I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Lady Harriet Stanhope and Montague Cavendish the Duke of Devonshire.

Lady Harriet Stanhope and her brother's have live around Montague Cavendish the Duke of Devonshire. She has had a crush on the duke for years now and wants him to noise her. But he only see her as a friend.

Montague Cavendish the Duke of Devonshire has been told to find himself a wife. He doesn't want a wife.

This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure and drama throughout. It had a few laughs within.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆

Probably better to read this series in order? The opening scene is the wedding of the characters from book 3 (Always the Courtesan). There are other mention of characters from other books. Also, Leticia has a decent amount of page time and she is the heroine of her own book further in the series. But also, none of this lessened my enjoyment of the book. If you aren’t a stickler for reading in order it is fine. (Author note on goodreads also states that her books can be read out of order so it will come down to personal preference.)
I have a confession to make. I judged this book. I saw the cover and just thought...meh. I saw the title and didn’t think it drew my attention. I noticed the author and realized I had no idea who she was. A nobody to me.

Shame on me for judging the cover. Shame on me for judging the my perception of the authors lack of popularity. Shame. On. Me. Because I loved this story.

This is a beautiful friends to lovers story. Just wonderful. The character depth was built so deeply and their best friend relationship is so believable.

Our hero is Montague Cavendish, or Monty to his friends. He’s a duke and he’s at risk of losing everything due to the will of his grandfather. Marriage has not been on his mind, and now he’s down to having 6 months left to get married or lose it all.

Lady Harriet has been the best of friends with her twin brother, Josiah (a hero of his own previous book), and Monty. And she’s also been in love with him for a majority of those years. Known as Harry, Harriet was a just a wonderful character. She is a heroine I just loved. In fact, I think I loved her more than Monty and that is saying something as I definitely read and focus on the heroes. Harry is fun, caring, yet spunky and knows her own worth. I really enjoyed her, wanted to be her friend. She’s wondering if Monty will ever see her as a woman and not just a friend.

Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
- No villain or mystery – plenty of focus on the relationship of the hero and heorine
- Friends to lovers trope and I found their friendship so believable and fun
- Unrequited love – this heroine has been in love with the hero for many years and he has been oblivious
- Plenty of regency fun – balls, Almacks, gossip columns, etc
- 2 other tropes will be included at the end (spoilers, read at your own risk)
- Lighter/medium steam – The description says steamy regency romance and I disagree with that statement. A few kisses and one full sex scene (some also remembered with a sentence or two) is not overly steamy to me. I’m wondering if it was worded like that because some regnecys have zero sex, so the fact that this is open door makes it steamy? I’m unsure. Still, the tension was fantastic.
- Safe sex lol. There is mention of french letters, and they are also called ‘preservatives’

This book caught my attention from the beginning and I was eager to keep reading it. I haven’t felt like that in awhile and many books have felt like a chore to get through. But not here. A few minor things slightly lowered the rating for me. Some decisions I would have rather were altered a bit. Also, some things didn’t feel...right for the time period? Some of the actions I guess, but I’m not a stickler for that. And probably the biggest thing was Monty. Definitely wanted to bean him over the head with a pan a few times. He was a bit TOO oblivious. But when he started noticing Harry, oh it was wonderful. The best kinds of fall in love feelings.


Other tropes going on in the book (spoilers)
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- Ruined heroine – Harry is ruined by a gossip column
- Virgin hero – hero is a virgin though it’s not mentioned until much later in the book. And this was something that actually annoyed me was his virginity wasn’t made into a bigger deal. I love a virgin to go through this experience with them – have it blow their mind, you know?? Especially when it’s the hero.

This is the fourth book in the Never the Bride series. The entire series has been wonderful and this book fits right in. It's a light, charming romance and perfect for reading in one sitting. The characters were charming and perfect for each other. The book was interesting and provided many laughs. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you like friends to lovers story lines then this is the book for you. This is a quick and easy read that I was able to get into right away. I got a bit frustrated with all of the things that were not said, and because of this problems and misconceptions ensued.

Lady Harriet Stanhope grew up with her twin brother and all of his friends.
She was the only girl in the group and it never bothered her until she reached
adulthood. After all she was known as the best friend a man could have.
Especially, Montague Cavendish, who had decided that he will not marry for love.
That all he needed to do was find a pretty young lady with plenty of money.
That is all he is hoping for. But Harriet has other ideas and climbs up his window
and slips into his bedroom. Her plan is to seduce him and change his mind.
What an idea and his leads to much confusion and a few mistakes along the way.
This is a sweet story of how one goes from being a lifelong friend to hopefully
a walk down the aisle.

Lady Harriet "Harry" Stanhope has loved her best friend, Montague Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire, for forever. Unfortunately, it's clear he doesn't feel the same way. When rumor gets around that Monty is looking to marry, Harry is devastated.

Monty has six months to find a bride. All he needs is a pretty and biddable bride, but wouldn't it be nice if she shared some of his interests. Monty thinks Harry is joking when she suggests that he just marry her, but when she climbs into his window with seduction in mind, Monty's entire world is changed.

ALWAYS THE BEST FRIEND is exactly my type of read. I was hooked from the except. Who doesn't love a good friends to lovers romance?! Monty is about to have an awakening. He and Harry have a lot to overcome to get their HEA. I love how Harry out herself all out there to win Monty. She was absolutely bold. What a read! I give it 3.5 stars.

I have been captivated by Emily Murdoch and her Always series since the first one. Some of them have a little darker time than others but this one is a gem

This was a sweet romance. I like how the friends to lovers played. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a good romance. #netgalley

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Harry, or Lady Harriet Stanhope to give her full title, has been best friends with Montague Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire for as long as she can remember, and in love with him for just as long. He has never seen her as anything but 'Harry', and now that Monty needs to marry, and quickly, Harry is slowly losing her chance to win him. Because of a weird addition in his grandfather's will, Monty needs to marry by the time he turns 26, or lose the title and everything that comes with it, to a male cousin. His problem - he has no male cousins, and the title will become defunct. Whenever he spends time with the society ladies, he is bored and wishes they were more like Harry, who he can talk to about anything, and does. He's never seen her as a choice though, and honestly, forgot she was female until others started paying her attention. Harry decides to take matters into her own hands and climbs in Monty's bedroom to seduce him, and it actually works. He seems to be falling for her, and the night they spend together was wonderful, but, of course, a spanner is thrown in the works, words said that shouldn't have been, and Monty needs to grovel on his hands and knees to win Harry back. Will he manage it?

Harry and Monty's friendship and later romance was lovely to read about. I read this book in a few hours one morning, and just needed to read more and more without putting it down. Because of how close they had always been, the intimacy between them was immense and the way it developed into romantic love was perfect for them. At first, the seduction scene I thought might've been a dreamscape, but loved how it was done, and how the aftermath was dealt with. The other cast of characters, from Harry's twin brother Josiah, his wife Honora, and Monty's cousin Letitia were wonderful additions to the book, and I'm looking forward to reading Letitia's story in the next book, Always the Wallflower.

This was the first book I have read by Emily EK Murdoch and I was impressed. I adored Harry and Monty's story. Best Friends all their lives, but Monty is unaware that Harry is secretly in love with him. When he suddenly notices all of her finer charms love comes through. Readers will not be disappointed in this book.

I read the first three books in this series and then this one in one weekend. It's a fun series that I am really enjoying and this installment was my favourite. This one is about Monty who needs to find a wife in 6 months and Harriet (fondly known as Harriet) who has been his best friend for years and suddenly seems like a very good prospect.

Harry has been in love with Monty for a long time but knows that if he ever thought of her romantically it would have happened by now. In order for him to see her differently and ask her to marry him in 6 months, she may have to do something drastic!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so glad I decided to pick this one up because I enjoyed this cute read.

I liked the story and I liked the characters.

Always the Best Friend is a cute, friends to lovers story. She’s the sister of an Earl. He’s a duke and they’ve all been best friends since childhood. She’d been in love with him since forever. He’s always considered her as a permanent fixture in his life. Any wife, if he ever marriage will have to love his friend as much as he does. Turns out, there’s a codicil to his grandfather’s will and the duke has 6 months to find his duchess or lose everything. You’d think it’d be convenient to have a friend who’s madly in love with you. If only he knew?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Harry Stanhope is a strong character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She is independent and is determined to live her life the way she wants to live it.
Monty Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire is extremely handsome, has been friends with Harry since childhood and is another strong character. He must marry within six months according to his Grandfather's will. However he only sees Harry as his best friend.
Harry is determined that Monty will see her as a girl first and foremost. You don't want to miss reading this story to see if Harry was able to change Monty's mind.

Always the Best Friend by Emily E K Murdoch relates the story of Lady Harriet Stanhope and her best friend, the Duke of Devonshire.
If you had a older brother, you probably, at one time, hoped to get noticed by his friends. This book is exactly like that. Lady Harriet grew up with her twin brother and this best friend, the Duke of Devonshire. She had a crish growing up, which turned out to be more than a crush.
Honestly, the plot is pretty great, and the writing is nice. It is not the best book I've read in my life, but it is def a good read !

Lady Harriet Stanhope (Harry) and Montague Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire (Monty) have been best friends for more than twenty years. Harry has fallen in love with Monty and hopes that one day he will fall in love with her. When it comes to light that Monty must marry by his next birthday, Harry begins a campaign to make Monty see what is right in front of him – her. She begins with subtle hints which Monty doesn’t pick up on (stamp your foot with Harry). When she moves to more direct intimations, it results in some rather unpleasant gossip and hostile receptions at society events. What now? Harry won’t marry for less than love, and Monty seems to be more concerned with reputations. Will there be broken hearts or happily ever after? This is an adorable best friends-to-lovers story. It is a quick read with loads of humor. Harry and Monty are wonderful characters. I enjoyed this story and recommend it and the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

What Will It Take for Him to See Her?

Harriet and Montague have been best friends for many years, but she wants more. The clues are there for Montague, but he seems quite oblivious. What will it take for him to see Harriet as more than a friend? Will seduction work? Will scandal work? What will work? I enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story. It is a romance infused with wit and fun.

Lady Harriet Stanhope better known to her friends and family as Harry. She’s been in love with Montague Cavendish Duke of Devonshire, Monty her best friend. They’ve known each other since they were friends. She makes a bold move and opens Montague’s eyes to the woman she really is. Monty must marry before his twenty-six birthday or lose everything, what better person to marry than his best friend, but the bride doesn’t quite agree. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.

When Harry Met Montague, no... When Harry was determined to seduce Monty! So loved this story! Harriett and her twin brother grew up with Montague Cavendish (great name) and were almost inseparable. Unfortunately he still thinks of Harry as close friend. He finds himself in a quandary when his inheritance depends upon he marry and quickly. But who?
Harry is determined to make Monty see her as the grown woman she is, after all she's been in love with him forever. Her plan to seduce him, even if he doesn't choose her, it will be a memory she can hold onto!
A delightful story full of humor and wonderful characters that charmed me right from the start! I loved these two and could not wait to see what would happen. Trust me you do not want to miss it!!

Lady Harriet Stanhope was happy that her brother had found his true love. She also wanted love and knew exactly who her match should be: Montague Cavendish. If only he felt the same. Monty must marry and marry soon, according to his grandfather’s will. However, all the ladies in his social circle were exceedingly boring; with the exception of Harry. As they both plot a course, she to him and he to whomever will marry him; fate steps in. But, will fate allow the course to intersect or send them to different loves? What a fun adventure with Lady Harry and Monty-I wasn’t ready for the book to end.