to feel like not pretending after all.
Of course we know where this is all going, don’t we, but it is so, so, so much fun getting there. Tabitha and Hudson are perfect together. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as well as tender, heart-pounding moments, and a view into just how reprehensible Oldfield is. This is a story you won’t want to miss.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Chasing the Bride to me as a member of Erica’s Review Crew for my reading pleasure and honest review. Everything this author writes is a pleasure to read. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
June 3, 2023
Where to start, there is so much I could say about this book. But after starting this review a couple of times I feel you the reading is best finding all the little secrets and details for yourself. Lady Tabitha was betrothed before she was even born. Her father the Marquess best friend saved his life in battle and set up the marriage if the baby was a girl. Due to already having a man in the waiting she was denied a coming out party and ball. She has never been courted or allowed to dance or even been kissed. Not that she wants her betrothed to kiss her ugh! He is older than her father, nasty, evil man. She fears him and wants nothing to do with him. All he wants is her money. But she loves her father and has spent her whole life trying to win his approval. He is slowly dying and his last wish is for her to marry the nasty Viscount Oldfield saying it will end an old rift between families. Mr. Hudson Frampton has had a very rough life. He is Oldfields man of business. He had made a life for himself in which he is now very wealthy. He is a big burly man most are afraid of. Tabitha thinks of him as Oldfield go to person. He is always doing what the Viscount tells him. But he is also very Handsome in a way. Hudson keeps his feeling well hidden,but he has been smitten by Tabitha since the first time he saw her. He cannot understand any father wanting sure a person around their daughter let alone marry them! Tabitha has always been a dutiful daughter trying to gain her father's love. She loves reading and playing the piano like a pro. The day of her wedding to Oldfield she is over come with what her life will be and runs away, she just cannot do it. Of course, Oldfield sends Hudson to find her little does he know what can happen in the town of Merrywell. The fair is over and the town is quite just what she needs till He turns up. Can she convince him to let her have just a little time to herself. Oh, with her sass and smiles she wins him over. He knows in his heart this is going to be a disaster for him. Seven days in her company with no one else around. Oh, my let the fun began and it does. As they spend time together and learn more about what the other is really like they draw close together. Is there a happy ending for them? How can go against her father's dying wish? How can a servant be with a peer? So many questions and you need to get a copy and get started to get the answers. All the books in this series can be read as standalone but so much better read in order. This is a steamy story for those who like to know. Erica once again gives us a story full of life, sorrow, growing, passion, and love. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my long and honest opinion.
July 25, 2023
Lady Tabitha Kerr valued her freedom and really didn’t want to give it up despite being unwillingly betrothed to Viscount Oldfield. Tabitha doesn’t even like him nor his right-hand man, Mr. Hudson Frampton. Luckily, Tabitha’s father grants her one month to enjoy her time being single and Tabitha even gets to spend the time at the matchmaking festival in Marrywell. Tabitha even enjoys herself a little bit and finds out Hudson isn’t as bad as she thought he was. Hudson does hide a closely guarded secret that he must never tell a soul. Hudson is actually deeply in love with Tabitha. Still, at the appointed time he brings her back to get married to the viscount. Before the viscount and Tabitha say the vows Tabitha runs away to Marrywell with Hudson hot on her trail. Hudson is able to track her down, but she talks him into spending time with her as her pretend husband. Hudson knows that this isn’t a good idea because if Tabitha or worse the viscount finds out truly how he feels he could lose everything anyway.
What a delightfully funny Regency historical romance that was just a joy to read! The story moves well, and the many plot twists just kept me turning pages. This isn’t dark or Gothic either even with some a forced marriage, society marrying beneath their station and some unsavory side characters. Still the book was still light and a feel-good tale. There seemed to be some things that were left out it didn’t hurt the long-standing history between the Tabitha and Hudson or maybe it’s just me wanting a bit more into their lives. Tabitha the marriage shy heroine might have her faults but isn’t a bad person. Her sense of honor and respect for her father is commendable even though no one really listens to her except Hudson. Hudson the stoic droll unflappable hero isn’t a bad guy but obviously has some very strong feelings for Tabitha when he should have told her how he feels instead of waiting so long. Ms. Erica Ridley just knows how to tell a great story with wonderful characters that I just can’t wait to read more of her books!
What a delightfully funny Regency historical romance that was just a joy to read! The story moves well, and the many plot twists just kept me turning pages. This isn’t dark or Gothic either even with some a forced marriage, society marrying beneath their station and some unsavory side characters. Still the book was still light and a feel-good tale. There seemed to be some things that were left out it didn’t hurt the long-standing history between the Tabitha and Hudson or maybe it’s just me wanting a bit more into their lives. Tabitha the marriage shy heroine might have her faults but isn’t a bad person. Her sense of honor and respect for her father is commendable even though no one really listens to her except Hudson. Hudson the stoic droll unflappable hero isn’t a bad guy but obviously has some very strong feelings for Tabitha when he should have told her how he feels instead of waiting so long. Ms. Erica Ridley just knows how to tell a great story with wonderful characters that I just can’t wait to read more of her books!
June 7, 2023
Chasing the Bride by Erica Ridley is the 6th book in the Lords in Love series. It can be read as a standalone but I am sure once you read it you will want to go back and read the other books too. Each book is set in or at some point features the town of Marrywell and the famous annual week-long matchmaking festival that it holds.
Lady Tabitha is the heroine of this story. She has been betrothed since birth to her father's best friend. The man in question is horrid, much older, a womaniser and gambler and really only wants to marry her for her dowry. Tabitha's father believes that a rift between families will be mended by marriage and expects her to do as she is told when it comes to marrying.
Her betrothed is a Viscount, his man of business, Hudson has maybe loved, but at least fancied Tabitha for as long as he has known her. He is appalled that she is expected to marry his employer, not because he wants her for himself, he is below her in class and they wouldn't make a match. But his employer is a horrible person and marriage to him will be a nightmare for Tabitha.
When she decides in a dramatic way that she can't go through with the wedding, Hudson is tasked with bringing her back. When he finds her he has the choice of taking her back to the Viscount or spending time with her as she begs him to before he takes her back. He knows time spent with her will be heaven, but that taking her back afterwards will be hell. What will he decide to do?
You will need to read for yourself! Suffice it to say that I believe he made the right choice!
I love the will they won't they, should they shouldn't they aspects of this story. I love that one minute I could be laughing at something and the next be really angry at the injustice of what Tabitha was expected to do.
This was a great, quick read that I really loved, just as I have all the other books in the series that I have read.
Lady Tabitha is the heroine of this story. She has been betrothed since birth to her father's best friend. The man in question is horrid, much older, a womaniser and gambler and really only wants to marry her for her dowry. Tabitha's father believes that a rift between families will be mended by marriage and expects her to do as she is told when it comes to marrying.
Her betrothed is a Viscount, his man of business, Hudson has maybe loved, but at least fancied Tabitha for as long as he has known her. He is appalled that she is expected to marry his employer, not because he wants her for himself, he is below her in class and they wouldn't make a match. But his employer is a horrible person and marriage to him will be a nightmare for Tabitha.
When she decides in a dramatic way that she can't go through with the wedding, Hudson is tasked with bringing her back. When he finds her he has the choice of taking her back to the Viscount or spending time with her as she begs him to before he takes her back. He knows time spent with her will be heaven, but that taking her back afterwards will be hell. What will he decide to do?
You will need to read for yourself! Suffice it to say that I believe he made the right choice!
I love the will they won't they, should they shouldn't they aspects of this story. I love that one minute I could be laughing at something and the next be really angry at the injustice of what Tabitha was expected to do.
This was a great, quick read that I really loved, just as I have all the other books in the series that I have read.
May 31, 2023
Lady Tabitha Kerr, only child to the Marquess of Brigsby, has been betrothed to Viscount Oldfield since before she was born. Both being a female her voice was never heard. She loves the piano, reading and helping those in need. All her life her one wish was to know her father loved her. The only thing he ever asked was for her to marry his friend and heal a century old rift.
Viscount Oldfield is a lecherous, womanizing, gambling roue. He cares only for himself and is rude and mean to others. The only reason he is solvent enough is because of his infamous man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton.
Mr. Hudson Frampton, is tall, big, burly, and can make money. He is known as the betrothed’s guard dog doing what Viscount Oldfield orders.
Since the Marquees was diagnosed with an incurable illness his health slowing going out of him, Lady Tabitha has tried to reconcile her life to being ignored, used, and miserable. However much she wants to please her father, she just can't seem to get into the idea of her marriage.
So what's a lady to do? Well, as only Erica can do, run to a matchmaking festival, of course! That's just for starters. And not to be sidelined, what does the groom do? But order his man of business to go after her!
Join in the defiance of a daughter and the guard dog protector as she figures out how to get every last moment of joy in her life. Along the way a few old friends appear and give unexpected support. While you enjoy Merrywell and the surrounding environment, you get snappy and sarcastic banter, and a very delightful story.
I believe this out tops the Duke Heist in fun, spontaneous frolic that is a signature of all her books. I just wanted to slap Oldfield and Brigsby. As you get to the end what happens will have you with laughter, tears, and you tell them coming out.
Viscount Oldfield is a lecherous, womanizing, gambling roue. He cares only for himself and is rude and mean to others. The only reason he is solvent enough is because of his infamous man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton.
Mr. Hudson Frampton, is tall, big, burly, and can make money. He is known as the betrothed’s guard dog doing what Viscount Oldfield orders.
Since the Marquees was diagnosed with an incurable illness his health slowing going out of him, Lady Tabitha has tried to reconcile her life to being ignored, used, and miserable. However much she wants to please her father, she just can't seem to get into the idea of her marriage.
So what's a lady to do? Well, as only Erica can do, run to a matchmaking festival, of course! That's just for starters. And not to be sidelined, what does the groom do? But order his man of business to go after her!
Join in the defiance of a daughter and the guard dog protector as she figures out how to get every last moment of joy in her life. Along the way a few old friends appear and give unexpected support. While you enjoy Merrywell and the surrounding environment, you get snappy and sarcastic banter, and a very delightful story.
I believe this out tops the Duke Heist in fun, spontaneous frolic that is a signature of all her books. I just wanted to slap Oldfield and Brigsby. As you get to the end what happens will have you with laughter, tears, and you tell them coming out.
June 5, 2023
Betrothed to Viscount Oldfield in the womb, Lady Tabitha Kerr, only child to the Marquess of Brigsby, spend her life being dutiful, prim and proper, and mostly ignored awaiting the dreaded wedding day. The only man to ever truly see her was Frampton. Attentive with the looks of a handsome highwayman.
She’s a vessel, a pawn in a long-time family feud, but it’s her father’s dying wish, so she must oblige. Or does she? What if she made a run for it? Frampton would find her, but could she get a taste of happiness and maybe even love?
Man of business and jack-of-all-trades, Mr Hudson Frampton has had his eyes on his employer’s fiancée for almost a decade guarding and assisting her. Respected and feared, she’s the only person cocky enough to tease him and stir his dreams. But a commoner and a Lady? Impossible!
He’s not really surprised when she disappears from the church, and easily tracks her down. What to do? Take her straight home as the viscount ordered? Or allow her a few days of freedom and possibly put his own heart on the line?
📚 Fast-paced, witty and captivating, I read this book in one sitting. Just couldn’t put it down!
Both bound by duty, kept apart by class, and desperate for a taste of the forbidden. The touching way - he’s been pining for her for so long - in which he brings her to bloom and supports her, is at odds with his stern and effective demeanour. No simpering miss or wallflower, she pricks and prods and teases until he’s utterly defenceless. The chemistry between these two! Wonderful! And funny, sweet and incredibly romantic! This series never lets me down! Highly recommended!
📚 Runaway bride/bodyguard, forbidden romance, steamy, open door, one bed, fake marriage
Thank you to Erica Ridley, WebMotion and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
She’s a vessel, a pawn in a long-time family feud, but it’s her father’s dying wish, so she must oblige. Or does she? What if she made a run for it? Frampton would find her, but could she get a taste of happiness and maybe even love?
Man of business and jack-of-all-trades, Mr Hudson Frampton has had his eyes on his employer’s fiancée for almost a decade guarding and assisting her. Respected and feared, she’s the only person cocky enough to tease him and stir his dreams. But a commoner and a Lady? Impossible!
He’s not really surprised when she disappears from the church, and easily tracks her down. What to do? Take her straight home as the viscount ordered? Or allow her a few days of freedom and possibly put his own heart on the line?
📚 Fast-paced, witty and captivating, I read this book in one sitting. Just couldn’t put it down!
Both bound by duty, kept apart by class, and desperate for a taste of the forbidden. The touching way - he’s been pining for her for so long - in which he brings her to bloom and supports her, is at odds with his stern and effective demeanour. No simpering miss or wallflower, she pricks and prods and teases until he’s utterly defenceless. The chemistry between these two! Wonderful! And funny, sweet and incredibly romantic! This series never lets me down! Highly recommended!
📚 Runaway bride/bodyguard, forbidden romance, steamy, open door, one bed, fake marriage
Thank you to Erica Ridley, WebMotion and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 11, 2023
Lady Tabitha is a dutiful daughter, betrothed at birth to her father's friend, a disgusting
and lecherous libertine 30 years her senior. She contrives one last chance to spend a few
days of unmarried freedom, a suddenly remembered promise to attend May Day
festivities in Marrywell. She is thwarted in achieving this reprieve when her betrothed
foists his much younger man of business on her as a “chaperon” for the trip. Of course
she does not expect to take part in any of the matchmaking activities, as she is already
bethrothed. But unexpectedly, her chaperon gives her the opportunity to enjoy her brief
freedom without censure or worry of his interference, because he has secretly been in
love with her for years. And she does. And although he fully plans to keep his feelings
to himself and hand her over to his employer whom he holds in contempt (as is her
insistent wish, to obey her father), he …
And that is for you to find out when you read this beautifully constructed book! There
are times when I wanted to shake both Tabitha and Hudson. Though they are both
conflicted by their duty to meet expectations thrust upon them and their desires to be
true to themselves, they face and overcome every obstacle that seemed insurmountable.
Which brings me to the point that while I was reading this book, I was thinking of
Tabitha Kerr and Hudson Frampton as real people, fighting for happiness in a rigid
world with rigid rules, and NOT thinking of them as characters in a book.
Read this and you will be happy to know these wonderful people and discover how they
overcome obstacles to become another interesting and unexpected match made in
Marrywell!
The author provided me with an ARC and it is no hardship at all to provide my honest
review of this enjoyable book
and lecherous libertine 30 years her senior. She contrives one last chance to spend a few
days of unmarried freedom, a suddenly remembered promise to attend May Day
festivities in Marrywell. She is thwarted in achieving this reprieve when her betrothed
foists his much younger man of business on her as a “chaperon” for the trip. Of course
she does not expect to take part in any of the matchmaking activities, as she is already
bethrothed. But unexpectedly, her chaperon gives her the opportunity to enjoy her brief
freedom without censure or worry of his interference, because he has secretly been in
love with her for years. And she does. And although he fully plans to keep his feelings
to himself and hand her over to his employer whom he holds in contempt (as is her
insistent wish, to obey her father), he …
And that is for you to find out when you read this beautifully constructed book! There
are times when I wanted to shake both Tabitha and Hudson. Though they are both
conflicted by their duty to meet expectations thrust upon them and their desires to be
true to themselves, they face and overcome every obstacle that seemed insurmountable.
Which brings me to the point that while I was reading this book, I was thinking of
Tabitha Kerr and Hudson Frampton as real people, fighting for happiness in a rigid
world with rigid rules, and NOT thinking of them as characters in a book.
Read this and you will be happy to know these wonderful people and discover how they
overcome obstacles to become another interesting and unexpected match made in
Marrywell!
The author provided me with an ARC and it is no hardship at all to provide my honest
review of this enjoyable book
July 26, 2023
This is Book 6 of the Lords in Love series. Ms. Ridley is a very talented author and I always enjoy reading her books. She does an excellent job of bringing the story and the characters to life and this was no exception. Since birth, Tabitha has been promised as a bride to Viscount Oldfield, who is several years her senior. But she has no desire to marry him, obviously for his age, and he is a terrible rake and gambles too much, and quite simply just gives her the creeps. However, their families have been feuding and being the loyal daughter that she is, she knows she must marry him in order to bring peace between the families. Hudson is employed by the viscount and has been admiring Tabitha for years. He feels bad for the position she is in, but not being part of her world, he has to keep his thoughts to himself. But when Tabitha goes off to enjoy a few last moments peace before settling into a lifetime of misery, Oldfield sends Hudson off to find her and bring her back. With his deep feelings for her and the close proximity they share for days, he can no longer keep his feelings hidden. Both fall deeply in love in the short time they are alone, but can they have a future together?
This was a sweet and heartwarming read, and I was completely swept up into the story. Ms. Ridley does a lovely job of creating vivid scenes that completely bring the story and the characters to life. The story was very entertaining and kept my interest from start to finish. The storyline had a nice combination of romance and drama and flowed smoothly and the plot twists kept me turning the pages. The relationship that developed between Hudson and Tabitha was sweet and I enjoyed their dialogue. A very enjoyable story I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was a sweet and heartwarming read, and I was completely swept up into the story. Ms. Ridley does a lovely job of creating vivid scenes that completely bring the story and the characters to life. The story was very entertaining and kept my interest from start to finish. The storyline had a nice combination of romance and drama and flowed smoothly and the plot twists kept me turning the pages. The relationship that developed between Hudson and Tabitha was sweet and I enjoyed their dialogue. A very enjoyable story I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 20, 2024
I don't usually enjoy the trope where one of the main characters starts the book committed to another, but I like Erica Ridley and I liked earlier glimpses of Tabitha, so I thought I would make an exception here. I am glad I did. This is a good read about an unlikely couple both torn by their desire and love for the other and their senses of duty and honor.
Tabitha is a beautiful young woman promised to a reprobate friend of her father in infancy. She is apparently the "vessel" needed to settle some sort of feud between Tabitha's family and the family of her fiance. Desperate for her dying father's love and approval, Tabitha does not protest the speeding up on her marriage to her lecherous and deeply indebted betrothed. But at the last minute she bolts.
Hudson Frampton is the fiance's man of business, the only reason the Viscount still has any funds at all. Hudson has long wanted Tabitha but he knows his loyalty must be to his boss. He chases Tabitha down, only to be convinced to allow her one last week of freedom. They of course spend that week falling in love but they ultimately return to London - and her wedding.
The wedding obviously does not happen and Tabitha and Hudson get their HEA. But I lost a bit of respect for Tabitha in HOW the wedding ended up not happening. She should have been braver after having spent a week realizing just what she was giving up through her marriage. Hudson is lovely - smart and strong and willing to sacrifice it all for Tabitha. Tabitha remains a little spineless to the end, still seeking her father's love and approval despite his willingness to give her to a man all of society despises. Still enjoyable.
4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
Tabitha is a beautiful young woman promised to a reprobate friend of her father in infancy. She is apparently the "vessel" needed to settle some sort of feud between Tabitha's family and the family of her fiance. Desperate for her dying father's love and approval, Tabitha does not protest the speeding up on her marriage to her lecherous and deeply indebted betrothed. But at the last minute she bolts.
Hudson Frampton is the fiance's man of business, the only reason the Viscount still has any funds at all. Hudson has long wanted Tabitha but he knows his loyalty must be to his boss. He chases Tabitha down, only to be convinced to allow her one last week of freedom. They of course spend that week falling in love but they ultimately return to London - and her wedding.
The wedding obviously does not happen and Tabitha and Hudson get their HEA. But I lost a bit of respect for Tabitha in HOW the wedding ended up not happening. She should have been braver after having spent a week realizing just what she was giving up through her marriage. Hudson is lovely - smart and strong and willing to sacrifice it all for Tabitha. Tabitha remains a little spineless to the end, still seeking her father's love and approval despite his willingness to give her to a man all of society despises. Still enjoyable.
4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
June 25, 2023
This was one of my favorite stories written by Erica Ridley. Lady Tabitha Kerr's father is dying.
She was betrothed to Viscount Oldfield, her father's wartime friend who saved his life, before she was even born. Now it's her father's dying wish to see her wed to his friend and to end a centuries' old feud between the two families. Being the dutiful daughter who has always strove to make her father proud of her, she knows she can put off the marriage no longer.
Viscount Oldfield is a lecherous old roué who is 30 years older than her. He has spent his fortune on gambling and loose women. He is in dire need of his soon to be bride's dowry to pay off his gambling debts. When his bride to be runs off to the Marrywell festival to be with friends he sends his man of business Mr. Hudson Frampton to fetch her back. He decides to attend the festival himself anyway, more young ladies to leer at anyway.
Mr. Hudson Frampton is an orphan who has landed on his feet. He's done just about everything to survive and discovered he has a talent for investing. His employer uses all Hudson's skills especially financially. No one knows he invests his earnings right along with his employers and has amassed quite a fortune. He fell in love with Tabitha the very first time he saw her, but knew she belonged to Oldfield. It's killing him to have to drag her home to marry the dirty old man but he'll do his duty. When Tabitha bolts once again leaving Oldfield at the alter he's sent to fetch her once again. It was delightful to see how Erica brought these two to their happily ever after.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
She was betrothed to Viscount Oldfield, her father's wartime friend who saved his life, before she was even born. Now it's her father's dying wish to see her wed to his friend and to end a centuries' old feud between the two families. Being the dutiful daughter who has always strove to make her father proud of her, she knows she can put off the marriage no longer.
Viscount Oldfield is a lecherous old roué who is 30 years older than her. He has spent his fortune on gambling and loose women. He is in dire need of his soon to be bride's dowry to pay off his gambling debts. When his bride to be runs off to the Marrywell festival to be with friends he sends his man of business Mr. Hudson Frampton to fetch her back. He decides to attend the festival himself anyway, more young ladies to leer at anyway.
Mr. Hudson Frampton is an orphan who has landed on his feet. He's done just about everything to survive and discovered he has a talent for investing. His employer uses all Hudson's skills especially financially. No one knows he invests his earnings right along with his employers and has amassed quite a fortune. He fell in love with Tabitha the very first time he saw her, but knew she belonged to Oldfield. It's killing him to have to drag her home to marry the dirty old man but he'll do his duty. When Tabitha bolts once again leaving Oldfield at the alter he's sent to fetch her once again. It was delightful to see how Erica brought these two to their happily ever after.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 4, 2023
I enjoyed this entry of the Lords in Love series - a fun book to devour on my birthday! Hudson is a caring hero who wants to give Tabitha the choices that her family has so thoroughly taken away from her, and I appreciate how he sticks to that along every step of their journey. You could say he's the polar opposite of Reuben from book two, in fact.
The pages flew by, but some things felt awkward. In the middle, and only in the middle, Hudson's banter gets snippy in a way that doesn't fit his character, and at the very end he's described as having a "brusque manner", which we don't see at all. I would love it if Tabitha ripped a particular person's head (figuratively) off, and while she gets halfway there more time and pages were needed to make the scene believable.
I also feel like Ridley is throwing in tropes but not following through - for example the "fake relationship" ends up only being for the two people involved, which is kinda anti-climactic. I also wanted more sexual tension. There's a great scene by a river, but other chances are ill utilized. I mean, they bathe on opposite sides of a screen, why don't we have more dirty talk?
...which sounds like I had a lot of problems with the book but really I didn't, finishing it in essentially one sitting. It just irks that maybe with a few more pages, and maybe with another editing pass, Chasing the Bride could be even better.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
Content notes:
The pages flew by, but some things felt awkward. In the middle, and only in the middle, Hudson's banter gets snippy in a way that doesn't fit his character, and at the very end he's described as having a "brusque manner", which we don't see at all. I would love it if Tabitha ripped a particular person's head (figuratively) off, and while she gets halfway there more time and pages were needed to make the scene believable.
I also feel like Ridley is throwing in tropes but not following through - for example the "fake relationship" ends up only being for the two people involved, which is kinda anti-climactic. I also wanted more sexual tension. There's a great scene by a river, but other chances are ill utilized. I mean, they bathe on opposite sides of a screen, why don't we have more dirty talk?
...which sounds like I had a lot of problems with the book but really I didn't, finishing it in essentially one sitting. It just irks that maybe with a few more pages, and maybe with another editing pass, Chasing the Bride could be even better.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
Content notes:
June 7, 2023
At birth, Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised to Viscount Oldfield to try and mend a generations-old family rivalry. But despite her father’s desire for peace, she dreams of a love match. Ideally, with someone not a lecherous old man who stares down the chests of women even younger than her.
Mr. Hudson Frampton is Viscount Oldfield’s man of business. After she runs away, he is tasked with finding Tabitha and bringing her back, to drag her kicking and screaming up the aisle if he must. He’s not supposed to fall in love with her, but he can’t help himself; after all, this is a Regency romance we’re talking about.
So Tabitha and Hudson make a deal; she gets to have a week of freedom, and he gets to take her back “willingly” when it’s over. But as Tabitha and Hudson spend time together, they fall in love, and going back seems harder and harder. Still, with Tabitha’s father dying, she must.
There isn’t much more to tell; after all, Chasing the Bride is a short read at 197 pages. We see Tabitha and Hudson enjoying a week of freedom and falling in love. Hudson comes from humble beginnings, and there isn’t a title waiting for him to offer her, so he doesn’t want to ruin her. Tabitha feels that after the scandal of her running away at her wedding, all of this other stuff doesn’t matter. Hudson turns out to be an intelligent guy, more than capable of taking care of himself. Tabitha turns out to be surprisingly thoughtful about the reasons behind her marriage. I love that despite the hopelessness of her circumstances she does actually take action and make her own decisions.
Of course, there is love at the end. It’s a cute little story!
What more do you need from a book?
Mr. Hudson Frampton is Viscount Oldfield’s man of business. After she runs away, he is tasked with finding Tabitha and bringing her back, to drag her kicking and screaming up the aisle if he must. He’s not supposed to fall in love with her, but he can’t help himself; after all, this is a Regency romance we’re talking about.
So Tabitha and Hudson make a deal; she gets to have a week of freedom, and he gets to take her back “willingly” when it’s over. But as Tabitha and Hudson spend time together, they fall in love, and going back seems harder and harder. Still, with Tabitha’s father dying, she must.
There isn’t much more to tell; after all, Chasing the Bride is a short read at 197 pages. We see Tabitha and Hudson enjoying a week of freedom and falling in love. Hudson comes from humble beginnings, and there isn’t a title waiting for him to offer her, so he doesn’t want to ruin her. Tabitha feels that after the scandal of her running away at her wedding, all of this other stuff doesn’t matter. Hudson turns out to be an intelligent guy, more than capable of taking care of himself. Tabitha turns out to be surprisingly thoughtful about the reasons behind her marriage. I love that despite the hopelessness of her circumstances she does actually take action and make her own decisions.
Of course, there is love at the end. It’s a cute little story!
What more do you need from a book?
June 9, 2023
I received an ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Chasing the Bride is the sixth installment in the Lords in Love series, albeit only the second I’ve read and the first by Erica Ridley. I admit to having lost a little faith in the series for a bit, having been turned off by the premise of a prior installment (and not being reassured upon trying it), and not being convinced to try again by any of the books until now. But I continue to be a sucker for a working-class hero, and I needed a book to fill the “Left at the Altar” square for Ripped Bodice Bingo, so I felt optimistic about this one.
And I really liked it. Tabitha is easy to like and root for in her desire for a love match, even if she’s bound to her father’s promise to marry her to Viscount Oldfield. I really liked following her as she experienced life for the first time. She’s a great balance of being aware of dutiful and rebellious, and I love how she goes from reluctantly going along with her marriage, with the intent to have fun, to fully committing to following her heart.
And Hudson is everything I hoped for. He has a complicated stake in this situation, as he works for Viscount Oldfield, but I love how his resolve to be professional dissolves as he gets to know her. He also proves that he can be a stable husband for Tabitha on several occasions, including a pivotal moment with her father.
This is a delightful read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance, especially if you enjoy cross-class romances with working-class heroes.
Chasing the Bride is the sixth installment in the Lords in Love series, albeit only the second I’ve read and the first by Erica Ridley. I admit to having lost a little faith in the series for a bit, having been turned off by the premise of a prior installment (and not being reassured upon trying it), and not being convinced to try again by any of the books until now. But I continue to be a sucker for a working-class hero, and I needed a book to fill the “Left at the Altar” square for Ripped Bodice Bingo, so I felt optimistic about this one.
And I really liked it. Tabitha is easy to like and root for in her desire for a love match, even if she’s bound to her father’s promise to marry her to Viscount Oldfield. I really liked following her as she experienced life for the first time. She’s a great balance of being aware of dutiful and rebellious, and I love how she goes from reluctantly going along with her marriage, with the intent to have fun, to fully committing to following her heart.
And Hudson is everything I hoped for. He has a complicated stake in this situation, as he works for Viscount Oldfield, but I love how his resolve to be professional dissolves as he gets to know her. He also proves that he can be a stable husband for Tabitha on several occasions, including a pivotal moment with her father.
This is a delightful read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance, especially if you enjoy cross-class romances with working-class heroes.
June 9, 2023
Chasing the Bride by Erica Ridley
Lords in Love #6
When the wrong man is slated to be your husband…how do you get the right man instead? Quick, fun, easy read that left me with a smile on my face :)
What I liked:
* Tabitha: dutiful daughter, betrothed in the womb to a man old enough to be her father, skilled in arts of ton-ladies, extremely disinclined to marry Viscount Oldfield, wants her father’s love and to keep her deathbed promise to him that she will marry as he dictates
* Hudson: employed by Oldfield, observant, skilled in making investments, has a difficult backstory, hides his interest in Tabitha and has done so for years, tries to do the right thing, very aware of the societal divide between himself and Tabitha
* The return to Marywell and seeing it when the festival is not taking place
* The time that the lead characters spent together that allowed them to know one another well
* Mary Frances: Tabitha’s maid, supportive, wise, there for Tabitha
* Mr. & Mrs. Snowfeather
* That eventually both Hudson and Tabitha were willing to reach for what they truly desired
* The ending and how it all came together
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – Oldfield and even Tabitha’s father for most of the story
* Thinking about women as pawns without rights of their own – like cattle to be sold or pawns on a chessboard to be moved about at the will of the player
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the book – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Lords in Love #6
When the wrong man is slated to be your husband…how do you get the right man instead? Quick, fun, easy read that left me with a smile on my face :)
What I liked:
* Tabitha: dutiful daughter, betrothed in the womb to a man old enough to be her father, skilled in arts of ton-ladies, extremely disinclined to marry Viscount Oldfield, wants her father’s love and to keep her deathbed promise to him that she will marry as he dictates
* Hudson: employed by Oldfield, observant, skilled in making investments, has a difficult backstory, hides his interest in Tabitha and has done so for years, tries to do the right thing, very aware of the societal divide between himself and Tabitha
* The return to Marywell and seeing it when the festival is not taking place
* The time that the lead characters spent together that allowed them to know one another well
* Mary Frances: Tabitha’s maid, supportive, wise, there for Tabitha
* Mr. & Mrs. Snowfeather
* That eventually both Hudson and Tabitha were willing to reach for what they truly desired
* The ending and how it all came together
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – Oldfield and even Tabitha’s father for most of the story
* Thinking about women as pawns without rights of their own – like cattle to be sold or pawns on a chessboard to be moved about at the will of the player
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the book – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
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