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Once Upon a Wedding #2
The Star-Crossed Bride
The Fensters were like many other proper Victorian families—in every way but one. Ignoring the grim convention that one married for wealth and title, these spirited siblings followed their hearts...and vowed to wed only for love.
Love Match
Three years ago, Valentine Fenster had tried to elope with Emily Weatherley, his heart's true love. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted and Valentine, having compromised Emily's reputation, was forced to agree never to pursue her again. But when he learns that her title-conscious parents have betrothed her to an aging marquis who is an abuser of women, Valentine knows he can no longer stand aside. His passionate longing for Emily and his desire to protect her, leads him back to her arms. And yet, because there remains his solemn promise to stay away from her, Valentine knows he cannot make Emily his bride. Still, some promises are made to be broken.
Love Match
Three years ago, Valentine Fenster had tried to elope with Emily Weatherley, his heart's true love. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted and Valentine, having compromised Emily's reputation, was forced to agree never to pursue her again. But when he learns that her title-conscious parents have betrothed her to an aging marquis who is an abuser of women, Valentine knows he can no longer stand aside. His passionate longing for Emily and his desire to protect her, leads him back to her arms. And yet, because there remains his solemn promise to stay away from her, Valentine knows he cannot make Emily his bride. Still, some promises are made to be broken.
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
33 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Kelly McClymer
53 books202 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kelly McClymer writes fairytale-inspired romances set in Victorian England (although a few characters escape to the United States), fairytale fantasy, and mom-inspired mystery.
Kelly shares her characters’ family values: she grew up with three younger sisters and has successfully raised three children of her own. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Kelly’s first published writing was for her high school newspaper and she’s been writing fiction in many forms ever since. While she explores many genres including historical romance, mystery, young adult, and fantasy, her stories share common themes: developing inner strength, the power of love in all it’s forms, triumph of good over evil, and the strength of family connection.
Kelly shares her characters’ family values: she grew up with three younger sisters and has successfully raised three children of her own. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Kelly’s first published writing was for her high school newspaper and she’s been writing fiction in many forms ever since. While she explores many genres including historical romance, mystery, young adult, and fantasy, her stories share common themes: developing inner strength, the power of love in all it’s forms, triumph of good over evil, and the strength of family connection.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 8, 2023
Chaotic, far-fetched, tedious . . . At the end, it felt as if I were reading the description of a movie being shown at 2X normal speed. This is the story of the second Fenster sister (Emily). Not at all sure that I will read about the last two, even though I bought the set of four novels. The first one (about Miranda) was probably the best.
February 2, 2019
Better than the first one
I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series. I liked the characters more and although still a little farfetched was more believable. This book held my interest much more as I was more invested in the main characters. Still contains some spelling and storyline errors within the book but again nothing that became too annoying. The errors did seem to become more noticeable in the more tense parts of the book. Definitely worth a read but not quite 5 star worthy.
I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series. I liked the characters more and although still a little farfetched was more believable. This book held my interest much more as I was more invested in the main characters. Still contains some spelling and storyline errors within the book but again nothing that became too annoying. The errors did seem to become more noticeable in the more tense parts of the book. Definitely worth a read but not quite 5 star worthy.
September 3, 2023
A steamy story. I am just not sure what to make of this. Evil Marquis who apparently everyone believes what he says, erm there is the Duke. I cannot believe the word of a Duke would not be believed and there is a letter of evidence, and coincidentally her maid’s sister was murdered by the Marquis. There would no doubt have been rumours about the Marquis in any event.
The Marquis is hit over the head in Emily’s room, but then the incident does not seem to be discussed as to how it happened, by him, the Countess or anyone. Then when he is trying to abduct Emily he mounts a single horse with her and a noose around her neck and the stable lads seemingly see nothing untoward? And then to cap it all there is no mention of what happens to the maid, or indeed the Marquis, after she stabs him. We assume he dies? Has he? Is the maid charged or is the truth as known by the Duke etc suddenly believed, whereas before it seemed impossible to even mention it? It’s all a bit far fetched.
The Marquis is hit over the head in Emily’s room, but then the incident does not seem to be discussed as to how it happened, by him, the Countess or anyone. Then when he is trying to abduct Emily he mounts a single horse with her and a noose around her neck and the stable lads seemingly see nothing untoward? And then to cap it all there is no mention of what happens to the maid, or indeed the Marquis, after she stabs him. We assume he dies? Has he? Is the maid charged or is the truth as known by the Duke etc suddenly believed, whereas before it seemed impossible to even mention it? It’s all a bit far fetched.
August 15, 2017
While I enjoyed this book very much, there seems to be a total disconnect between the last two chapters. I reread them several times wondering if I had somehow downloaded the book wrong. One minute, our heroes are in a desperate situation, the next they are comfortably at home. Did the author simply give up and want to finish the book? I'm hoping questions I had resolve themselves in the next book of this series.
January 3, 2020
Worst book ever
The “hero” is a man who can’t keep his word to save his life, in a time period where a mans word was his bond. The “heroine” is a girl completely lacking common sense and is probably the most selfish character I’ve ever seen. I have done more eye rolls, reading this book, than all of my teen years! Star-crossed indeed, possible the stupidest, most self centered characters ever. I bought the whole series but I will not read another one.
The “hero” is a man who can’t keep his word to save his life, in a time period where a mans word was his bond. The “heroine” is a girl completely lacking common sense and is probably the most selfish character I’ve ever seen. I have done more eye rolls, reading this book, than all of my teen years! Star-crossed indeed, possible the stupidest, most self centered characters ever. I bought the whole series but I will not read another one.
May 3, 2017
Valentine's elopement with Emily Weatherley was interrupted with the result that she was forced to go to her family's estate in Scotland where she remained under her mother's control. Now her mother has arranged for Emily to marry Granbury. In the meantime, Valentine has discovered evidence that the marquess has tortured and murdered women before & that Emily might be his next victim.
September 12, 2023
easy read
This was an easy, straightforward read. Nothing complex about the plot, and the same situations felt like they occurred over and over again, making the story feel like it drug on at times. This sequel is subpar compared to the first in the series, and yet I’ll probably still go on to finish the series out.
This was an easy, straightforward read. Nothing complex about the plot, and the same situations felt like they occurred over and over again, making the story feel like it drug on at times. This sequel is subpar compared to the first in the series, and yet I’ll probably still go on to finish the series out.
November 9, 2017
This is a good read for a lazy day; but it is not substantial in it's plots or descriptions.
February 13, 2017
I'm enjoying this series, although the fairytale theme is not my favourite. But, Valentine and Emily are truly a star-crossed couple, with the horrible Marquess Grandbury as an evil, clever adversary.
Valentine disguises himself as a footman, and between him and the faithful servant, Nancy, they wear his over Emily.
I don't like that they wait for the duke to arrive, when really it makes no difference in their task to get rid of Grandbury. Still, at least that way they have help.
I love the way this story ends and justice is served. Valentine finally accepts that he doesn't have to give Emily riches for her to be happy.
A lovely love story with lots of adventure.
Valentine disguises himself as a footman, and between him and the faithful servant, Nancy, they wear his over Emily.
I don't like that they wait for the duke to arrive, when really it makes no difference in their task to get rid of Grandbury. Still, at least that way they have help.
I love the way this story ends and justice is served. Valentine finally accepts that he doesn't have to give Emily riches for her to be happy.
A lovely love story with lots of adventure.
March 1, 2015
This review is for the audiobook version of Star-Crossed Bride. The story gets 4 stars ****. It is a funny, sweet romance between two people who are meant to be together, but everyone else disagrees and contrives to keep them apart at all costs. I re-read The Fairy Tale Bride, right before I started The Star-Crossed Bride. Good plan, as the story really starts in Fairy Tale. There are overlapping characters and story line. But I think it would be okay if you read Star-Crossed as a stand alone. Though Fairy Tale is currently free, so why wouldn't you start there!?
The narration by Jacie Kirkpatrick gets a mere 2 stars **. The voice wasn't bad, but the accents were inconsistent and unconvincing. Not bad enough for me to quit listening, but enough for me to be wary of that narrator in the future.
So, I recommend you read the book!
The narration by Jacie Kirkpatrick gets a mere 2 stars **. The voice wasn't bad, but the accents were inconsistent and unconvincing. Not bad enough for me to quit listening, but enough for me to be wary of that narrator in the future.
So, I recommend you read the book!
October 5, 2014
Star-Crossed Bride
I chose this book because it was next in the Fairy Tale Bride series. After reading Miranda and Simon's story, I was curious to learn what happened to the other women, the secondary characters. Emily, her maid Nancy, and Emily's true love Valentine are strong, admirable characters. Nancy, the strong willed, loyal lady's maid is my favorite among all the characters. Yes, I will read th other books in the series.
I chose this book because it was next in the Fairy Tale Bride series. After reading Miranda and Simon's story, I was curious to learn what happened to the other women, the secondary characters. Emily, her maid Nancy, and Emily's true love Valentine are strong, admirable characters. Nancy, the strong willed, loyal lady's maid is my favorite among all the characters. Yes, I will read th other books in the series.
May 29, 2016
I liked this one better than the first book in the series because Emily had more agency and she was not as naive as Miranda. However, the plot was full of holes and driven by miscommunication, which I did not appreciate.
January 7, 2014
I think it was a good book.
February 28, 2014
Emily just got on my last nerve. The story was just okay. Valentine was just not assertive enough. Hoping the third one is better.
August 19, 2014
The love Valentine has for Emily has not diminished..but can they find their way past all the obstacles, to each other? You'll have to read to find out. =)
HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
March 17, 2016
I loved it! It was sweet and adventurous!
July 6, 2019
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read 5 July 2019
8hrs
Narrator: Jaicie Kirkpatrick does a good enough job
Kinda liked it though way to long and What happened to the b**h mother.
AUDIOBOOK: Read 5 July 2019
8hrs
Narrator: Jaicie Kirkpatrick does a good enough job
Kinda liked it though way to long and What happened to the b**h mother.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews