Step into the charming chaos of the Bad Luck Wedding series, where love battles superstition in the dusty heart of the American West! Penned by Emily March (aka Geralyn Dawson), this historical romance saga whisks readers to 1870s Texas, blending humor, heart, and a sprinkle of bad luck into tales of strong-willed heroines and reluctant heroes finding their happily-ever-afters.
With its vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters, Bad Luck Wedding has carved a special place in the romance genre, earning March a loyal following and critical praise. Ready to dive into a world where wedding dresses and cakes spell trouble but love always wins? Let’s explore!
How Bad Luck Wedding Began
Emily March, a Texas A&M graduate with a knack for heartfelt storytelling, launched the Bad Luck Wedding series in 1996 under her pseudonym Geralyn Dawson. Inspired by Texas history and her love for historical romance, March crafted a series rooted in the vibrant, rough-and-tumble setting of Fort Worth. The idea of a cursed wedding dress, inspired by a real-life gown linked to misfortune at the North Fort Worth Historical Society, sparked the first book, setting the stage for a series that’s equal parts witty and romantic.
March’s goal was to create stories that made readers laugh, cry, and sigh with contentment. Her background in crafting small-town narratives and her passion for quirky characters shaped the series’ unique blend of humor, suspense, and romance, making it a standout in the historical romance landscape.
The Heart of Bad Luck Wedding
The series kicks off with The Bad Luck Wedding Dress (1996), where dressmaker Jenny Fortune battles a string of bad luck tied to her finest gown. When widower Trace McBride, father to three mischievous daughters dubbed the “McBride Menaces,” rents her a shop, their friendship blossoms into love—but not without drama, jealousy, and a risky wedding day. The Bad Luck Wedding Cake (1998), a RITA Award finalist, follows bakery owner Claire Donovan and Tye McBride in a marriage of convenience that turns inconveniently passionate.
Simmer All Night (1999), the first of the Bad Luck Abroad trilogy, takes the action to England, where Chili Queen Christina Delaney stirs scandal and romance. Her Outlaw (2007) wraps up the series with Emma McBride Tate’s adventurous fling with Alasdair MacRae, blending romance with a quest for treasure. Themes of overcoming adversity, defying societal norms, and embracing second chances weave through the series, set against the rugged backdrop of Texas and beyond. March’s playful dialogue and knack for suspense keep readers hooked, while her heroines—independent and spunky—shine as trailblazers in a male-dominated world.
The series’ style is light yet emotionally rich, with vivid settings that transport readers to bustling saloons, grand English estates, and dusty trails. Whether it’s the McBride family’s antics or a cursed dress causing chaos, each book delivers a fresh take on love’s triumph over misfortune.
Why Bad Luck Wedding Resonates
Bad Luck Wedding’s blend of humor, romance, and superstition has captivated readers, earning it a spot on USA Today bestseller lists and praise for March’s “delightful banter.” Fans adore the series’ quirky premise and relatable characters, from feisty heroines to roguish heroes wrestling with their pasts. Its exploration of resilience and love’s power to conquer bad luck strikes a universal chord, making it a timeless escape for romance lovers.
The series also showcases March’s versatility, bridging historical and contemporary romance with ease. By centering strong women who defy convention, it offers a feminist twist on the genre, inspiring readers to root for characters who carve their own paths. Decades later, Bad Luck Wedding remains a beloved gem for fans seeking heartwarming, adventurous tales.
- Publication Years: 1996–2007
- Number of Books: 6 novels, 1 novella
- Notable Award: RITA Award finalist for The Bad Luck Wedding Cake
- Setting: Primarily Fort Worth, Texas, with some stories in England and Scotland
Grab The Bad Luck Wedding Dress and dive into the wild, romantic world of Bad Luck Wedding—where love always beats the odds!