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My Darling Bride (The Darlings) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 16,417 ratings

In a sizzling romance that sparkles with wit and depth, two wounded souls meet by chance in the desert and agree to get married, and their lives will never be the same.

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?

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From the Publisher

Fake it till you make it

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This lighthearted story delivers emotional depth without getting too angsty. Add in snappy dialogue and laugh out loud moments, and romance fans will be well pleased.” Publishers Weekly

My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a captivating romance that breathes fresh life into familiar tropes. The story follows Emmaline Darling, an unconventional car thief who swipes a Lamborghini from football star Graham Harlan while escaping her dangerous ex-boyfriend in the desert. Madden-Mills skillfully combines elements like fake marriage and unlikely couples, infusing them with originality and engagement.” —Lost in Bookland

“This is a great pick.” —She Reads Romance Books

About the Author

#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances. A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and, of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero. She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females.

Feel free to stalk her online! You can join her Facebook readers group, Unicorn Girls, to get the latest scoop and talk about books, wine, and Netflix at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ilsasunicorngirls/. You can also find Madden-Mills on her website at http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to her newsletter: http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com/contact.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CB92VC6L
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 5, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 327 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1662514012
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Darlings
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 16,417 ratings

About the author

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Ilsa Madden-Mills
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#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.

A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺

★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways

★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com

★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills

★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls

★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
16,417 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a captivating read with a wonderful story of a staged marriage, featuring Emmy and Graham who are absolutely perfect together. The witty banter keeps readers laughing throughout, and they appreciate how it hits all the right spots with romance. Customers describe it as a beautiful romantic read that's full of emotion, with one customer noting its perfect level of angst, and they praise its fast-paced narrative and clever dialogue.

176 customers mention "Storyline"163 positive13 negative

Customers love the storyline of this book, particularly appreciating the wonderful story of a staged marriage and its amazing details.

"...These two were great because they had dimension to them, with back stories that offered up interesting personal histories without making things..." Read more

"Really liked the opening in this story, Emmy and G have great chemistry and it’s apparent through the entire story...." Read more

"...It was so good. So happy and such a great story. The marriage of convenience/fake marriage is absolutely incredible!..." Read more

"A sweet love story between 2 strangers. It was a quick read, not as steamy as I hoped but still good." Read more

171 customers mention "Readability"171 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a captivating, fun, and light-hearted read.

"...Perfect book for a long weekend, easy to get into, slight drag toward the end, but overall very likable characters and storyline." Read more

"...This is a book I will be re-reading constantly! It was so good. So happy and such a great story...." Read more

"I loved this book it was so sweet, cute and funny. This was a great refresh book from the dark books I have been reading...." Read more

"Loved this from beginning to end….such a sweet ride from beginning to end w no angst for a little palette cleanse..." Read more

96 customers mention "Character development"91 positive5 negative

Customers love the characters in this book, particularly Emmy and Graham, and appreciate the inclusion of cameos from previous main and side characters.

"...Overall great read, lots of out loud giggle moments, great characters and I’m hoping to read more stories from this group!..." Read more

"...I also all the side characters too. The siblings, Brody, Jane, Andrew were awesome! They brought so much fun and heart to the story...." Read more

"...This book was funny, emotional, and absolutely perfect! Emmy was brave and honest, which was refreshing, I was worried she would forgive Graham too..." Read more

"...I loved all the secondary characters...." Read more

73 customers mention "Humor"70 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly noting the witty banter and many funny moments throughout the story.

"...Overall great read, lots of out loud giggle moments, great characters and I’m hoping to read more stories from this group!..." Read more

"...I love this book. It is laugh out loud funny and amazing!..." Read more

"I loved this book it was so sweet, cute and funny. This was a great refresh book from the dark books I have been reading...." Read more

"I was hooked from the start! This book was funny, emotional, and absolutely perfect!..." Read more

62 customers mention "Charm"62 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and sexy, describing it as a beautiful romantic read that hits all the right spots with romance.

"...is back with a new full-length book, and it's a companion novel to her Strangers in Love series, albeit with a very loose connection!..." Read more

"I loved this book it was so sweet, cute and funny. This was a great refresh book from the dark books I have been reading...." Read more

"...Emmy's dynamics with her siblings and friends are so endearing. Graham's brother Brody and football teammates are also the best...." Read more

"Easy read, witty and charming, with whole cast of strong and fun loving characters, and a little rendezvous with fate" Read more

61 customers mention "Emotional content"57 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as heartwarming with a perfect level of angst that makes them cry.

"I was hooked from the start! This book was funny, emotional, and absolutely perfect!..." Read more

"...There are a few laugh out loud moments and some sad ones. Its such a good blend. Emmy is cute and I love her and Graham." Read more

"...While the story is not realistic at all, I enjoyed their tension, the spice and all the LOL moments from Babs "Emmy, we have a cream situation in..." Read more

"...the two main characters and their back stories, the exploration of their feelings, and the buildup of passion makes for a very successful rom com..." Read more

36 customers mention "Pacing"31 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others describe it as slow.

"A sweet love story between 2 strangers. It was a quick read, not as steamy as I hoped but still good." Read more

"...the author set this story up beautifully and it seemed very flawless in it's execution...." Read more

"...hahaha! overall it was a fast read/listen that I really enjoyed!..." Read more

"...of their feelings, and the buildup of passion makes for a very successful rom com that only Ms. Mills can create...." Read more

34 customers mention "Writing quality"31 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its excellent narration and clever dialogue, while also finding it an easy read.

"...I loved all the secondary characters. This was well written with a fresh plot and I was drawn into the fictional world of Emmy and Graham’s romance..." Read more

"Easy read, witty and charming, with whole cast of strong and fun loving characters, and a little rendezvous with fate" Read more

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a BRAD 🌶️🌶️🌶️ . This was a fun, easy read that had me LOLing several times!..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the story, even if it was a bit predictable in parts. Well written...." Read more

Romantic and Entertaining
5 out of 5 stars
Romantic and Entertaining
“Maybe sometimes, things really are meant to be.” Ilsa’s writing has a magnetic quality. It’s hard to set her books aside because of their well-paced narratives, intriguing side characters that leave you craving more, and a perfect blend of sweetness and spice — and that is all found in “My Darling Bride”. Emmaline Darling’s bold decision to break free from an abusive relationship brings her to an Arizona desert motel. A twist of fate unfolds as football star Graham Harlan becomes an unexpected ally in her journey, creating a heartwarming “meet-cute” moment. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Emma “borrows” Graham’s Lamborghini for a hurried trip to the airport. Graham not only locates her in Manhattan but presents an intriguing proposition loaded with a “you owe me” undertone: marriage. He says that marrying is essential to get the inheritance his brother needs, connecting their lives in a complicated mix of responsibility and necessity. When Emma and Graham are together, there’s a palpable warmth that fills the room. Whether it’s their closeness, playful banter, flirtation, or unspoken yearning, the ache in your chest intensifies, drawing you into the perfect blend of angst and simmering desire they share. Emma’s dedication to her family resonates deeply. Graham recognizes this, realizing that what she offers is precisely what he has been missing in his own life: “Her loyalty and self-sacrifice to others? It’s challenging for me to comprehend because I’ve never had someone like that in my life…” This dynamic adds a layer of depth and emotion to their love story, making it all the more memorable and delightful.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ilsa Madden-Mills is back with a new full-length book, and it's a companion novel to her Strangers in Love series, albeit with a very loose connection! My Darling Bride is a standalone, and it features Graham Harlan, the twenty-nine-year-old star tight end for the New York Pythons who is dealing with an injury incurred in the middle of the Super Bowl that leads to a near-death experience, and Emmaline Darling, the twenty-seven-year-old manager of a small, independent bookstore called A Likely Story in Manhattan and who lives with her younger siblings, Jane and Andrew, and Jane's daughter, Londyn. In order to help his younger brother, Brody, secure the family inheritance, Graham knows he has to comply with the stipulation mentioned in his late grandmother's will: marry a woman. Now, for someone like him, you'd think it wouldn't be a problem. However, Graham isn't in a relationship with anyone--he isn't even seeing anyone, period. So, what's a guy to do? Well, blackmail the woman who stole his Lamborghini, of course. He won't press charges if Emmy agrees to marry him and stay until the inheritance is received. Then they can go their separate ways and Graham could focus his attention on his one true love: football. But what if Graham's true love is actually this super sassy bookseller turned darling bride...and soon-to-be ex-wife?

    Darling! Simply darling! I adored this book, and that's saying something considering the whole marriage of convenience romance trope isn't my favorite. When I call this book a standalone, it truly is that. While Tuck Avery (Princess and the Player) is mentioned, he plays no role in Emmy and Graham's story whatsoever. River Tate (The Revenge Pact) makes a cameo here, but it's Jasper (whose last name continues to escape me, but he was a barely a blip on the radar in Beauty and the Baller and a true supporting character in Princess and the Player) who makes his charmingly persistent presence known, what with now being Graham's self-appointed bestie and shadow and the Pythons's starting quarterback. But it's the main characters, Graham and Emmy, who truly own this story. They're strike an agreement, one that is mutually beneficial, with both believing that they would walk away once the Harlan inheritance was released. Alas (not really), love comes along, and well, best laid plans and all that. These two were great because they had dimension to them, with back stories that offered up interesting personal histories without making things overly complicated. I was happy about this return to Ilsa Madden-Mills's Pythons world--fingers crossed for Jasper's book--and My Darling Bride receives five stars.
    23 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really liked the opening in this story, Emmy and G have great chemistry and it’s apparent through the entire story.
    The side characters are exceptionally written and are so fun that they absolutely make the story. There’s a lot going on with the main characters, lots of side drama that pops up. It works for the story, but there is a lot to keep track of and not everything really added to the story.
    I did not love how everyone is very opinionated about Graham’s career toward the end. It felt like it was suddenly over the top and it felt like too much. I like the way it went, but there’s a lot going on and I wish it would have shown him coming to his conclusion more organically. Overall great read, lots of out loud giggle moments, great characters and I’m hoping to read more stories from this group! Perfect book for a long weekend, easy to get into, slight drag toward the end, but overall very likable characters and storyline.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I stumbled upon this book, needing to read something to get me out of a funk/slump. Not only did this book do that, I loved it soooo much I grabbed the paperback. This is a book I will be re-reading constantly! It was so good. So happy and such a great story. The marriage of convenience/fake marriage is absolutely incredible!

    💓Bookstore Worker FMC
    ⭐️Football NFL MMC
    💓Marriage of Convenience
    ⭐️Fake Marriage
    💓Forced Proximity/One Bed
    ⭐️Incredible Found Family
    💓She Falls Hard, He Falls Harder
    ⭐️Both MMC & FMC Have Health Conditions
    💓Adorable Nicknames (Darling & Mr. Creamy)

    The way that Graham & Emmy meet is hilarious and sad. She is running from an abusive ex and runs right into the arms of her knight and shining armor. Whereas Graham is running from a football injury looking for answers and finds Emmy. They soon realize they need each other and scheme to become fake married. But they never once thought they could fall for each other, or heck even care about each other. Their secret moments are soooo sweet and swoony!!! I fell hard for both of them. I wanted to be Emmy as she has this beautiful family who loves her soooo much. And she works in a bookstore!!! And as for Graham, he will melt your heart. All he does for his brother and for Emmy had me swooning. I love this book. It is laugh out loud funny and amazing!

    I also all the side characters too. The siblings, Brody, Jane, Andrew were awesome! They brought so much fun and heart to the story. You could tell the characters were amazing people because their siblings stood by them no matter what. And Babs, the bookstore worker who is like an aunt to Emmy who will have you cracking up! This book is spectacular!
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book it was so sweet, cute and funny. This was a great refresh book from the dark books I have been reading. If you haven't read this, you need to add it to your reading list.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved this from beginning to end….such a sweet ride from beginning to end w no angst for a little palette cleanse
    The audiobook was perfect and loved their voices
    Spice level 🌶️🌶️ obviously not my usual since it was a great story w out lots of *** but the moments made up for it
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • J B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Graham and Emmie meet by chance while Emmie is in the middle of a major crisis. Graham becomes her escape in more ways than she ever could have imagined leading to a proposition that changes both of them.
    There are some fabulous characters throughout this book that will have you actually chuckling out loud.
    There's a also serious side to this story that I feel the author handle brilliantly and respectfully. I especially liked the way Graham dealt his own kind of justice.
    I enjoyed it so much I have just download book 2 in the series.
  • nicandbooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars You are mine. You are my saving grace, my reward, my happiness, my darling.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was such a beautiful story - Emmy & Graham have a chance meeting in the middle of nowhere which leads them to a marriage of convenience (one of my favourite tropes - close proximity is the best!). I loved that despite the initial lightness of this story - there were some more serious parts that added some gravitas to this romance. I loved this story and I am looking forward to Emmy's more serious sister Jane finding love.
  • Mary-Louise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book. Emmy and Graham's story was magical, they were really destined for each other. The plot was nice and we get an incredible HEA. I recommend.
  • Mary Lucchese
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Oh . It’s such an amazing book , there is so much wrapped up in one book , family, heartache, struggles, but most of all , love, not only romantic love , but family love , Fills the heart right up , Thank you for writing such a beautiful story 🥰
  • Maguie75
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and funny
    Reviewed in France on February 4, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had a lot of fun reading this book!!! It was really unexpected for a mariage of convenience trope to have such a wonderful story with ups and down. The characters have also many layers, and everything is perfectly painted. There was also some link to the actual news since the heroes is a tall tight end and his jersey is number 87. But I think his character is mostly broody and very different from anyone real. The heroin is a bookstore manager and the book is full of funny stories regarding customers. The book has also a potential to start a new series with Jane, Emmy's sister and Jasper the QB of the pythons. This book will stay in my mind for sure.

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