My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills on November 21, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Romance / New Adult, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Romance / Sports
Pages: 331
Format: Audiobook, eBook
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Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers another entertaining romance with My Darling Bride, a book that hooks you right from the start with a hilarious meet-cute and an irresistible premise. The fate aspect, the banter, and Emmy stealing Graham’s Lamborghini were all fantastic elements that made the first half of the book an absolute delight. Emmy working in a charming bookshop added a cozy touch, and her interactions with Graham were filled with snarky, playful chemistry that made me eager to see how their dynamic would evolve.
However, while the setup was strong, the second half of the book didn’t quite hold up to the initial promise. One of the biggest downfalls was the reasoning behind Graham’s need to marry. The idea that this famous, millionaire football player had to rush into marriage because his brother refused to take a loan but had no problem accepting an inheritance felt absurd and completely unbelievable. It was hard to take the conflict seriously when the logic behind it was so flimsy.
Emmy’s decision to accept Graham’s offer also felt weak. He wasn’t actually threatening her, so the stakes felt low. Honestly, I kind of wish Graham had been a little meaner—after all, she did steal his Lambo! That could’ve made the tension between them more compelling.
Another frustrating aspect was Emmy’s family. While I understand she helped raise her siblings, it was frustrating to see them fully dependent on her when they were adults capable of contributing. It felt unfair that all the responsibility was placed on Emmy when they should have been standing on their own feet by now.
But the biggest letdown was how underdeveloped Emmy and Graham’s relationship felt. Their moments alone were too few and far between, constantly interrupted by side characters and unnecessary subplots that took up way too much space. While some of the side characters were fun, their stories often overshadowed the central romance, making it feel like Emmy and Graham barely got to develop any real connection.
Then there was the pacing issue. After their wedding, they finally got to the beach house, which felt like the perfect moment for their relationship to deepen. Instead, Graham just…left. And then he stayed gone for two weeks. This pattern repeated throughout the book, with them spending more time apart than together. Their relationship felt like it was moving backward rather than forward, so by the time we reached the rushed and overly convenient ending, it was hard to feel fully invested in their happily-ever-after.
And honestly? Graham didn’t deserve Emmy. He had the emotional maturity of a toddler, constantly running away when things got complicated. It was exhausting to keep up with his push-and-pull behavior, making it hard to root for their relationship in the end.
That said, despite its flaws, My Darling Bride was still a fun read. The humor, the initial chemistry, and the quirky premise made it entertaining, even if it won’t be one of those books that stick with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a light, amusing romance with a strong first half, this might still be worth picking up—but just be prepared for a rocky second act.