The Wedding Night They Never Had by Jackie Ashenden is fantastic! It evolves on levels that outdo themselves each 
chapter.
Prince Cassius, the carefree spare, saves Inara from an arranged marriage by marrying him herself. His simple plan is to divorce her in two years when she’s an adult and able to safely make her own way in life. Life throws a cruel curve ball and the tragedy in Prince Cassius’s life spins the original plan out the window. Two years have turned into five and needing heirs he asks Inara for a divorce.
Inara’s mostly happy with her life, she’s left to her own devices and she doesn’t care the press call her “The Prince’s Forgotten Bride”. Inara has come to love her King during his infrequent visits. A divorce? It’s a no from her!
I adore this story. Jackie Ashenden has paired a broken alpha hero with a complete opposite and brings them together beautifully. I loved the evolving pair. I was moved multiple times. I loved Inara’s braveness when she attends an event “her” way. I loved it when Cassius figured out Inara’s training wasn’t working. I felt Cassius’s pain. I loved the relationship growing and I loved the epilogue. I loved the little things like Inara’s messyness that annoyed Cassius and I loved her mind. Pretty sure she’s a unique Presents heroine.
Yes, I adored this one! I’m pretty sure The Wedding Night They Never Had will be one of my most favorite stories I’ve read this year.
Book Info:
Publication: September 2021 | Harlequin Presents |
He must take a bride…
But he already has a wife!
Charming Prince Cassius wed young Inara Donati to save her from a dreadful forced betrothal. But their arrangement was only on paper. Five years later, after tragedy makes him king, Cassius needs heirs, and for that he requires a real queen!
Bookish Inara isn’t made for court life. But when Cassius demands a divorce, even she’s surprised by the strength of her refusal—and unfulfilled desire. Yet to find the courage to ask him for a true marriage, Inara must first believe she can be the queen he needs…
