Blurb:

When her sister doesn’t show up on her wedding day, Raven has no choice but to take her place — but marriage to Ares Windsor is nothing short of torture.

The elusive billionaire media mogul is the man she’s always loved… yet he’s only ever had eyes for her sister.

Married to him at last, Raven is determined to win him over.

After all, everything is fair in love and war.

And this?

This is war.

My 5* Review:

The Wrong Bride by Catharina Maura is Ares and Raven’s story. She’s his fiancée’s younger sister and he’s the man she’s always loved. This is a story about an arranged marriage which doesn’t turn out like everyone expects. A love story full of angst, with plenty of characters to love and hate. This is also a fascinating look at family obligation and loyalty but also betrayal and deceit, sacrifice and heartbreak. This couple captivated me and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey. 

“Give me a moment of honesty”

Ares loves Hannah, a famous actress and they are due to get married. Raven is a model and a fashion designer, and best friends with his sister Sierra. Something happened between Ares and Raven when they were younger and she has loved him ever since. They are good friends but she has never been able to confess her feelings because she knows how much he loves Hannah.

Even though Ares and Hannah have been together for five years, she has hidden their relationship and managed to repeatedly postpone their wedding. Grandma Anne has decided this time it is now or never and if Hannah doesn’t show up then Ares must marry Raven. Ares knows what is expected of him but he’s worried that Raven will marry him out of obligation and will resent him for it. Raven knows she’ll have to go through with it, even though it is condemning her to a life with a man in love with her sister. She knows he will always be Hannah’s but part of her is secretly excited to finally have him.

Hannah makes her choice and will have to live with the consequences, leaving Raven to pay the price and marry Ares. Grandma rules the Windsor family with an iron fist and she expects them to make the marriage work. Can Raven be able to live in the shadow of her sister for her entire marriage, especially when there are reminders everywhere. The chemistry between them has always been there but can they escape the past. I loved how his family tease him because they know the couple should be together and Sierra’s support is amazing. 

Raven realises she’ll have to fight for the man she loves but her doubts and insecurities creep in. Her relationship with Ares is constantly tested and Hannah just won’t leave them alone. I liked how Ares realises she is sacrificing her life to be with him and tries to reassure her as his feelings for her intensify. He values marriage and will do anything for Raven but she wonders if it is out of loyalty and obligation or if he can promise her forever.

The author introduces us to the rest of the Windsor family and teases us with snippets about their relationships which I take is ready for their books. It was also great fun seeing my favourite couple Silas Sinclair and Alanna from Bittersweet Memories. I loved how it turns out there is far more involved to this story. Games have been played and people manipulated, there have been lies and secrets which have cause heartbreak. It is a rollercoaster of a ride as the author slowly reveals everything that has happened. I guessed one of the twists but the rest were a surprise.

Can Ares keep his Cupcake after everything that happens? Will Raven be able to find her happiness?