Don’t judge a book by its cover, although I also didn’t really like the cover much, I didn’t enjoy the contents. I think that both the hero and heroine lacked substance.
The hero reminded me of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a real-life person who was the first black aristocrat. I saw the movie and her situation was complicated, her family hid her during social events, but she was neither part of aristocrat social circles nor was she a slave or servant. Watch the movie, its really good, now back to the book.
Adrian is a likable character that wants his uncle, a power-hungry bishop, to acknowledge him, that where I stopped liking him. His mother was white, and his father was black. Why does he need his uncle’s approval, if what he wants is a happy life with a happy wife, he is better off without his uncle in his life?
Camilla was less likable. She left her family when they were going through a very hard time to live with her rich uncle. She goes from being an aristocrat to being a maid. Ha! She deserved that. She is constantly saying she wants love but doesn’t deserve it and soon I find myself agreeing with her.
Courtney Milan please come back and try again.

Several months ago, I read a few of Courtney Milan's contemporary romance novels, including Hold Me. I was impressed by her thoughtful portrayal of a transgender woman. I appreciate that Milan offered me the opportunity to read and learn about people unlike myself. The novel I'm reviewing now, After the Wedding, offered me a similar opportunity, as our hero and heroine make up an interracial couple.

Milan is wonderful, and one of my favorite romance novelists. The stories she shares are engaging and heart-warming and steamy, and the characters are always delightful. I highly recommend this book!

I was not a big fan of Adrian and the way he let his uncle manipulate him. Seemed rather childish to me.

I loved this! I always enjoy Courtney Milan’s characters, but I particularly appreciated that Adrian was not the pushy alpha male hero. They were kind and considerate of each other. I loved the younger sister side character and look forward to more of her story!

An incredibly moving story, this is not a book for someone looking for a light historical romance. There is a. profound sense of sadness in the beginning of the novel that is only somewhat offset by the heroine's determination to be positive.

The story is unique, with the English hero being bi-racial, and the heroine admitting to previous attempts to find love. It also features characters, while connected to the aristocracy, that are of the merchant and servant classes.

A beautiful, thoughtful novel.

Thank you to Net Galley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

This is one historical romance that is full of diverse characters, major and minor which contributes to a short but entertaining and often times poignant romance. After the Wedding is the second book in a series about siblings whose family’s tragic past follows them into their present luves and how they managed to overcome it. Camilla’s tale is more gut wrenching since she had such a hard time coping with feelings of being unloved and unwanted. Although Adrian has his own family things to overcome as well, I think it is more Camilla’s story of acceptance of her own worth that makes it a compelling story. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books.

Camilla and Adrian’s story builds from tremendously difficult beginnings – truly a shotgun marriage. They get to know each other during the worst of their lives. Camilla could at times be needy while still a strong person who takes care of herself. She keeps hope in her heart. Adrian is such a gentleman even when pushed. He, too, looks for the good in difficult situations.

This may be the best mixed race book to be written in this genre is quite some time. Courtney Milan is one of my favorite romance writers. She can build a romance like no other in a novella. The length of this books gives time to truly get to know Camilla and Adrian, including all of the ups and downs.

To say this is one of the best books I have read this year is an understatement. I really don't even know where to start. First, I am pretty sure this is the first Historical Romance I have read where a hero is a black man. Second, the story has so many profound messages that I don't know if I can name all of them. Third, after reading this book, this must be how a foster child would feel being sent from person to person until all they have left is hope, that is what it reminded me of, you might see and feel a different message.

I cried a lot while reading this book, I admit I am a big softie, but what Camilla goes through is tragic, heartbreaking and beautiful. Adrian Hunter is just the man to love Camilla for a lifetime. He is a Gentleman to his bones, he loves his family and wants nothing but to make them happy. If you read the first two books in "The Worth Series" you have met Camilla.

What I received from reading this book is that you should never give up hope that you will find love and in the most unexpected places. Family is family, you may never get along all the time but if you need to go home, they are always there for you. Sometimes you have to take a journey on your own to find what life gives you and for you to realize that you had it in you all along.

This is must read this book for all Historical Romance Readers and Writers!

After the Wedding by Courtney Milan is book Two in The Worth Saga. This is the story of Adrian Hunter and Camilla Worth. I have read the previous books but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Adrian is undercover as a Valet to help his Uncle. Camilla father was convicted of treason and instead of being a 'Lady' now she is past around from family to family. This time they have her being a maid and when she and Adrian are caught in a compromising position they are forced to marry. Camilla thinking she might have finely found someone that might want and keep her learns pretty fast that not the case. Adrian thinks that his Uncle can help with getting this marriage annulled....but can he keep his hands off Camilla for his Uncle to do so.
Enjoyed reading their story!

Wow! This was a very interesting book, I have never read a historical romance where the hero was biracial, which was an interesting twist. I loved Camilla and Adrian's story, and all it's twists and turns. I have read many books where the female lead is a strong woman, but Camilla and Theresa were very different. I can't wait to read Theresa's story. Another great read by Courtney Milan.
I was given and ARC by NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed reading about Camilla and Adrian's relationship and it growing, and developing, and them falling in love. I liked the interactions between Theresa and Benedict, and all the scenes Grayson was in. The dowager was extremely likeable the few times we saw her. The bad guys bored me; the overthinking by Camilla and Adrian bored me; The factual recounting bored me; In fact, I'll admit, I skimmed the majority of the book, only stopped at the items above that I liked

But the parts I liked, I really liked. They made me smile, they made me laugh, they made me cry

I really like Courtney Milan's books and her writing style, but unfortunately, this book didn't impress me. In particular, I had an issue with the heroine, who really didn't get enough of a backstory to explain why she was in the position she was in or why her behavior was so odd. The reader was basically thrown into the middle of a very elaborate story without understanding what happened to the heroine in the past, and it made for a difficult first few chapters. The hero was written much better, but then I had a hard time believing that he was a mixed race man who was not looked down upon by all and sundry. Yes, a lot of behavior in the book made sense with respect to him, but then the heroine didn't seem taken aback at all by him. I would think, given the time period, that their relationship should be more taboo? That her relation would allow her to be compromised by a mixed race man and then force her to marry him seems, in those times, to be almost inconceivable. I didn't believe them as a couple, and that combined with the confusing history of the heroine made me unable to enjoy the book.

I have been waiting so darn long for this book and boy, was it worth the wait. The characters are rich and beautifully written and I absolutely loved Camilla and Adrian. My heart broke for what Camilla had been through since childhood but I adored how she kept hoping for a better future with someone that would love her. The other aspect that I really liked about the novel was the secondary relationships and characters in this book. I especially loved Judith and Theresa’s relationship and cannot wait for Theresa’s own story. This is book two in the Worth Saga series. If you haven’t read the previous books, I would highly recommend it but this book can be read as a standalone.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This was funny, emotional and romantic! At first, Camilla was so desperate to be loved, to be chosen, I was thinking I might have to put this down. But then, her humor shows through and it turns out her spirit is not entirely crushed, and she slowly comes into her own. I loved the way she she sticks up for herself and even though she wants something really badly, she doesn't compromise on wanting to be a choice instead of a make-do. Adrian was a great character too, but he definitely played second fiddle to Cam's character growth. And the lead in to the next book with Theresa made a great teaser, so I can't wait! You don't have to read the first book in the series, but you'll get more out of this one if you do.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this book releasing. I’ve literally waited years for this! And to the point that I can’t say I remember much from the Worth family or the first book in particular. I wish I would’ve had some time to do a quick re-read and refresh. However, rest assured if you’re like me you can go into this book and slowly things will fall into place.

AFTER THE WEDDING is the story of Camilla Worth. She’s the middle Worth sister and when her father was accused of treason she decided to go live with her uncle who promised her dresses and lemon tarts after the ruin of her family. Her older sister Judith told by doing that she would be refusing their love and couldn’t come back. For years, much after the disappointment of being rejected a short while later by her uncle, she’s been bouncing from home to home and working for half price to just survive. And that’s all about to change when she’s forced to marry Adrian Hunter at gunpoint after a misunderstanding. Now they must work together to get an annulment and that includes not consummating their fake marriage.

The premise of this book was so fun and interesting. I love how Courtney Milan’s stories usually are full of smart plots and characters. In this case, while Camilla is brilliant at some things, she’s also not so bright about life choices. In a way I liked that about her character because it make her a bit more human. A little broken. Adrian was a perfect match for her in so many ways and I loved how they defied the odds even at the end. Theirs is not a traditional story and I’m glad there’s a little less traditional HEA then imagining all their problems go away and they can fit into society.

But what’s keeping me from giving this book a higher rating was the pacing of the story. I found it hard to get in a reading groove in the first half of this book. It dragged a bit even as I was enjoying the story and I found myself putting this down easily. But after the halfway point it picks up speed and we are back enthralled in the story that Ms. Milan knows how to weave. I wished that would’ve been the same for the whole book.

Nevertheless, I am so anxious for more books about the Worth siblings! So many possibilities with these broken characters that have gone through so much. I hope we don’t have years to wait, but if that’s the case, I’ll still do so gladly.

I often find that Milan's characters are a teensy bit nice for my tastes (not that I require everyone to be an asshole). However, her writing is good and she fleshes out her characters enough that they're not boring.

In this book, I particularly liked the way Milan included things that aren't normally present in in historical romance.

1) black hero (and other characters of color)
2) bi heroine (and the brief appearance of other non-straight characters)
3) the notion that "comfort is a cage." Some of the characters find their lifestyle stifling and actually do something about it

I did find the thoughts of the characters, particularly Camilla, to be a bit repetitive at times in the first quarter of the book. Oftentimes Milan's heroines are much more interesting to me than her heroes, but here I liked that Adrian oversaw a plate factory. It was a nice look at another aspect of the times, rather than just fancy houses and balls and propriety. I look forward to Theresa's book, and other books in the series with characters that don't fit the usual HR mold.

3.5 stars

I normally love Courtney Milan’s books, but this one didn’t quite do it for me.

I liked the idea of the story—two people forced to marry, who want to get an annulment not because they don’t like each other, but because both of them believe the other deserves a choice. However, in practice, I got a little frustrated by both of the main characters. Adrian wasn’t bad, although there is such a thing as being TOO nice. Camilla was more problematic, though. I got tired of Camilla’s internal musing about how “no one has ever wanted me, no one will ever want me, but I will keep on hoping that they will want me, even though I know that will probably never happen, because no one has ever wanted me . . . “ And on and on—there’s quite a bit of that. Maybe it’s me, maybe I’m just getting too old and hard-hearted for such angsty dramatizing, I don’t know. But I much preferred Camilla’s sister Theresa and her feistiness to Camilla.

That’s not to say that I hated the book. I appreciated the diversity—Adrian is black, and there are references to gay and lesbian pairings, too. The sibling relationships in both Camilla’s and Adrian’s families are lovingly drawn, and the conversations between them were some of my favorite moments in the novel. There’s quite a bit of humor as well; in particular, there’s a scene where Camilla and Adrian interview a woman who may have been swindled that is an absolute hoot.

The end of the book sets up Theresa’s story, but unfortunately, it’s going to be a while before readers get that one, based on the projected entries in the Worth series that Milan outlines on her website. Instead, next up is Adrian’s brother Grayson. And maybe a trip to China? That would be fun!

So, this is not my favorite novel by the author, but I’d still recommend it, particularly for Milan’s fans.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Camilla and Adrian are perfection. This book is a little unusual because the conflicts the main characters face isn’t because of massive secrets—rather they are refreshingly honest with one another. The romance itself is a slow burn, but it was lovely watching Camilla and Adrian’s relationship develop. And at its core, this is a book about hope. This bit just got me right in the feels: “Hope is not weak. It takes courage to hope and hope and hope, when nothing comes out right. It takes strength to continue to believe that this time everything will come out right when it’s always gone wrong before.”

In many ways, this book feels more like the first in the series and the actual first book feels more like a prequel. There are so many interconnected, intricate plot lines that it could have been a complete mess. Thankfully, the author managed to set the stage for the rest of the series deftly, without overwhelming the central romance for this book.

I also really appreciated how the Camilla’s reuniting with her family was handled. There was clear love and joy, but the challenges they all faced after years apart in difficult circumstances wasn’t sugarcoated. Also, I love all the Worth siblings, but Theresa is my favorite. I know her story will be several books down the line, but I can’t wait.

Overall, an excellent book with a delightful set of characters. Also props to the author for having a historical romance set in England without an all-white cast.

I absolutely loved Adrian and Camilla's story!!

Adrian is undercover as a valet to find dirt on one of his uncle's adversaries. While there, he is put into a compromising situation and forced to marry Camilla at gunpoint. What he doesn't know, is that the maid Camilla is really Lady Camilla Worth.

Camilla has been passed around to many people since her father was convicted of treason and executed. Working as a maid, is just the lasted in a long string a places she as resided. When she finds herself married, she starts to think that she might have found the one person who might not send her away. But she soon learns that Adrian wants a marriage of choice, one in which he falls in love with his wife before asking her to marry him. So even though she wants to stay married to finally have some stability in her life, she will help Adrian get their annulment.

I just loved this story!! I loved that Camilla wanted nothing more than to stay married, but she knew that Adrian wanted more from his marriage, so she put her feelings aside and did what needed to be done to get their annulment. I also loved the bantering between the two of them. They quickly became good friends and were able to laugh, joke and tease one another like lifetime friends. Luckily it eventually turned into something much more than friendship ;).

I'm excited for the next book in the series, The Devil Comes Courting, which stars Adrian's brother Grayson!

Once again, Courtney Milan has written a novel that is deeply romantic even while it challenges traditional romance tropes and explores social issues that continue to resonate despite the 150 years between her Victorian setting and our modern times.

The story begins with two common historical romance set-ups: a forced marriage and a woman left unemployed and homeless after being caught in a faux-compromising position. And yet, the hero and heroine are not conventional historical romance characters. Camilla's aristocratic childhood and loving family relationships were destroyed by her father's treason and an impulsive decision she made as a 12-year old girl. Despite her loneliness and ongoing financial worries, she is hopeful, unwilling to give up on her dreams, unapologetic about her sexuality, kind, witty and courageous.

In Adrian, she finds a man who respects her intelligence and her choices, and encourages her to keep fighting for the happy future she deserves. While he runs a successful pottery business and has a loving relationship with his older brother and parents, he suffers from survivor's guilt, having been left in England while his older siblings fought in the American Civil War. He also struggles with his relationship with his mother's brother, a member of the white, British upper class who refuses to publicly acknowledge Adrian because he is biracial.

Milan finds a way to empower Camilla (and so many other women throughout the novel.) She also gives Camilla and Adrian a story in which they can learn about themselves and fall in love without settling for a marriage that was not of their choosing. Along the way, there is a lot of witty dialogue, humor, heartbreak and romance, as well as a cast of compelling secondary characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the Worth series and highly recommend After the Wedding to all readers of romance fiction.