What do you think?
Rate this book
Unexpectedly Married #1
The Consolation Bride
Perfect business partners. That's how my new father-in-law described us at our wedding. He wasn't wrong.
They had a plan, an arrangement-two powerful families joining forces until one little problem threatened to ruin it all. See, Stanton McCain had been in love with my sister Gretchen for years. So this union was good for Stanton, bad for me because I'd been in love with him for years.
Imagine the scandal when Gretchen ran away to elope with Gabby, the woman she'd been in love with for years and her secret girlfriend. And after the church and reception hall had already been booked. Gasp!
Someone had to marry Stanton. That's where I came in. Remove Gretchen, and insert Penelope. Single, reliable, and Stanton's consolation bride.
They had a plan, an arrangement-two powerful families joining forces until one little problem threatened to ruin it all. See, Stanton McCain had been in love with my sister Gretchen for years. So this union was good for Stanton, bad for me because I'd been in love with him for years.
Imagine the scandal when Gretchen ran away to elope with Gabby, the woman she'd been in love with for years and her secret girlfriend. And after the church and reception hall had already been booked. Gasp!
Someone had to marry Stanton. That's where I came in. Remove Gretchen, and insert Penelope. Single, reliable, and Stanton's consolation bride.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
333 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Zolton Arthur
46 books242 followersA former preschool teacher, chef, and lastly, a stay-at-home mom, Sarah Zolton Arthur has worn many hats in her life, until graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing and finally finding the hat that fits: writing romantic comedies. Above all else, she lives by these rules. Call them Sarah’s life edicts: In Sarah's world, all books have kissing and end in some form of HEA, because all romance heroes deserve love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 12, 2023
I only picked this up for the angst and while I got a few spoonfuls of that, I was also generously gifted with buckets of frustration and disappointment. I did read other reviews before opening this, so I was warned, but goddamn. Save yourselves and turn back now.
If you still want to try this and you're wondering about safety, you should at least be aware that the MMC definitely had sex with the sister (his ex-fiancé) of the FMC. It's not specified how often that happened or when the last time was. If I was somehow in this doormat-situation, I'd be telling my husband to wrap that shit up even if I were on birth control. Think about it, dummy heroine: forget about getting pregnant. You're about to have sex with a man your sister's been in a relationship with for a long time while also cheating on him with her girlfriend. You ain't safe until you hammer out those details.
I'm gonna go rinse my eyeballs with some bleach.
If you still want to try this and you're wondering about safety, you should at least be aware that the MMC definitely had sex with the sister (his ex-fiancé) of the FMC. It's not specified how often that happened or when the last time was. If I was somehow in this doormat-situation, I'd be telling my husband to wrap that shit up even if I were on birth control. Think about it, dummy heroine: forget about getting pregnant. You're about to have sex with a man your sister's been in a relationship with for a long time while also cheating on him with her girlfriend. You ain't safe until you hammer out those details.
I'm gonna go rinse my eyeballs with some bleach.
January 11, 2024
2.75🌟.
I liked some parts and hated others.
-last min sis swap.
-unrequited love.
-marriage of convenience.
-friends to spouse.
-sweet hero.
-KU.
I liked some parts and hated others.
-last min sis swap.
-unrequited love.
-marriage of convenience.
-friends to spouse.
-sweet hero.
-KU.
September 14, 2023
It was okay. Ant and Pen don’t have any problems and it makes for a blah read. I mean honestly, you’re best friends who have wild chemistry and no stress about bills, and you think you’re life is difficult because your parents have ridiculous expectations for you?
Sorry to break it to you, but unless your parents are deadbeats, they have expectations.
I just don’t like books where there isn’t any struggle or tension, and this book has neither. There was potential all through the book, but every event fell flat because the author always took the easy way out. Especially with Gretchen.
And by the easy way out, I mean relying on caricatures and adding superfluous details. I don’t care about all the sites of Europe they saw in one month. I care about the fact that Ant was a puppet to his parents, and hopped from one sister to the next.
I don’t care where the studio addition is going to be physically located; I care about WHY THAT MATTERS!!!!!
The author got caught up in describing the story, but in doing so, left out the plot.
So it’s a no for me:)
Sorry to break it to you, but unless your parents are deadbeats, they have expectations.
I just don’t like books where there isn’t any struggle or tension, and this book has neither. There was potential all through the book, but every event fell flat because the author always took the easy way out. Especially with Gretchen.
And by the easy way out, I mean relying on caricatures and adding superfluous details. I don’t care about all the sites of Europe they saw in one month. I care about the fact that Ant was a puppet to his parents, and hopped from one sister to the next.
I don’t care where the studio addition is going to be physically located; I care about WHY THAT MATTERS!!!!!
The author got caught up in describing the story, but in doing so, left out the plot.
So it’s a no for me:)
November 25, 2023
I expected OW drama, angst and intensity. I ended up rolling my eyes at everything.
I understood the idea was to portrait filthy rich people, but they ended up being a parody.
The characters’ development was not present. The intention was to make them multi-layered and complex but they felt contradictory and fake.
The OW drama was non-existent and it was just not that fun to read. 🤷🏻♀️
I understood the idea was to portrait filthy rich people, but they ended up being a parody.
The characters’ development was not present. The intention was to make them multi-layered and complex but they felt contradictory and fake.
The OW drama was non-existent and it was just not that fun to read. 🤷🏻♀️
September 30, 2023
Such a cute story not your typical "replacement sister" story.
April 23, 2023
The First 50% of the book was okay but the last 50% was a total wast of space and time. Way to detailed descriptions of food and vacation destinations but no real plot development.
November 19, 2023
It was a good book, would have been better with dual POV
July 19, 2024
So much potential for angst and yet… incredibly boring.
March 6, 2024
MMC/FMC- Stanton and Penelope (Ant and Pen)
POV- 1st person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). They do the things and this book is proof that zexytime scenes can be totally hawt without using the P or C words.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Sex, Botox
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Replacement Bride, Dysfunctional Family FTW
What I thought- Zolton Arthur did a good job fleshing out the main characters, even with their flaws. (If Pen and Ant have one backbone between them, I’d be shocked; it’s more like they share half a backbone). It must be tempting to make characters perfect, and I’m glad the author didn’t fall into that trap, because the flaws are what make them interesting. They are likable because they lack backbone. How many times have you come up with the perfect comeback… four hours after you’ve left the other person? How many times have you caved in because you don’t want to make a fuss? These people are real, and that’s what makes this a good book. When they are doing activities that their parents would disapprove of, like bowling, there’s a little bit of the “Look at me! I’m so bohemian! And plebeian!” about it, and that’s annoying, but I think that’s completely fitting in with their characters. Because it’s all about the flaws.
Borrowed this one from KU, and I’m glad, but I won’t be rereading it.
POV- 1st person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). They do the things and this book is proof that zexytime scenes can be totally hawt without using the P or C words.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- Sex, Botox
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Replacement Bride, Dysfunctional Family FTW
What I thought- Zolton Arthur did a good job fleshing out the main characters, even with their flaws. (If Pen and Ant have one backbone between them, I’d be shocked; it’s more like they share half a backbone). It must be tempting to make characters perfect, and I’m glad the author didn’t fall into that trap, because the flaws are what make them interesting. They are likable because they lack backbone. How many times have you come up with the perfect comeback… four hours after you’ve left the other person? How many times have you caved in because you don’t want to make a fuss? These people are real, and that’s what makes this a good book. When they are doing activities that their parents would disapprove of, like bowling, there’s a little bit of the “Look at me! I’m so bohemian! And plebeian!” about it, and that’s annoying, but I think that’s completely fitting in with their characters. Because it’s all about the flaws.
Borrowed this one from KU, and I’m glad, but I won’t be rereading it.
February 16, 2024
So, I usually really love second sister kind of romances. But I think this book was rushed and not totally thought through when written. I found the plot rushed, the characters underdeveloped and the leads not entirely likeable. A good example of this is the sisters Gretchen and Penelope’s relationship. As Penelope is ultimately the lead, I was hoping to see her develop empathy for her sister Gretchen who decided to come out of the closet and marry her best friend since childhood (exactly like the lead). Gretchen in the book was cut off from her family, did one of the scariest things in the world came out of the closet, was also forced to marry a man she did not like for years. Yet, the author just wrote Gretchen as shellfish and self-absorbed, and had the lead not at all empathizing with her sister. I feel as though that was just such a missed opportunity for these characters and made everyone so unlikable. Each of the problems faced by the couple was never fully resolved and there were scenes in the book that truly led nowhere. The couple’s almost car accident was one of these moments. It did nothing for the book but put the plot to a screeching halt. Overall I think the book needs a total overhaul that gives more time and motivation to these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
Cute, Quick Read
This was a pretty cute story. I really liked Stanton & Penelope together. 😍
There are a few things that annoyed me but not enough to dislike the story or not want to finish it.
Some possible spoilers here:
Pen thinking/saying/repeating that she loved him but he saw her as just a friend did get a little old. It was repeated like every few pages. 😅
I also was annoyed that Stanton was "soooo in love" with Penelope for the past six years, but he just went with what was expected of him. C'mon, man, fight for your girl a little.
I did like seeing him stand up for Pen when their families were being pretentious jerks. That should've clued Pen into his real feeling for her the first time he told someone off for disrespecting her.
Overall, this is a good read that you can buzz through pretty quickly.
This was a pretty cute story. I really liked Stanton & Penelope together. 😍
There are a few things that annoyed me but not enough to dislike the story or not want to finish it.
Some possible spoilers here:
Pen thinking/saying/repeating that she loved him but he saw her as just a friend did get a little old. It was repeated like every few pages. 😅
I also was annoyed that Stanton was "soooo in love" with Penelope for the past six years, but he just went with what was expected of him. C'mon, man, fight for your girl a little.
I did like seeing him stand up for Pen when their families were being pretentious jerks. That should've clued Pen into his real feeling for her the first time he told someone off for disrespecting her.
Overall, this is a good read that you can buzz through pretty quickly.
April 16, 2023
I really liked this story. It is all from Pen’s POV. I wish we had Ant’s view also, but that’s just me—I prefer dual POV. Pen puts on a good face in her hurt, trying to make the best of her situation. Both of their families are truly awful especially her sister. They start to build a solid relationship together, even after her loving him so much for so long, watching as he had been building a life with Gretchen for YEARS. I love how Pen and Ant get so much stronger as a united front. He does such a good job standing up for her—except with Gretchen. That part broke my heart for Pen, especially the timing. Again, Gretchen is an awful person. I love the two of them finding some true friends and family they can actually count on. I love friends to lovers and this one really is that in every sense. I think my favorite part of their relationship was their baths together. Swoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
I really don’t like leaving bad reviews but this one was just boring. It’s also helped me discover a new pet peeve. Well maybe a couple….
The ‘he doesn’t feel the same way I do’ ‘I love him and I know he doesn’t feel the same’ man up woman and have a discussion, let’s not spend 80% of the book whining about it. Then we have a third act breakup that was just rather stupid, and then she never addresses said issue properly with him because he goes all cave man and all is forgiven. Add to that (what I found) boring point in-depth detail about sights, clothing, actions it was just all to much and took away from the plot for me. Me and this book are not a match made in heaven. (I preserved because I could do 3 DNF in a row 🫣)
The ‘he doesn’t feel the same way I do’ ‘I love him and I know he doesn’t feel the same’ man up woman and have a discussion, let’s not spend 80% of the book whining about it. Then we have a third act breakup that was just rather stupid, and then she never addresses said issue properly with him because he goes all cave man and all is forgiven. Add to that (what I found) boring point in-depth detail about sights, clothing, actions it was just all to much and took away from the plot for me. Me and this book are not a match made in heaven. (I preserved because I could do 3 DNF in a row 🫣)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
Secret wishes realised. 4*
This is a charming novel about two people, Penelope, and Stanton, representing the prize of two of Michigan's elite families. Their path to happy bliss comes in the most roundabout way I have ever read. Their friendship since childhood, unbeknownst to either one of them resulted in deep feelings of love for the other in both. Penelope is the consolation bride after her sister ran off with and married her best friend just before her wedding to Stanton. In circles where both sets of parents suffer from illusions of grandeur and marriage is looked upon as a means of advancing in business, financial, and political prestige, feelings are never considered, least of all their own children’s. I would have liked to have seen a kind of ‘showdown’ between the sisters, which Gretchen would have more than deserved. The author described her characters very well and had a great writing style. I am happy to recommend this entertaining, witty novel to all romance lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a charming novel about two people, Penelope, and Stanton, representing the prize of two of Michigan's elite families. Their path to happy bliss comes in the most roundabout way I have ever read. Their friendship since childhood, unbeknownst to either one of them resulted in deep feelings of love for the other in both. Penelope is the consolation bride after her sister ran off with and married her best friend just before her wedding to Stanton. In circles where both sets of parents suffer from illusions of grandeur and marriage is looked upon as a means of advancing in business, financial, and political prestige, feelings are never considered, least of all their own children’s. I would have liked to have seen a kind of ‘showdown’ between the sisters, which Gretchen would have more than deserved. The author described her characters very well and had a great writing style. I am happy to recommend this entertaining, witty novel to all romance lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2023
The Consolation Bride is an arranged marriage to merge two business families together with the planned wedding between Stanton and Gretchen until she runs away with her girlfriend. Penelope, who is Gretchen’s sister, is replaced as Stanton’s bride which is a wonderful turn of events for her as he is her best friend and love of her life. This book is a creative twist on the typical arranged marriage romance theme. It is definitely a quick and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
cute cute cute
I really enjoyed this book. Not the typical love story. The groom is stood up by the bride who runs off to marry her lover. The interfering parents who have ulterior motives decide they will have the bride’s sisters step into the place in the wedding. What the bride and groom don’t know is the motives of both sets of parents is to present a solid family life to start a political career for the groom. This is a fun book with a few unexpected surprises. I loved it and it was never boring.
I really enjoyed this book. Not the typical love story. The groom is stood up by the bride who runs off to marry her lover. The interfering parents who have ulterior motives decide they will have the bride’s sisters step into the place in the wedding. What the bride and groom don’t know is the motives of both sets of parents is to present a solid family life to start a political career for the groom. This is a fun book with a few unexpected surprises. I loved it and it was never boring.
April 4, 2023
I am so glad I chose to read THE CONSOLATION BRIDE. From the first page, I was drawn into this story of arranged society weddings and family expectations. Stanton and Penelope surprise us with their humor, loyalty and character.
I liked the romantic moments a lot. The passionate moments were not overly graphic or gratuitous. The ending was happy but left me wanting more from this lovely couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the romantic moments a lot. The passionate moments were not overly graphic or gratuitous. The ending was happy but left me wanting more from this lovely couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2023
When Gretchen elopes with her girlfriend Penelope steps in to marry Stanton in her place. She has loved him from a distance for a long time. Will she and Stanton be able to move forward and have a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2023
Quick and fun read
Such a cute read. It has that unrequited trope I like, and the marriage of convenience but Ant was so sweet. I really like them. I didn't even mind that Pen walked out because of a misunderstanding (which would usually annoy me) because Ant was so cute with her lol
Such a cute read. It has that unrequited trope I like, and the marriage of convenience but Ant was so sweet. I really like them. I didn't even mind that Pen walked out because of a misunderstanding (which would usually annoy me) because Ant was so cute with her lol
December 14, 2023
Should be10 stars
Could not put this book down, one of the most enjoyable books I've read in awhile. Stanton and Penelope are groomed to follow the family dictates right down to marriage and family.
The story is filled with situations and characters that are so well crafted. Hated some, loved others and wanted to cheer when all is resolved.
Could not put this book down, one of the most enjoyable books I've read in awhile. Stanton and Penelope are groomed to follow the family dictates right down to marriage and family.
The story is filled with situations and characters that are so well crafted. Hated some, loved others and wanted to cheer when all is resolved.
April 1, 2024
UNEXPECTEDLY Awesome!
Wow! Not sure what else to say. This book blew me away. The two main characters were so down to earth, relatable and had chemistry off the charts which they needed to evade all the sharks swimming their way.
Reading as they transverse the infested waters of their life and still manage to come together that leads to a sweet, funny HEA!
Wow! Not sure what else to say. This book blew me away. The two main characters were so down to earth, relatable and had chemistry off the charts which they needed to evade all the sharks swimming their way.
Reading as they transverse the infested waters of their life and still manage to come together that leads to a sweet, funny HEA!
October 22, 2024
Super sweet
I dare you to read this and not fall in love with Ant and Pen. Their story was wonderful. I loved how they came together and were able to be the people they wanted to be, not what their families wanted to be. It was a nice, quick read and a great introduction to a new author for me.
I dare you to read this and not fall in love with Ant and Pen. Their story was wonderful. I loved how they came together and were able to be the people they wanted to be, not what their families wanted to be. It was a nice, quick read and a great introduction to a new author for me.
April 11, 2023
A Perfect RomCom!
I love, love, love everything about this book. The main characters, Pen and Ant are perfect. Their chemistry is off the charts and their personalities accurately reflect their wealthy community of GPS. I know this because I lived in Grosse Pointe Park many many years ago (right of E. Jefferson). It was so much fun recognizing places used in the storyline. I loved the little twists and scenarios that brought then kept Ant and Pen together. There was even a nasty sister and an overbearing mom who luckily neither won. And in the end it’s all about true love finding a way and making the HEA terrific.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a must read and one that belongs on your vacation list of books. I’m looking forward to the next book in this Unexpectedly Married series.
PEACE.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love, love, love everything about this book. The main characters, Pen and Ant are perfect. Their chemistry is off the charts and their personalities accurately reflect their wealthy community of GPS. I know this because I lived in Grosse Pointe Park many many years ago (right of E. Jefferson). It was so much fun recognizing places used in the storyline. I loved the little twists and scenarios that brought then kept Ant and Pen together. There was even a nasty sister and an overbearing mom who luckily neither won. And in the end it’s all about true love finding a way and making the HEA terrific.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a must read and one that belongs on your vacation list of books. I’m looking forward to the next book in this Unexpectedly Married series.
PEACE.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2023
I enjoyed book and figured that Ant really loved Pen, but he was still going to marry Gretchen! Grow up! He was willing to let their families rule his life? What a miserable life that would have been. And when Gretchen shows up again, he just ignored Pen, she was entirely right to leave.
April 11, 2023
The Bride Trade . . .
Two families decide to “merge” with each other through marrying off their children. Stanton was to marry Gretchen. Everything was arranged. Then the unthinkable happened and Gretchen chose to elope with her girlfriend Gabby instead. Scandal was not to be tolerated, however. So Gretchen’s sister Penelope was pulled in as the replacement bride. No one knew that Penelope had loved her friend Stanton for a long time. So she agreed to become the “consolation bride”. Would Stanton be disappointed at losing his fiancé? Would he accept the replacement? And would he find true happiness with a woman who actually loved him? And maybe, had he loved Penelope all along?
Two families decide to “merge” with each other through marrying off their children. Stanton was to marry Gretchen. Everything was arranged. Then the unthinkable happened and Gretchen chose to elope with her girlfriend Gabby instead. Scandal was not to be tolerated, however. So Gretchen’s sister Penelope was pulled in as the replacement bride. No one knew that Penelope had loved her friend Stanton for a long time. So she agreed to become the “consolation bride”. Would Stanton be disappointed at losing his fiancé? Would he accept the replacement? And would he find true happiness with a woman who actually loved him? And maybe, had he loved Penelope all along?
April 14, 2023
I love this story. I love the fact that Pen had to step in for her sister. I love that she was marrying the love of her life. I was hoping she would stand up.for herself more. I love when she tries to normalize the wedding. I love Ant as a character except one small part. I love the way he wants to make things better for Pen. I was hoping Gretchen would turn out to be a better person. I love Sierra and Gloria. The parents are horrendous. I didn't want this one to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2023
A obvious plot that is very used but i keep reading them cause i love the miscommunications drama.
January 6, 2024
I know people hate miscommunication/3rd act breakup but I LOVE them so this was 10/10 for me 💁🏼♀️ plus the next one sounds really good!!
January 10, 2024
3.5 stars
It was a fun story, the sister is a bitch and the parents are just crazy. Singular point of view.
It was a fun story, the sister is a bitch and the parents are just crazy. Singular point of view.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews