Always the Best Friend by Emily EK Murdoch is number 4 in the Never the Bride series and is about falling in love with your best friend, which happens often, I think. Josiah Stanhope was the Earl of Chester, and Harry was his best friend. Harriet, also known as Harry, had been in love with Josiah for years but he never noticed her...not in that way. This day was the day of Harry's brother's wedding, to Lady Honora Lennox, and Harry just wasn't sure.

There was a lot of back-story to this wedding, but she loved her brother so she forged ahead. All the stories in this series are inter-related so best to start at the beginning. Anyway, by the time they all returned to London, Harry had had enough and made in feelings known to Josiah in a very unorthodox way... very entertaining.
One thing about this series, the lovers come together in ways that simply would not have happened at the time or maybe even now for that matter. This makes for some very interesting scenarios. I don't blame Harry for being exasperated. Men can be slow to join the party sometimes. She was very pragmatic. If she couldn't have Josiah she didn't want anyone so her actions would hurt no one. And she was really not looking forward to him marrying and her having to watch. Josiah was really very slow-witted in this particular topic. It made even the reader a little frustrated. It was fun to read. This is a great series. I recommend all of these books, but especially this one.

I was invited to read an ARC of Always the Best Friend by Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #alwaysthebestfriend

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

Well, I’d love to say I’ve never known men to be this dense, but I truly cannot. This is a really relatable romance- she’s in love with one of her childhood best friends, but he doesn’t connect in his head she’s female. She’s a bit of a hoyden, but she’s just Harry to him. Meanwhile, Harriet has loved him for some time, and is crushed when he confides he has been told to marry or lose his title- she realizes he does not consider her at all. At one point he actually says, “Harry? She is my best friend, why on earth would I want to marry her?” At which point, I absolutely wanted to hit him.
I had a friend in college who made a similar statement; (if you were a girl, I’d hit on you! Oh, $&?!) and I truly understood how frustrating it was to be seen as something you’re not. Now, Admittedly, I wasn’t in love with him; he was just a crass idiot when I would have normally expected better behavior.

In the end, they both go through some soul searching and learning about what they really want before finding their chance at a happy ending. Yes, things got better for Harry, but I wish he would have groveled a bit more- but I’m glad she stood her ground.

I am a huge sucker for romances between people who have been friends forever. The angst, the pining, the eventual payoff of the HEA – I’m here for all of it.

Always the Best Friend is the story of Lady Harriet Stanhope (or Harry to her friends) and Montague Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire. They, along with Harry’s twin brother, have been thick as thieves for as long as they can remember. Harry has always had feelings for Monty, but Monty has always seen Harry as his best pal. Now Monty is a duke, and in order for him to keep his title he has to be married by his 26th birthday. But who could he possibly marry so quickly?

Monty is very hung up on how silly all the girls he meets are, how they wouldn’t be able to run his household like he needs them to. He wants a wife who can be his partner and also someone who loves horses like he does. The entire time he is searching the parties for this perfect woman, his pal Harry is there next to him. His pal Harry, who also loves to ride horses, and who is an independent woman with an income of her own that she manages.

You see where I’m going with this. Monty takes forever to see Harry as a possible wife. Harry decides to take it into her own hands and force him to see her as a woman – by seducing him.

The pining was so good at the beginning of this book. Harry has it bad for this man. Monty is just so willfully oblivious to her feelings. It made me so frustrated on her behalf. I did think Harry’s plan to seduce Monty kinda came out of left field, but once I accepted it (I thought Monty was dreaming at first and was waiting for him to wake up and be horrified at having a wet dream about his bestest pal, but then it was real so I just rolled with it), it really drove the rest of the plot.

Harry does that thing where she can’t believe Monty would ever want her, even when he clearly does want her, that made me want to shake her, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of this book.

I’m going to be real with you in this review – this book would have to have been seriously bad for me not to like it. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes of all time, and I will read literally anything with that premise. Just that trope alone will add at least 2.5 stars to a review. If there is some serious pining going on, I am there. Bring me all the angsty pining, and then make it better. I just eat that up.

This book is only 174 pages, so it was a breeze to get through. The characters were very well written, and the drama I sensed from the twin brother and his wife makes me want to know what happened in their book. This is book 4, but can be read alone. I have not read the others in the series and I enjoyed it a lot.

Quick, light read - read basically in a day. Harry and Monty have been best friends all their life. Harry has been in love with him for a long time, though it was not reciprocated. He then find himself in the position to marry within 6 months, and the story takes on from there.

I enjoyed parts of it, and read it all in one seating, I was reading a more dense book before, so it was kind of what I wanted in the moment. The interactions between the characters were cute, and I enjoyed their banter. A lot of the plot is based on misunderstandings born out of lack of communication, though, and Monty annoyed with his slowness at times. There is also one scene that just came out of nowhere, and left me wondering if it was a dream throughout most of it. It did not seem very believable, and it was a pivotal scene that changed the relationship of the characters too fast. I like friends-to-lovers books, but I prefer a more slow burn development in such cases.

It was nice if you want a quick romance read, that you will not have to think a lot nor pay much attention while reading.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Strong , Feisty and fiercely independent Lady Harriet Stanhope (Harry), is determined to live her life her way.
I adore this character, it’s not often you find a female this strong in a book , especially one who keeps to her beliefs the whole way through the story.

Emily has understood and held with the passion of the character, everything about Harry is excellent, she’s beautiful, especially when she’s standing up for herself, as her relationship develops with Monty, she never wavers and I love that.

Montague Cavendish (Monty) is the Duke of Devonshire, he’s a heartbreaker in the looks department, another strong character he’s been best friends with Harry and her twin Josiah since childhood.
He’s perfect for Harry , but doesn’t see her as a grown woman, still as the playmate he grew up with .

Can she change his mind , open his eyes.
These two are about to set the ballrooms alight with speculation and rumour.
They are perfect together.

Adorable book and wonderful characters.
The whole thing is passionate and slightly wicked, but thoroughly entertaining.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Oh what a fun read... I love the easy banter between Lady Harriet Stanhope (Harry) and Montage, The Duke of Stanhope ( Monty) Harry and Monty have known each other for 20 years and along with her twin brother, Josia the Earl of Chester. Harry has always followed along with the boys being a Hugh tomboy. This was very strange for the time period. She learned to do everything the boys did, ride, climb trees and get into trouble. Were most are in Aw of Dukes and Earls the three of them are just best friends. Monty and Harry the are the closes. They talk and tease easy with each other. Harry wants more, she has been in love with Monty for years. Monty still thinks of her as one of the fellows. Missing the fact she has grown into a very beautiful woman.
When Harry founds out that Monty has to marry within six months or lose his father money she is shocked. Her time to make him see her as a woman is running out. Monty upsets her greatly when he says he is looking for a pretty face and nice body if he has to marry someone.
Oh my what is a Lady to do. Harry has never played by society rules but there are some one just can't for get. A Lady's reputation is one. When Monty refuses to see her any other way she does what she has too. She seduces him....
Unfortunately it doesn't work out like Harry thought as things with the heart usually don't.
Monty is more then confused by how he feels toward Harry now, and says a lot of things that Harry misunderstands.
With time running out, events that come to light, her brother and his friends get into the mess.
Along with other really good characters and some really nasty people.
This is fast read as you just can't put it down, I read straight thru in one sitting.
You got to get this book, to see how the best friends either become lovers, or lose what they have.
Can best friends change to lovers and find happiness ?
I received an ARC from the Author and want to thank her, I voluntarily have given by honest opinion. Hope it makes you want to grab a copy and start reading...

This was an enjoyable book. The heroine was delightful. The hero had multiple personalities. There. I said it. There was something wrong with the hero. And it is a shame, because the Tory was actually very well written with other characters who were likeable and believable. This story checks 'yes' in every box except the hero. He is written like he is a rake about town, but then he treats the heroine, who is supposed to be his best friend, like a piece of crap. He totally ignores how his words will affect her. He spends too much time apologizing for his mistakes. Mistakes that I would never forgive my friends for making. It is ridiculous how bad he treats her and she still loves him. It is like she is addicted to him and he can do no wrong. She co.es up with all kind of excuses for his insulting behavior. She even seduces him and he still treats her like she is nothing. I was very upset with how he treats her. So I am giving this book 2 stars and no recommendation to read.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Always The Best Friend is the fourth book in Emily E K Murdoch’s Never The Bride Series. It can be read as a stand-alone. There are many parts of the book that I did enjoy, but some glaring errors pulled me out of the story and left me frustrated. The premise of the story is that Montague Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire, must marry before his 26th birthday or lose the title, the lands, the money, everything. My problem with that is his Grandfather’s will can make this condition regarding the parts of his estate that are not covered under the entailment, and the title is governed by the rules of patent that established the Dukedom but those generally follow the rules of primogeniture, so yes he could lose the parts of his grandfathers estate not entailed but not the title or entailed lands and monies. The other glaring error is that the wife of an Earl is a countess, not a duchess and so Lady Harriet’s mother and sister would be the Countess of Chester not Duchess of Chester. So back to the story… Lady Harriet Stanhope (Harry) has been in love with her best friend Monty for a long time, but he does not see her as anything other than a friend and time is running out for her to make him see her, and to love her. I also have one more quibble with this story, a scene where Harry acts entirely out of character is told from the point of view of Monty so at first I thought it was a dream that Monty was having I think it would have worked much better to have this scene told from her viewpoint so that we understand why she is acting out of character. I do have a fondness for the friends to lovers trope and enjoy a a good grovel so if you can overlook the errors I pointed out I think you will enjoy this story too. Steam level more light than medium. Publishing Date July 7, 2020.
#AlwaysTheBestFriend #EmilyEKMurdoch #NetGalley #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #DragonBladePublishing

They had been best friends forever. They could make each other's day brighter just by being there. They understood each other and knew what the other was thinking. Why then, was Monty unable to see that the parameters had changed and they were no longer children, comfortable in their easy-going relationship? When Lady Harriet, or Harry as she is known to her friends, takes an outrageous step to make him see that she is a woman grown, it comes with ramifications that hurt everyone involved, but the damage to their hearts is the most difficult to overcome. I fully identified with Harriet's frustration in that men are sometimes annoyingly obtuse, unable to see what is right in front of them. Harriet took risks that pushed the boundaries, but sometimes that is what it takes to get a man to sit up and take notice. I was also able to identify with her as she suffered through the fallout of her choices. Despite the novel being a fairly short read, it is nevertheless well written and entertaining and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Lady Harriet (Harry) Stanhope has always been friends with Montague Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire. Yet she as they grow from children to adults, she wishes that he could see her as more than just a friend. It is only when Harry decides to take matters into her own hands and attempt to seduce Monty, that he begins to realise how important she has become to him.
The intensity of Harry’s feelings almost burst from the pages, beginning with the day that her twin brother marries, and Monty first appears in this story. The dialogue between the pair is witty and engaging, it is difficult not to imagine them together as a couple. However, the anxious wait for Monty to realise how he feels about Harry, was well worth it. This was a delightful story to read about friends becoming lovers. Set against a vividly described background and time period, this book made for a great read. Whilst it is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Anyone in the mood for a good romance need look no further. This book was hard to put down. The characters were engaging and made me smile and sometimes laugh out loud. They were fun, independent and enjoyable. I hope the author has a second book in mind for a few of the other characters in the book because I enjoyed them just as much as the main characters.

Lady Harriet Stanhope has only ever wanted one man in her life. The trouble is he still sees her as Harry, his bestfriend. Harry and her twin brother have been almost inseparable from Monty all their lives.

Montague Cavendish the Duke of Devonshire is facing a dilemma. The terms of his inheritance state he must marry very soon or lose everything. His problem is he can't find anyone suitable.

Our hero can't see what has been in front of him all the time. Our heroine is frustrated by his attitude.

This is a very amusing story where I wanted to slap the hero to open his eyes. I'm pretty sure our heroine did too. Lots of fun even when the nasty gossip starts.

This is part of a series of connected stand alone stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

Great fun.

Always the Best Friend by Emily E.K.Murdoch

What would be worse a marriage of convenience or where you truly loved him/her but they didn’t return that sentiment?
Harry “Harriet” was in love with her best friend Monty, but he only sees her as his friend! As a result of a family will he has to get married and he is looking for a wife, but not at her!! She wants to throttle him and wake him up to see her and what they could have together, but some men have blinders on until it’s either to late or they have gotten themselves into a situation where they can’t get out of and they are miserable the rest of their lives!!
The author does a great job of portraying not only how busybody society will play in trying to control who they think people should be or not be happy together! Then it’s how things will be misconstrued between the individuals who should be together because the communication skills are lacking! Sometimes sexual gratification will take precedence over the we proper sequence order of the courting, proposal, marriage bans, wedding and then the consummation!
The hilarity of certain aspects in the book goes to show you that societal pressures existed centuries ago and that they still do in certain situations! This book is a great read and will keep you entertained and engaged!

Will their friendship be ever ruined if she bargains for more ...

This is my second read by Mrs Emily Murdoch, and I much liked this one, both main characters are very entertaining and moving. For from perfect, it is their flaws that render them more lovable.
But while I am no historian, I thought birthrights came over everything else, that they were inalienable, no will can destitute a peer from his title except the crown, plus it follows the family tree, it can’t jump from one branch to another if there is still a living heir on it. A will can dispossess someone titled from any assets except its title and what is entailed to the title.
Thus said, it was much enjoyable to watch Harry and Monty get to their HEA.

While Harry has always known Monty was the man for her, he is completely oblivious of her being a female. She is his best-friend first, the sister of his friend second and last, a girl.
Yet when a will threaten his title, he is so blinded by the side of their relationship, he can’t see she is the right answer for all his needs. A woman with whom he can laugh, shares his love for horse, one who has no care for friperies and one who knows him as no one else.
Harry is perfectly aware Monty does not see her as a woman, but she can’t fight the feelings that have been growing for years. And now that he must marry and quite quickly, how can she change his view of her. Will seduction be the right answer or is there an other way to make him realize she is also a woman.
And while they make mistake on their journey to one another, words are said in the fever of the moment, causing unnecessary pain, yet they are so in tune, and stubbornly mindless of the other’s feelings. Lucky them to have others to take charge when they let their temper flares and tears them apart.
A 4.5 stars fun read.

By the way the cover is lovely.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Harry and Monty bring us the best of the best friends to marriage stories. This book was fun, sweet, spicy and I did get teary eyed a couple of times. Harry has loved Monty forever but he doesn't see her as a woman until she takes drastic measures. These two are so perfect for each and the nugget of information he gives Harry about himself towards the end just made the book so much more. It melted heart and mine. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. The relationship between
Harry and her twin brother is beautiful. The friendship within their "gang" adds to the story. The whole series has been unique and entertaining. I look forward to reading more by this author

Always the Best Friend is my first read from this author and it won't be my last. This was an adorable, light best friends to lovers read.

I enjoyed the writing and the pace. Lots of humor and witty dialogue. Harry and Monty are so cute together. Harry is a joy, she's constantly smiling and giggling because she finds the humor in life. I liked that she always had a backbone and stood her ground. Monty is the boy next door. There were a few times I wanted to beat him over the head with a stick to come to his senses, he was a little slow on the uptake, but still charming.

This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. Great side characters. I'll be checking out other books in this series and other books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, opinions are my own and freely given.

Always the Best Friend
Series: Book four in the Never the Bride series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for a review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I read by this author and I enjoyed it so much! It was such a cute and sweet read about a pair of friends who've known each other all their lives. In this case Harriet develops feelings for her best friend, Monty. I felt for Harry for most of the book. She really was suffering from unrequited love for quite some time, but I loved how she took it upon herself to go for what she wanted. Monty's feelings for Harriet took him for a surprise. He always loved her as a friend, but when he was in search of a wife due to his grandfather's will stipulations his criteria for the wife he was looking for were all met by Harriet. It just took him a while to say the right words to Harry.

I highly recommend this story and I look forwards to reading the rest of the series!

Montague Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire, is being pressured to wed by a codicil in his grandfather's will. His time is running out to find a suitable bride, but none of the young ladies on the marriage mart appeal to him. He turns to his best friend, Harry aka Lady Harriet Stanhope, for advice. Harry has been by his side since they were children and she is always the one to calm him down and offer good advice. Harry has loved Monty for as long as she can remember, but Monty doesn't view her as a woman and suitable bride. She takes a risk to capture his heart, but will it backfire and separate her from Monty forever?

This was a short and easy read although not much happens. First, I loved the cover and it’s what drew me to the book, however, I wasn't in love with either Harry or Monty especially since the biggest obstacle in the story is their own stubbornness to say what's in the hearts. I found Harry's actions that lead to the scandal totally out of character for a gently bred young lady and then her actions concerning Monty after the scandal broke was uncharacteristic for someone who always faced any obstacle head on. Not sure if I'll read any more stories in this series.

Lady Harriet Stanhope grew up beside Montague Cavendish, and they have always been the best of friends. Monty, now Duke of Devonshire, must get married and remains clueless to the fact that Harry has been in love with him for years. She is desperate for him to see her in a different light, including sneaking into his room to offer herself to him.

This is the fourth book in the Never The Bride series. It starts with the wedding of the third book’s couple and they appear a bit, but it can still be read alone. This was a quick read for me and a great example of the friends to lovers trope. The book was like getting in a warm bath…you just melt into it and want to stay. The characters are easy to connect to, and flow of the story kept me completely engaged.

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #AlwaysTheBestFriend #NetGalley

An enchanting, witty and romantic "best friends to lovers" story. I thought it was a well paced, short story and the main characters of Harriet and Monty came across perfectly.