Royal Bridesmaids by Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley, and Loretta Chase

Historical Romance

Each of the three authors of a story in Royal Bridesmaids was given the same framework and each wrote a story around that framework.  In each story someone is marrying the Prince of a small country and her best friend or sister is one of the bridesmaids.  The story is about the bridesmaid not the bride.

You can see the different twist that each author gave the story when you read what Goodreads has to say about Royal Bridesmaids. 

Now, in this original anthology, "New York Times" bestselling authors

Stephanie Laurens
Gaelen Foley
Loretta Chase

tell us what it really takes to get the bride to the royal altar.

They need to do more than "smile, wave, and look delighted"

Stephanie Laurens: "A Return Engagement"
Lady Nell Daughtry has her hands full getting her reluctant bride sister safely married to the Prince of Lautenberg. Then she learns she's paired with Robert Knightley . . . the fiancE who walked away.

Gaelen Foley: "The Imposter Bride"
Lady Minerva must ensure her country's princess is wed to handsome Prince Tor. Then the bride bolts, and bridesmaid becomes--bride

Loretta Chase: "Lord Lovedon's Duel"
When Chloe Sharp hears the handsome Earl of Lovedon say her sister's royal marriage is a match made in money, she challenges him to a duel--for love and honor.

I received a free ARC of Royal Bridesmaids from Edelweiss and if I had purchased the book I might have been a little upset.  The stories take up less than half of the book.  Sample first chapters from books by the three authors and sample chapters from books by other authors take up the other half.  It is available for 1.99 as an ebook and if you love these authors that is the way to go.  I would never recommend paying for the mass market paperback priced at $5.99.

The stories, while fun, can only be classed as short novellas or even short stories. 

 I enjoyed all of the stories but it should be no surprise that Lord Lovedon’s Duel by Loretta Chase was my favorite.  There were mentions of characters in some of her novels and that added to the enjoyment.  She is one of my favorite authors and the reason I asked for the book.

A close second was A Return Engagement by Stephanaie Laurens.  Her story had an interesting twist to it and even though it involved the bride it gave a new insight to the brides sister.

Other than the price my only objection to the Royal Bridesmaids was that the stories were too short.  All of the authors did a good job of developing the stories and building the main characters.  Stephanie Laurens’ story even has the possibility of further stories featuring two of the side characters.  Even so I would have loved additional scenes in each story.  However, if you are looking for a good short quick read any of these stories will do.

Avon published Royal Bridesmaids by Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley and Loretta Chase in 2012.