Never the Bride Series by Emily E.K. Murdoch, Emily Murdoch

Always the bridesmaid and never the bride - but not if the Duke of Axwick has anything to do with it… Miss Tabitha Chesworth is walking down the aisle for the third time, but never as the bride. Frustrated with being passed over, there's nothing that a well-born lady can do about it. But at four and twenty, she's starting to worry that this is her lot in life - until a fiery encounter with the Duke of Axwick. Richard St Maur, sixteenth in his line, has sworn an oath never to marry... moreAlways the bridesmaid and never the bride - but not if the Duke of Axwick has anything to do with it… Miss Tabitha Chesworth is walking down the aisle for the third time, but never as the bride. Frustrated with being passed over, there's nothing that a well-born lady can do about it. But at four and twenty, she's starting to worry that this is her lot in life - until a fiery encounter with the Duke of Axwick. Richard St Maur, sixteenth in his line, has sworn an oath never to marry. He's seen the damage of the male Axwick line, and he won't bring another gambler or drunkard into the world. Of course, that doesn't mean he can't have a little fun and there's no one he'd like to play with more than Miss Tabitha Chesworth. He's determined to have her. She's determined to hold out until a ring is on her finger. Sparks fly as this repeat bridesmaid takes on one of the most determined men of the ton. Whose offer will eventually be accepted? Will the Duke of Axwick find his way into Tabitha's bed - or her heart? This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited! Never the Bride Series Always the Bridesmaid Always the Chaperone Always the Courtesan Always the Best Friend Always the Wallflower Always the Bluestocking less

Always the chaperone and never the bride - until she catches the eye of the very man whose courtship she's supposed to be helping... Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love... moreAlways the chaperone and never the bride - until she catches the eye of the very man whose courtship she's supposed to be helping... Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse. Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing? This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the courtesan and never the bride - it's a life she never chose and cannot escape... Lady Honora Lennox hasn't gone by that name in three years - not since she was abducted and forced to work in a brothel. She's but nineteen and has given up on the world offering her anything of kindness. Until he walks through her door... moreAlways the courtesan and never the bride - it's a life she never chose and cannot escape... Lady Honora Lennox hasn't gone by that name in three years - not since she was abducted and forced to work in a brothel. She's but nineteen and has given up on the world offering her anything of kindness. Until he walks through her door.Josiah Stanhope, Earl of Chester, is exhausted with politics and games, deceit and lies - it's time for simplicity, and there's nothing simpler than the clear cut exchange of coin for pleasure. And yet there's something different about this girl. She knows how to please a man, certainly, but there's more to her. Something refined.He's determined to find out the truth. She's terrified of destroying her family name. Tensions mount as wills clash, and there can only be one victor. Can Josiah ever prove himself as trustworthy, or will he fall back to old habits? Can Honora ever return to society after her fall from grace - or is his bed far more inviting? This full-length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the best friend and never the bride—it was a trap she never saw coming... Lady Harriet Stanhope grew up with her twin brother and his friends, never questioning their laughter or their games—but now she's a young lady, she's desperate for one friend in particular to see her in a different light.But after twenty years of knowing each other, she's just the best friend, not a serious contender for the Duke of Devonshire's heart... moreAlways the best friend and never the bride—it was a trap she never saw coming... Lady Harriet Stanhope grew up with her twin brother and his friends, never questioning their laughter or their games—but now she's a young lady, she's desperate for one friend in particular to see her in a different light.But after twenty years of knowing each other, she's just the best friend, not a serious contender for the Duke of Devonshire's heart.Montague Cavendish knows what is due to him and his family name, and he is not fool enough to wish for a love match. He'll find a pretty young thing with plenty of money, and that will be that.Until Harriet—Harriet—breaks into his rooms to seduce him. He should resist her; he knows he should. But Montague had never imagined such perfection lay beneath the gown of his best friend.He's determined to resist. She's sure that he will fall in love with her after one night of passion.Mistakes will be made, and confusion abound as friendship is put to the ultimate test.Is it possible for two people raised as siblings to become lovers—and if it all goes wrong, what will be left of their friendship?This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the wallflower and never the bride—imprisoned by fear to watch life at the sidelines... Lady Letitia Cavendish is a Cavendish, but only a cousin of the current Duke, so even her name isn't enough for potential suitors to court her. She's a wallflower, terrified of putting herself forward, and so life continues on without her.But at two and twenty, things are getting desperate... moreAlways the wallflower and never the bride—imprisoned by fear to watch life at the sidelines... Lady Letitia Cavendish is a Cavendish, but only a cousin of the current Duke, so even her name isn't enough for potential suitors to court her. She's a wallflower, terrified of putting herself forward, and so life continues on without her.But at two and twenty, things are getting desperate.The most confident rake in town, Edward Wynn, is a handsome devil—and being the Viscount of Stulsemere doesn't hurt. When, despite his best efforts, he's partnered with the most boring lady at Almack's, he resigns himself to twenty minutes of silence.And is astonished. Lady Letitia is nothing like what he expected, and after she storms off and leaves him standing, Edward has to know more.He's determined to understand her. She's torn between remaining invisible and finally making a good match. Personalities collide, and compromise seems out of reach, as the unexpected happens. What will society say as the biggest rake courts the wallflower of the season? Can Letitia ever take a step towards a happily ever after? This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the bluestocking and never the bride—not that any woman should have to choose… Miss Mariah Wynn was adopted and has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. Intelligent and witty, it's nonetheless not a good idea to let a gentleman know you actually have brains. After all, no one marries the bluestocking, even if she is beautiful and but twenty one.One man who laughs in the face of bluestockings is Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal... moreAlways the bluestocking and never the bride—not that any woman should have to choose… Miss Mariah Wynn was adopted and has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. Intelligent and witty, it's nonetheless not a good idea to let a gentleman know you actually have brains. After all, no one marries the bluestocking, even if she is beautiful and but twenty one.One man who laughs in the face of bluestockings is Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal. He knows the woman's place, and that is most certainly in the home.Until, that is, he sees Mariah attending a lecture at his alma mater. A woman—at university. He's determined she won’t get an education. She's ready to face down any ignorant man, title or no. A battle of intellect storms while a battle of desire fights under the surface.Will Mariah and Patrick have enough focus to argue while every bone in their bodies wants to make love?This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the rival and never the bride—and this time, it's her own fault... What had Miss Priscilla Seton been thinking? She had always assumed that Charles would stay the same forever, but bowing to familial wishes he is now engaged—and Priscilla is determined to sabotage the match. She has known him for all her twenty years, and he is hers.But Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire, is facing pressures of his own... moreAlways the rival and never the bride—and this time, it's her own fault... What had Miss Priscilla Seton been thinking? She had always assumed that Charles would stay the same forever, but bowing to familial wishes he is now engaged—and Priscilla is determined to sabotage the match. She has known him for all her twenty years, and he is hers.But Charles Audley, Duke of Orrinshire, is facing pressures of his own. His marriage arranged for him, there's not a single day that goes by without him regretting Priscilla.Of course, he could never say anything. His family honor is at stake, and he would never betray them—but letting off a little steam?He's determined to have his cake and eat it. She's ready to rival any woman that comes into his life. Seduction isn't the problem—it's the pressure of family and commitment that threatens to destroy everything. Is it possible for Priscilla to rival not just the perfect woman for Charles, but also his family? This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Esmeralda le Brecque had never been handed anything on a plate. She'd had to take it, and as the leader of the rebellious faction of Poseidon's Legion, she was one of the most mysterious pirates still terrorizing the English seas. The ocean consumed her, body and soul, and had done for every one of her twenty years. But never in her three years as Captain of the Periculum had she ever had a stowaway.Javier Mateo de Soto hated the sea... moreEsmeralda le Brecque had never been handed anything on a plate. She'd had to take it, and as the leader of the rebellious faction of Poseidon's Legion, she was one of the most mysterious pirates still terrorizing the English seas. The ocean consumed her, body and soul, and had done for every one of her twenty years. But never in her three years as Captain of the Periculum had she ever had a stowaway.Javier Mateo de Soto hated the sea. Born into a minor branch of Los Demonios de Mar, his father had offered him a chance to escape life on ships and start a new one on dry land. All he wanted was Esmeralda le Brecque in chains. He had underestimated her. Caught and thrown in the brig, only a mutiny can force Esmeralda to seriously consider making the intruder her second in command until they make port. He had never expected to be caught. She knew he was a danger to herself, her family, and her ship.When a woman's word is law and a gentleman's place is in the brig, there's only supposed to be one outcome.Neither of them are willing to admit to the swelling passions overwhelming their reason. Two warring families, one in love with the pirate life, one desperate to escape it. Is this what they call ocean sickness?This novella is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of two series which can be read in any order. less

Always the widow and never again the bride—her one chance of happiness lost... Once Elizabeth Howard was widowed, that's all anyone saw her as—but it does come with some perks. She's well-respected, of course, and no one is surprised when a dark gentleman leaves the house in the middle of the night. But that's not all he's left, and now, the thirty-four year old widow has a secret to keep for nine months... moreAlways the widow and never again the bride—her one chance of happiness lost... Once Elizabeth Howard was widowed, that's all anyone saw her as—but it does come with some perks. She's well-respected, of course, and no one is surprised when a dark gentleman leaves the house in the middle of the night. But that's not all he's left, and now, the thirty-four year old widow has a secret to keep for nine months.Jacob Beauvale thought nothing of his romantic entanglement with the widow Howard last year, but his return to town with a fiancée brings a shock in the shape of a small child with his grey eyes. Gossip starts to fly, as Jacob ignores his intended to pursue a woman with a child—and Elizabeth knows the facts can never be known. He's determined to have the truth. She's sworn all along that it was her late husband's child. Knowledge is in the balance, and neither will give up their ground. Will the truth of that night be more dangerous if known—and can Elizabeth and Jacob talk long enough to keep their hands off each other? This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the rebel and never the bride - it's down with men for this young lady… Miss Sophia Worsley never expected to be left at the altar, but two broken engagements was enough. Never again will she allow herself to be that vulnerable. It's time to rebel against all that society expects of her. Though even at three and twenty, she knew wearing breeches at Almack's were probably too much…If there is one man bored of life, it's Philip Egerton, Earl of Marnmouth... moreAlways the rebel and never the bride - it's down with men for this young lady… Miss Sophia Worsley never expected to be left at the altar, but two broken engagements was enough. Never again will she allow herself to be that vulnerable. It's time to rebel against all that society expects of her. Though even at three and twenty, she knew wearing breeches at Almack's were probably too much…If there is one man bored of life, it's Philip Egerton, Earl of Marnmouth. He's seen it all and nothing can surprise him - though the woman laying down a Royal Flush with a grin is certainly new. Ah, a challenge. Finally something for Philip to sink his teeth into - though that's not what he wants to sink into the delectable Miss Sophia Worsley.He's determined to have her. She's turned her back on men and matrimony. Passions ignite as two challengers circle each other looking for a weakness. But the rebellious Sophia may just have the upper hand as Philip loses his heart faster than he could have predicted. Will this rebellion end in tears? less

Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.Always taming gentlemen but never getting her own—but the Lyon's Den will change that...Miss Rebecca Darby is tired of being courted by John Lennox, Marquis of Gloucester. After months of empty promises, it's time to take matters into her own hands... moreEnter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.Always taming gentlemen but never getting her own—but the Lyon's Den will change that...Miss Rebecca Darby is tired of being courted by John Lennox, Marquis of Gloucester. After months of empty promises, it's time to take matters into her own hands. Because John 'the Lion' Lennox is always surrounded by his pride of ladies, and she's never able to get close. His flirting has led nowhere, and Rebecca won't stand for it anymore. Not when the Lyon's Den, the secretive club owned by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, promises to play games leading to happy matrimony.John has no idea what faces him in the game. Rebecca has no idea whether her shyness will allow her to carry through with her plans, but if she doesn't try, she'll always wonder. He doesn't recognize the mysterious woman in the mask. She knows this is her only chance to tame him. In a world where women rule the roost, and gentlemen must do what they're told, it will take a Lyon Tamer to bring John to his knees. But once the masks are removed, will Rebecca have her way, or will the Lyon escape into the night? This novella is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series which can be read in any order. less

Always the mistress and never the bride—and it never bothered her, until now... Miss Emma Tilbury is notorious, and that's just the way she likes it. As mistress to the rich and famous, she's never short of cash or invitations—but after reaching thirty, a shock rejection makes her think again. Perhaps it's time to look for another protector.Abraham Fitzclarence—Fitz to his friends—believes in love and has had his eye for years on Miss Emma Tilbury... moreAlways the mistress and never the bride—and it never bothered her, until now... Miss Emma Tilbury is notorious, and that's just the way she likes it. As mistress to the rich and famous, she's never short of cash or invitations—but after reaching thirty, a shock rejection makes her think again. Perhaps it's time to look for another protector.Abraham Fitzclarence—Fitz to his friends—believes in love and has had his eye for years on Miss Emma Tilbury. Forbidden fruit, delectable and sweet, he’s astonished when she takes a shine to him—and his heart is quickly lost despite all his attempts to remain aloof.Emma needs a protector, but Fitz intrigues her. Perhaps this is a man she could truly care for—as long as she doesn’t lose her heart. She's determined to keep their relationship just business. He's ready to leave all that behind her. There's no end of pleasure at night, but in the morning, there's nothing but disappointment.Will Emma open her heart—and could Fitz be the one to do so? Or will her past follow her and prevent a happily ever after?This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less

Always the second choice and never the bride—even at her own wedding... Olivia Lymington never liked her sister, but twins are always supposed to be close. Now Isabella is engaged to the charming and handsome Colin Vaughn, Duke of Larnwick, and Olivia is forced to act as chaperone until the big day. That’s why, when Isabella goes missing, the entire Lymington family considers it Olivia's responsibility to find her wayward twin... moreAlways the second choice and never the bride—even at her own wedding... Olivia Lymington never liked her sister, but twins are always supposed to be close. Now Isabella is engaged to the charming and handsome Colin Vaughn, Duke of Larnwick, and Olivia is forced to act as chaperone until the big day. That’s why, when Isabella goes missing, the entire Lymington family considers it Olivia's responsibility to find her wayward twin.Colin Vaughn, Duke of Larnwick, is tired of waiting for Isabella to become his bride, and now she’s gone, he’s outraged. He’ll track her down if it’s the last thing he’ll do—and make her marry him. But the journey is throwing up some unexpected surprises; namely, the delectable identical twin sister of his missing bride.It's out of the shadows and into the spotlight for Olivia but she's hardly eager to accept the attentions of a Duke she knows will have to marry her sister. He's determined to fight his desire. She's not convinced that he really understands she is not Isabella. It's a war of wills and is it possible for the two of them to win—or for disaster to fall on them both. Can Olivia accept that she is no longer second choice, or will Colin's appreciation for the second Lymington twin be his own undoing? This full-length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order. less