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Another Arranged Marriage #3
An Article Of Lies
Another one of those MM Arranged Marriage Stories between two princes this time.
Prince Remy of Bentley was happy enough in his life. He had a loving family, and could keep himself busy every day, especially caring for his lizard, Daisy. But his calm and uneventful days came to an abrupt halt when his father announced someone had started negotiations for a marriage contract and he was the intended groom. The problem was the man behind the negotiations was the one Crown Prince in the world who hated him - Xavier.
Crown Prince Xavier of Balenborn had waited ten years to marry Prince Remy and he wasn't going to be thwarted by the knowledge that his intended might not like him very much. Many marriages were conducted between royal and society families, where the couple didn't know each other very well, and as far as he was concerned, he and Remy could learn about each other over time. The marriage contract was the only way Xavier could let Remy know how serious he was about him.
Initially things went well, but unlike Remy, Xavier had led a public life. One suspicious word in the wrong place, and his reputation was suddenly in tatters. Will Remy stand by his man, or will the social class expectations relating to royal families pull them apart?
This is part of the Arranged Marriage world I've created, although this story can be read as a standalone. The Epilogue sets the scene for the next book in this series.
Prince Remy of Bentley was happy enough in his life. He had a loving family, and could keep himself busy every day, especially caring for his lizard, Daisy. But his calm and uneventful days came to an abrupt halt when his father announced someone had started negotiations for a marriage contract and he was the intended groom. The problem was the man behind the negotiations was the one Crown Prince in the world who hated him - Xavier.
Crown Prince Xavier of Balenborn had waited ten years to marry Prince Remy and he wasn't going to be thwarted by the knowledge that his intended might not like him very much. Many marriages were conducted between royal and society families, where the couple didn't know each other very well, and as far as he was concerned, he and Remy could learn about each other over time. The marriage contract was the only way Xavier could let Remy know how serious he was about him.
Initially things went well, but unlike Remy, Xavier had led a public life. One suspicious word in the wrong place, and his reputation was suddenly in tatters. Will Remy stand by his man, or will the social class expectations relating to royal families pull them apart?
This is part of the Arranged Marriage world I've created, although this story can be read as a standalone. The Epilogue sets the scene for the next book in this series.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2023
70 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Oliver
200 books954 followersLisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 12, 2023
What I liked about this book was the fact the couple used their ability of speech and talked to one another without assuming. They also seemed to actually put some effort into accommodating and participating in one another's passions. Also, some sensible actions were taken, like giving people the opportunity to see the real Xavier instead of hiding him away letting opinions fester. But there were also didn't get. One of them were why Xavier waited 10 years, his explanations didn't make much sense to me after he was over the age of 18 or 20. Or how people judged him who should know better. If the rumors actually were true, why did not a one person come forward 🙄 or how people actually dared speak to royalty in their face or within hearing range and they seemed impotent to do anything about it? I can think of one action at the top of my hat - throwing them out and banning them only from the next 3 events if the apologise honestly. (And not only turning one person out not for the extremely rude things she said but that she used the name of the person besmirching Zaviers name in the first place)
dnf
April 23, 2023Stopped at around 25%. Didn't see the point. I like arranged marriage (if done right). I really liked the combination of monarchies in the modern world - why have one or the other when you can have both? And I could have overlooked the little details, the wording (who refers to their sister as my younter sister Sophie when talking to their mum? such a blatant explanation for the reader).
But this was not an arranged marriage. The trope is all about putting together two people who either don't know or sometimes don't like each other. And find love after the marriage. Xavier pinned for Remy for more than ten years. Remy wants Xavier back. They court and like each other before the marriage.
And I can't abide the stupidity. The stupidity of waiting ten years and suddenly deciding ok, now I am ready to pull my head out of my ass. The characters had a hard time justifying themselves to each other - as I reader, I was not impressed. It hurts something in my brain when characters be stupid and this... I just couldn't go on.
This is why I am weary of authors that write so much. 102th book? Dear heavens, I can't imagine there was a unique thought in there after the 20th one, much less now!
I am sure many reader obviously like the books, maybe even all 100 of them, but I am gonna have to pass.
But this was not an arranged marriage. The trope is all about putting together two people who either don't know or sometimes don't like each other. And find love after the marriage. Xavier pinned for Remy for more than ten years. Remy wants Xavier back. They court and like each other before the marriage.
And I can't abide the stupidity. The stupidity of waiting ten years and suddenly deciding ok, now I am ready to pull my head out of my ass. The characters had a hard time justifying themselves to each other - as I reader, I was not impressed. It hurts something in my brain when characters be stupid and this... I just couldn't go on.
This is why I am weary of authors that write so much. 102th book? Dear heavens, I can't imagine there was a unique thought in there after the 20th one, much less now!
I am sure many reader obviously like the books, maybe even all 100 of them, but I am gonna have to pass.
May 15, 2023
It was just…okay
***2.5 stars***
I was so looking forward to this book as I do really enjoy this series. However, this book totally missed the mark for me. Too much worry over nothing, which made me feel like it was filler. Really anticlimactic IMO. Just meh 😒. Hoping this is just a fluke and that the next book is wonderful :)
***2.5 stars***
I was so looking forward to this book as I do really enjoy this series. However, this book totally missed the mark for me. Too much worry over nothing, which made me feel like it was filler. Really anticlimactic IMO. Just meh 😒. Hoping this is just a fluke and that the next book is wonderful :)
May 10, 2023
This was so good. Engaging, entrapping, I couldn't let it go. I kind of wish Remy had been able to take his Daisy to his new home, but I think his husband will do him right in the lizard department.
April 20, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and I think Daisy was my favorite character. I loved both of the MCs but I thought the scandal surrounding Xavier to be a bit overblown. I also didn't really understand the motives behind the main bad guy's actions. Still this was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book and I think Daisy was my favorite character. I loved both of the MCs but I thought the scandal surrounding Xavier to be a bit overblown. I also didn't really understand the motives behind the main bad guy's actions. Still this was an enjoyable read.
June 3, 2023
Another hit Lisa.
Like the cover too.
Like the cover too.
April 9, 2023
The good
+ Is it really an arranged marriage if one guy has been pining after the other for ten years and just decides to send a marriage contract so he can finally marry his crush?
+ Daisy and Mr Daisy
+ Remy punching the greasy guy in the jaw
+ How they both wanted to protect each other, but without being smothering. They did support each other's capabilities
+ Remy making friends with all the townsfolk
+ Their dream of becoming pirates and owning bookshops
+ Good communication and honesty
+ No secrets
The neutral
o
o Did Remy go back to visit Daisy?
The bad
- This was some kind of historical fantasy, but used really modern phrases that pulled me right out of the story. Aside from Xavier calling Remy 'babe' once, they even talked about a 'shotgun marriage' multiple times. Everyone had swords and knives, and there was no evidence of a single firearm in existence in this world
- A negative story about Xavier came out in some kind of society newspaper, and when the claims made were deemed false and an act of revenge, the damage was apparently already done and some people would always think "but what if she was right?". But there are people in their world who are literal lie detectors. I don't understand why he couldn't have publicly had the lie detector human confirm he hadn't had sex in years or never had sex with a woman or anything else to prove the claims were absolutely false
-
- The first time Xavier felt attraction to Remy, Xavier was 21 and Remy was 15. This meeting was recalled quite a few times, and 'waiting for Remy to grow up' was also mentioned disturbingly often. I understand nothing happened back then, but I don't see the need for this to be a part of the book at all. Xavier's attraction could just as well have started after Remy was 18, or their age difference could have been smaller. There was no realy need to have it play out this exact way. Since they never spoke after that first meeting, Xavier only knows the guy he's been pining for for ten years the way he was when he was 15. It's just all pretty uncomfortable and unnecessary
Quotes
x "You're carrying food. I'll follow you anywhere."
x "Honestly, I have the personality of a newt." "My best friend is a lizard. I'm sure I'd have room in my heart for a newt as well."
x "You've never considered marrying anyone else?" "I resigned myself to a very lonely life, watching you from afar with your beautiful princess. Not in the manner of a stalker, you understand. Just as a hobby."
x "I'd rather be a married pirate who ran bookshops as a sideline."
I loved the first two books in this series. Compared to those, this one really fell short. So many things didn't make sense or weren't necessary this way that it really took away from my enjoyment of the story. I did enjoy the mutual pining, the way they got together and their stellar communication. However, I wouldn't recommend this book because the other two in the series are far superior.
+ Is it really an arranged marriage if one guy has been pining after the other for ten years and just decides to send a marriage contract so he can finally marry his crush?
+ Daisy and Mr Daisy
+ Remy punching the greasy guy in the jaw
+ How they both wanted to protect each other, but without being smothering. They did support each other's capabilities
+ Remy making friends with all the townsfolk
+ Their dream of becoming pirates and owning bookshops
+ Good communication and honesty
+ No secrets
The neutral
o
o Did Remy go back to visit Daisy?
The bad
- This was some kind of historical fantasy, but used really modern phrases that pulled me right out of the story. Aside from Xavier calling Remy 'babe' once, they even talked about a 'shotgun marriage' multiple times. Everyone had swords and knives, and there was no evidence of a single firearm in existence in this world
- A negative story about Xavier came out in some kind of society newspaper, and when the claims made were deemed false and an act of revenge, the damage was apparently already done and some people would always think "but what if she was right?". But there are people in their world who are literal lie detectors. I don't understand why he couldn't have publicly had the lie detector human confirm he hadn't had sex in years or never had sex with a woman or anything else to prove the claims were absolutely false
-
- The first time Xavier felt attraction to Remy, Xavier was 21 and Remy was 15. This meeting was recalled quite a few times, and 'waiting for Remy to grow up' was also mentioned disturbingly often. I understand nothing happened back then, but I don't see the need for this to be a part of the book at all. Xavier's attraction could just as well have started after Remy was 18, or their age difference could have been smaller. There was no realy need to have it play out this exact way. Since they never spoke after that first meeting, Xavier only knows the guy he's been pining for for ten years the way he was when he was 15. It's just all pretty uncomfortable and unnecessary
Quotes
x "You're carrying food. I'll follow you anywhere."
x "Honestly, I have the personality of a newt." "My best friend is a lizard. I'm sure I'd have room in my heart for a newt as well."
x "You've never considered marrying anyone else?" "I resigned myself to a very lonely life, watching you from afar with your beautiful princess. Not in the manner of a stalker, you understand. Just as a hobby."
x "I'd rather be a married pirate who ran bookshops as a sideline."
I loved the first two books in this series. Compared to those, this one really fell short. So many things didn't make sense or weren't necessary this way that it really took away from my enjoyment of the story. I did enjoy the mutual pining, the way they got together and their stellar communication. However, I wouldn't recommend this book because the other two in the series are far superior.
July 28, 2023
Public relations
When lies go public, would you try to dispute them or instead run and hide? And would your family and loved ones stand by your side or quietly look away? That's truly what this story is about and it was very enjoyable the way that it went.
Prince Remy is shocked when an offer for his hand is made by another nation's prince, Prince Xavier, who he is certain hates him. Not wanting to cause an offense that would damage their countries relations Remy goes into the marriage positive it is simply a political show and a front for his known womanizer of a husband. Xavier soon works to dispute that though, wooing his husband and showing him that this is meant to be a true marriage of support, companionship, and hopefully love.
The trouble comes when an article is written of Xavier, a scathing indictment of his person and his nature, bringing the marriage into question to the general public. Xavier wants nothing more than to spare his family and his husband the embarrassment and the quietly slip away, but they aren't so ready to let that happen.
This book is a show of love and support. Building a relationship when it had a rocky start, even if there was valid reason for that and some social anxiety to boot. Finding a path to a future together when one was never imagined and suddenly is so promising is both exciting and terrifying. Then having to defend it all to a doubting populace tests it all over again. The story didn't slip into angst and moping though, instead taking action and giving support and strength through the hard times. A sweet and endearing read!
When lies go public, would you try to dispute them or instead run and hide? And would your family and loved ones stand by your side or quietly look away? That's truly what this story is about and it was very enjoyable the way that it went.
Prince Remy is shocked when an offer for his hand is made by another nation's prince, Prince Xavier, who he is certain hates him. Not wanting to cause an offense that would damage their countries relations Remy goes into the marriage positive it is simply a political show and a front for his known womanizer of a husband. Xavier soon works to dispute that though, wooing his husband and showing him that this is meant to be a true marriage of support, companionship, and hopefully love.
The trouble comes when an article is written of Xavier, a scathing indictment of his person and his nature, bringing the marriage into question to the general public. Xavier wants nothing more than to spare his family and his husband the embarrassment and the quietly slip away, but they aren't so ready to let that happen.
This book is a show of love and support. Building a relationship when it had a rocky start, even if there was valid reason for that and some social anxiety to boot. Finding a path to a future together when one was never imagined and suddenly is so promising is both exciting and terrifying. Then having to defend it all to a doubting populace tests it all over again. The story didn't slip into angst and moping though, instead taking action and giving support and strength through the hard times. A sweet and endearing read!
January 20, 2024
Another delightful romance, except...
I enjoyed this book very much, just like the ones that came before it from this author. Interesting characters, fun world building - if fairly minimal, and a lively romance story. However, the only problem I had with this was the editor, or editors, missed a number of typos that kept pulling me out of the story. Never a good thing, though it does not mean a story is bad, just that it didn't get polished enough before being presented for public view. It mainly struck me that, somewhere along the line, there was confusion about how multiples are indicated - definitely not via apostrophe s. Not all the multiples were incorrect, but over half, it seemed to me; more in some chapters than others. There were a very few other syntax errors here and there, but that's almost impossible to get rid of, it seems. If it were just a couple here or there, I wouldn't say anything, no one needs to be that picky, but this book had at least one in every chapter, usually more - the incorrect pluralization, that is.
Still, these little issues did not keep me from finishing the story, or from enjoying it. I can recommend this story, just with the caveat that one should expect a few bumps here and there.
(A plural is generally indicated by an s at the end, not an apostrophe s. Usually an apostrophe s indicates a possessive: that is Fred's box, I saw Harry's horse, we enjoyed sailing in Erica's boat. That sort of thing.)
I enjoyed this book very much, just like the ones that came before it from this author. Interesting characters, fun world building - if fairly minimal, and a lively romance story. However, the only problem I had with this was the editor, or editors, missed a number of typos that kept pulling me out of the story. Never a good thing, though it does not mean a story is bad, just that it didn't get polished enough before being presented for public view. It mainly struck me that, somewhere along the line, there was confusion about how multiples are indicated - definitely not via apostrophe s. Not all the multiples were incorrect, but over half, it seemed to me; more in some chapters than others. There were a very few other syntax errors here and there, but that's almost impossible to get rid of, it seems. If it were just a couple here or there, I wouldn't say anything, no one needs to be that picky, but this book had at least one in every chapter, usually more - the incorrect pluralization, that is.
Still, these little issues did not keep me from finishing the story, or from enjoying it. I can recommend this story, just with the caveat that one should expect a few bumps here and there.
(A plural is generally indicated by an s at the end, not an apostrophe s. Usually an apostrophe s indicates a possessive: that is Fred's box, I saw Harry's horse, we enjoyed sailing in Erica's boat. That sort of thing.)
April 9, 2023
Skillful, but mostly not to my taste
Things I liked:
- A couple who genuinely like each other
- supportive, kind family
- a world without homophobia
Things I didn't like:
- a lot of things just didn't add up. There seemed to be a lot of overreacting. A lot of drama with not much behind it.
- too many whiffs of a bunch of stuff I hate, like preserving virginity, romanticizing saving oneself, undue prudishness. Like the part where they had just got married and Xavier was unsure if they might spend the night together at the castle. What? It was their wedding night. I don't know of any society in history so prudish as to keep newlyweds apart.
That's just an example, there were a lot of things like that. Not being naked around each other for so long after marriage. Come on. It just felt silly.
Things I liked:
- A couple who genuinely like each other
- supportive, kind family
- a world without homophobia
Things I didn't like:
- a lot of things just didn't add up. There seemed to be a lot of overreacting. A lot of drama with not much behind it.
- too many whiffs of a bunch of stuff I hate, like preserving virginity, romanticizing saving oneself, undue prudishness. Like the part where they had just got married and Xavier was unsure if they might spend the night together at the castle. What? It was their wedding night. I don't know of any society in history so prudish as to keep newlyweds apart.
That's just an example, there were a lot of things like that. Not being naked around each other for so long after marriage. Come on. It just felt silly.
September 14, 2025
This is an enjoyable, fairly low-angst tale of two royals who have been attracted to each other for the past ten years. Since Prince Remy was only 15 years old when he first made a pass at Crown Prince Xavier, he was soundly rejected. Remy always assumed the rejection was about his person, not realizing that it was about his age at the time.
Now, ten years later, both men are adults and meeting again. Xavier is tired of waiting and has approached Remy's father with a marriage contract. Since Remy never stopped liking Xavier, he wonders if he should just go ahead. Still, there are many tabloid rumors that Xavier is quite the dark-natured player. This book has adventure, danger, betrayals, passion, and a strong forever love.
Now, ten years later, both men are adults and meeting again. Xavier is tired of waiting and has approached Remy's father with a marriage contract. Since Remy never stopped liking Xavier, he wonders if he should just go ahead. Still, there are many tabloid rumors that Xavier is quite the dark-natured player. This book has adventure, danger, betrayals, passion, and a strong forever love.
June 5, 2024
Princes in love
Crown Prince Xavier has been in love for ten years with Prince Remy and has finally entered into a marriage contract for his hand.. Remy is puzzled as he thinks Xavier dislikes him and is delighted with explanations. Meanwhile a rejected woman writes a vicious article in a widespread magazine that ruins Xavier*s reputation. Is the wedding off? That question along with death threats, attempted kidnapping and society snubs are part of this delightful story. Love and happiness take us to a wonderful HEA.
Crown Prince Xavier has been in love for ten years with Prince Remy and has finally entered into a marriage contract for his hand.. Remy is puzzled as he thinks Xavier dislikes him and is delighted with explanations. Meanwhile a rejected woman writes a vicious article in a widespread magazine that ruins Xavier*s reputation. Is the wedding off? That question along with death threats, attempted kidnapping and society snubs are part of this delightful story. Love and happiness take us to a wonderful HEA.
April 9, 2023
Although this is #3 in the series, it seems as if they can be read as standalone, although #4 looks to follow on from this couple. Not sure if its the featured couple or another which appeared towards the end of the book.
Its an arranged MM marriage but one in which both parties are fully accepting and are ready to start their new lives.
Liked Daisy the lizard and was sad when she had to be left behind but who knows what the future holds.
Its an arranged MM marriage but one in which both parties are fully accepting and are ready to start their new lives.
Liked Daisy the lizard and was sad when she had to be left behind but who knows what the future holds.
December 24, 2023
Prince Remy and crown prince Xavier's story is not as funny as the book before it, but it's not a problem - it's still a lot of fun! It features a couple of schemers who scheme, a big orange lizard, and a couple of lovely men who are really good at being honest with one another, once they get to talking properly.
It ends with a soft cliffhanger, so I'm going to jump right to the next book in the series.
It ends with a soft cliffhanger, so I'm going to jump right to the next book in the series.
April 17, 2024
I liked the start of this but sadly, it was a very rocky read for me and I almost didn't make it past the 60/70%-ish mark. Xavier and Remy didn't catch me the way Nikolas and Caspian did. The plot seemed a bit disjointed and to drag on much longer than necessary. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Xavier and Remy and couldn't for the life of me understand why a king and queen would employ advisors who refuse to actually control the damage done to their son and heir?
April 8, 2023
Absolutely AMAZING!
Omfg. This was probably Lisa Oliver's best work yet, and that is saying something. Remy and Xavier were BEYOND perfect together. Their entire romance was a thing of beauty and watching it unfold was pure joy. This is going to be a REPEATED and favorite reread.
48 trillion stars for this gem!
Omfg. This was probably Lisa Oliver's best work yet, and that is saying something. Remy and Xavier were BEYOND perfect together. Their entire romance was a thing of beauty and watching it unfold was pure joy. This is going to be a REPEATED and favorite reread.
48 trillion stars for this gem!
April 9, 2023
Another great story in this magical Regency style world. A slow burn, lots of pining. A bit of angst. Remy and Xavier are strong characters with a ton of chemistry. Both have strong family roots.
A fun, quick read that I can see becoming a story I'll reread again and again. Love this world. Love this series.
A fun, quick read that I can see becoming a story I'll reread again and again. Love this world. Love this series.
September 14, 2023
OKAY I just started this book and I'm just on page 10. But is this historical or modern? 😂 Also, they fell in love way too quickly for an arranged marriage. Like come on, that doesn't happen. But the emotional maturity is doing it for me. But I guess I just like when its enemies to lovers. But let me see how this goes
April 9, 2023
An Article of Lies
After reading the previous book, went straight onto this one. I was equally impressed I really liked Xavier and Remy together. I liked there was no relationship conflict once they got together.
After reading the previous book, went straight onto this one. I was equally impressed I really liked Xavier and Remy together. I liked there was no relationship conflict once they got together.
July 3, 2023
A few typos and a few sentences that simply make no sense. There is also recurring mention of eloping to become pirates who run bookshops on the side. Alas this never actually happens, that would have been a fine story.
January 18, 2024
very teenage
OMG, this one article proven to be baseless was the equivalent of a bad high school rumor where the teenage girl’s life is over. I was so tired of these two grown men behaving so juvenile. I lost count of how many times they thought the wedding would be canceled.
OMG, this one article proven to be baseless was the equivalent of a bad high school rumor where the teenage girl’s life is over. I was so tired of these two grown men behaving so juvenile. I lost count of how many times they thought the wedding would be canceled.
June 12, 2024
loved it!
I adored Remy and Xavier! This whole series has been delightful and I will be reading these again for years. I truly enjoyed it. These two are perfect for each other and very swoonworthy. 🥰
I adored Remy and Xavier! This whole series has been delightful and I will be reading these again for years. I truly enjoyed it. These two are perfect for each other and very swoonworthy. 🥰
Read
May 2, 2023Actually epub, but that version isn't listed.
May 15, 2023
Great read
Love the characters Remy is by far my favorite they made him the unpredictable one I loved the way this turned out .
Love the characters Remy is by far my favorite they made him the unpredictable one I loved the way this turned out .
May 28, 2023
a bland but sweet love story
This book was a very bland but sweet love story. No real tension or adjustment between the main characters. Just a whole book of happily ever after
This book was a very bland but sweet love story. No real tension or adjustment between the main characters. Just a whole book of happily ever after
February 25, 2024
3.5 stars - a sweet read, though the love story felt a bit unrealistic.
March 15, 2024
Only slightly better than the previous book. But still, I didn't quite get the urgency of the scandal. I also had a hard time understanding Dante's motives.
July 20, 2024
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