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The Marriage Proposition
A business proposal of marriage!
When Paige looked at Nick Destry she could hardly believe she was married to him! A successful banker, Nick was confidently sexybut ruthless. He'd wanted a seat on the board, and he'd married Paige to get one.
Paige decided to act as if their wedding was just a business proposition. But it was hard sharing Nick's bed. She decided he couldn't have everything his own wayif he truly wanted her, he would have to prove it!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
13 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Sara Craven
493 books266 followersAnne Bushell was born on October 1938 in South Devon, England, just before World War II and grew up in a house crammed with books. She was always a voracious reader, some of her all-time favorites books are: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, "Middlemarch" by George Eliot, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell and "The Code of the Woosters" by P. G. Wodehouse.
She worked as journalist at the Paignton Observer, but after her marriage, she moved to the north of England, where she worked as teacher. After she returned to journalism, she joined the Middlesbrough Writers' Group, where she met other romance writer Mildred Grieveson (Anne Mather). She started to wrote romance, and she had her first novel "Garden of Dreams" accepted by Mills & Boon in 1975, she published her work under the pseudonym of Sara Craven. In 2010 she became chairman of the Southern Writers' Conference, and the next year was elected the twenty-six Chairman (2011–2013) of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Divorced twice, Annie lives in Somerset, South West England, and shares her home with a West Highland white terrier called Bertie Wooster. In her house, she had several thousand books, and an amazing video collection. When she's not writing, she enjoys watching very old films, listening to music, going to the theatre, and eating in good restaurants. She also likes to travel in Europe, to inspire her romances, especially in France, Greece and Italy where many of her novels are set. Since the birth of her twin grandchildren, she is also a regular visitor to New York City, where the little tots live. In 1997, she was the overall winner of the BBC's Mastermind, winning the last final presented by Magnus Magnusson.
She worked as journalist at the Paignton Observer, but after her marriage, she moved to the north of England, where she worked as teacher. After she returned to journalism, she joined the Middlesbrough Writers' Group, where she met other romance writer Mildred Grieveson (Anne Mather). She started to wrote romance, and she had her first novel "Garden of Dreams" accepted by Mills & Boon in 1975, she published her work under the pseudonym of Sara Craven. In 2010 she became chairman of the Southern Writers' Conference, and the next year was elected the twenty-six Chairman (2011–2013) of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Divorced twice, Annie lives in Somerset, South West England, and shares her home with a West Highland white terrier called Bertie Wooster. In her house, she had several thousand books, and an amazing video collection. When she's not writing, she enjoys watching very old films, listening to music, going to the theatre, and eating in good restaurants. She also likes to travel in Europe, to inspire her romances, especially in France, Greece and Italy where many of her novels are set. Since the birth of her twin grandchildren, she is also a regular visitor to New York City, where the little tots live. In 1997, she was the overall winner of the BBC's Mastermind, winning the last final presented by Magnus Magnusson.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2018
This story never really came together. It's a forced marriage story - heroine agrees to marry businessman hero to save the family business. Her brother has a spendthrift wife and is siphoning money as well.
Sara Craven could write this plot in her sleep and I think she might have. There are many abrupt flashbacks and times the heroine just checks out from the present moment - it got weird after awhile.
It was obvious the hero was interested in the heroine from the beginning, but he did everything wrong - I mean everything. From the insulting way he responded to her overture in a wine bar to pulling back when she was afraid of the dark on their wedding night this guy was a trainwreck. And no, he didn't cheat during their year-long celibate marriage - he just wanted the heroine to be jealous. And yes, I believed him because he is that stupid.
The hurricane as a plot device to bring them together was fine - but ultimately it didn't bring them together, so what was the point? The big drama came early and was replaced by? Words. I dunno. This one was a mess.
Sara Craven could write this plot in her sleep and I think she might have. There are many abrupt flashbacks and times the heroine just checks out from the present moment - it got weird after awhile.
It was obvious the hero was interested in the heroine from the beginning, but he did everything wrong - I mean everything. From the insulting way he responded to her overture in a wine bar to pulling back when she was afraid of the dark on their wedding night this guy was a trainwreck. And no, he didn't cheat during their year-long celibate marriage - he just wanted the heroine to be jealous. And yes, I believed him because he is that stupid.
The hurricane as a plot device to bring them together was fine - but ultimately it didn't bring them together, so what was the point? The big drama came early and was replaced by? Words. I dunno. This one was a mess.
September 26, 2017
What did I think?
Hero
Lost his balls somewhere in HPlandia and, with them, his ability to think logically.
Heroine
Owner of a traitorous body and martyr complex.
Romance
Milder than baby shampoo.
My frustration level, and subsequent rant
High, and very rant-y.
It's a testament to Sara Craven's writing that despite my immense frustration with the flawed protagonists I still found myself invested in their story, so 2-okay stars it is.
Hero
Lost his balls somewhere in HPlandia and, with them, his ability to think logically.
Heroine
Owner of a traitorous body and martyr complex.
Romance
Milder than baby shampoo.
My frustration level, and subsequent rant
High, and very rant-y.
It's a testament to Sara Craven's writing that despite my immense frustration with the flawed protagonists I still found myself invested in their story, so 2-okay stars it is.
April 6, 2020
Typical Sara Craven, smitten but rude hero who doesn’t bulge an inch, sweet yet strong heroine who quivers for him.
Angst later happy birthday ending.
Recommended.
Angst later happy birthday ending.
Recommended.
August 26, 2021
I don’t like the story telling. It goes from present to past to present to past to present to past, etc.
So many flashbacks that I found it difficult to see if what I was reading at that moment was again something that happened in the past or was it the present?
It was confusing, so I never really got into it.
So many flashbacks that I found it difficult to see if what I was reading at that moment was again something that happened in the past or was it the present?
It was confusing, so I never really got into it.
August 15, 2023
I'm into the last handful of SCs and this was proving elusive til I happened across it as part of a triple 'His Contract Bride' on Open Library. Very much another competent day at the office. Nick is attractive but outwardly callous and Paige is your typical virgin sacrificing herself on the altar of saving the family firm with a MoC. I liked their initial hen party wine bar encounter, which was more modern than you usually get in a SC but the rest of it was pretty par for the course. The usual food porn ensues in the Caribbean and a Normandy chateau.
October 13, 2011
The thought that kept running through my head as I read this book was that Nick Destry was freaking hot. Like, jaw-dropping hot, drop-dead gorgeous kind of hot! :P He was an amazing hero for the book and I certainly loved reading about him.
Ok so this book was really a very nice book. I enjoyed reading it and I felt that the author carried off the emotions of the 2 characters perfectly. Even though there was none of Nick's POV, I could just see from everything he said and did exactly how much he loved Paige. Though I like to have some of the hero's POV, in this case, it wasn't even necessary. The writing was so good that I could just read and know how he felt without me having to guess.
When I first started reading, it was like a huge puzzle in my mind that just could not be solved. Through the flashbacks, the puzzle started to fill up and let me tell you, that just kept me hooked on the book. And I apologise for my English. My grammar and language and everything is just haywire now. I have no idea why, maybe I'm too tired. But yes, back to the book. The overall storyline was very good. It certainly kept my eyes glued to the book. Add that to the fact that her characters were very well-written and well-developed and you get an amazing plot which just arouses emotions in you.
Let me talk a little about the characters first. Nick is in a word, hot. He's gorgeous, rich, sweet, sensual, just... wow. As the book went on, I fell more and more in love with him. The way he treated Paige was just so sweet and nice! They were in love when they were married, I could just see that. But because of his one wrong move, the whole marriage fell apart. My heart broke for them as I read about Paige recalling their honeymoon. Throughout that, I could really see how Nick loved her. At that time, I truly truly believed that he wanted the marriage to work, but he didn't succeed. My heart really broke for him. I saw that he really did love her, but because of his one mistake, he lost her. Of course, later on in the book, I found out all his motives for the marriage and all. And its just so sweet and cheesy. But still sweet!
As for Paige, I really admired her. I mean, he was so hot and everything. When they were in the room together, she was so attracted to him, yet she didn't show it and made all those cool and witty remarks. And the moment she did that, I loved her character. I don't really like it when the girl falls to the guy's feet cos he says or does something seductive and all. I mean, I prefer my heroines to have some backbone, to be able to resist their attraction, or at least try to. It really makes me admire them and like them. As the book progressed, I saw more of how she had been hurt and I could truly understand why she acted the way she did. She's also a very loyal person. Read the end, you'll know what I mean.
This book would have been perfect were it not for just one thing that I felt should have been addressed. Oh, there will be a spoiler!!!!!!!!!!! So look away if you care!!
So, Nick accused her of sleeping with him to cover up stuff cos of some stuff he overheard. But I felt that this wasn't resolved properly. I mean, it's quite a serious accusation. But, I felt it was brushed over too easily and it wasn't really resolved. I dunno, maybe its just me...
Another thing is that I didn't really enjoy the way he expressed his love for her. It started off good, but the middle was just meh, but the ending was pretty good! Then again, this is my own preference, so others may find the whole part amazing.
Yes, so all in all, I really did enjoy reading this book. NICK IS FREAKING HOT!!!!! I would read it again, just for him:P heh, but really, I feel this book is worth your while. The characters were really good, the plot was very good. I don't actually have any true complaints, apart from that little things above! So, yes, you should pick up this book! An easy read but their love is still amazingly sweet.
Ok so this book was really a very nice book. I enjoyed reading it and I felt that the author carried off the emotions of the 2 characters perfectly. Even though there was none of Nick's POV, I could just see from everything he said and did exactly how much he loved Paige. Though I like to have some of the hero's POV, in this case, it wasn't even necessary. The writing was so good that I could just read and know how he felt without me having to guess.
When I first started reading, it was like a huge puzzle in my mind that just could not be solved. Through the flashbacks, the puzzle started to fill up and let me tell you, that just kept me hooked on the book. And I apologise for my English. My grammar and language and everything is just haywire now. I have no idea why, maybe I'm too tired. But yes, back to the book. The overall storyline was very good. It certainly kept my eyes glued to the book. Add that to the fact that her characters were very well-written and well-developed and you get an amazing plot which just arouses emotions in you.
Let me talk a little about the characters first. Nick is in a word, hot. He's gorgeous, rich, sweet, sensual, just... wow. As the book went on, I fell more and more in love with him. The way he treated Paige was just so sweet and nice! They were in love when they were married, I could just see that. But because of his one wrong move, the whole marriage fell apart. My heart broke for them as I read about Paige recalling their honeymoon. Throughout that, I could really see how Nick loved her. At that time, I truly truly believed that he wanted the marriage to work, but he didn't succeed. My heart really broke for him. I saw that he really did love her, but because of his one mistake, he lost her. Of course, later on in the book, I found out all his motives for the marriage and all. And its just so sweet and cheesy. But still sweet!
As for Paige, I really admired her. I mean, he was so hot and everything. When they were in the room together, she was so attracted to him, yet she didn't show it and made all those cool and witty remarks. And the moment she did that, I loved her character. I don't really like it when the girl falls to the guy's feet cos he says or does something seductive and all. I mean, I prefer my heroines to have some backbone, to be able to resist their attraction, or at least try to. It really makes me admire them and like them. As the book progressed, I saw more of how she had been hurt and I could truly understand why she acted the way she did. She's also a very loyal person. Read the end, you'll know what I mean.
This book would have been perfect were it not for just one thing that I felt should have been addressed. Oh, there will be a spoiler!!!!!!!!!!! So look away if you care!!
So, Nick accused her of sleeping with him to cover up stuff cos of some stuff he overheard. But I felt that this wasn't resolved properly. I mean, it's quite a serious accusation. But, I felt it was brushed over too easily and it wasn't really resolved. I dunno, maybe its just me...
Another thing is that I didn't really enjoy the way he expressed his love for her. It started off good, but the middle was just meh, but the ending was pretty good! Then again, this is my own preference, so others may find the whole part amazing.
Yes, so all in all, I really did enjoy reading this book. NICK IS FREAKING HOT!!!!! I would read it again, just for him:P heh, but really, I feel this book is worth your while. The characters were really good, the plot was very good. I don't actually have any true complaints, apart from that little things above! So, yes, you should pick up this book! An easy read but their love is still amazingly sweet.
January 26, 2018
Perdita di stelle. Ma cominciamo dal principio. Non mi piacciono i romanzi con il tempo incasinato. Sono un’anima semplice. Inizio, svolgimento, fine: come i temi alle elementari. Sara invece mescola passato e presente come per impastare una brioche. E a me viene il mal di mare. -1. Nick, il Lui della situazione, è un arrogante, supponente, antipatico e viscido bastardo. È un figaccione, ma è l’unico pregio che ha. -2. Paige, la Lei della situazione, è una donna con un po’ più di senso logico. Determinata ma fragile, accorta ma avventata. Pregi e difetti, debolezze e faccia tosta. Ma perde totalmente la mia stima quando – durante il primo, biblico evento - scopriamo che è vergine. Non ci è dato sapere l’età dei protagonisti, ma dal sentore che emana la trama direi sui 25-30 anni. E una verginella di quell’età, con l’ambiente da cui proviene, con il mestiere che fa… insomma, anche no. Neanche la squinzia di Grey riesce a batterla. -3. Avrei voluto mollarlo circa a un terzo, ma mi sono imposta di terminarlo e ho fatto male. In genere riesco ad ascoltarmi, questa volta non ce l’ho fatta. Mi attirava la convivenza forzata, anche se i dejà-vu mi sono sempre piaciuti poco (si rivedono dopo un anno da un fatto piuttosto traumatico). Sconsiglio la lettura, è una perdita di tempo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
When Paige looked at Nick Destry she could hardly believe she was married to him! A successful banker, Nick was confidently sexy—but ruthless. He'd wanted a seat on the board, and he'd married Paige to get one.
Paige decided to act as if their wedding was just a business proposition. But it was hard sharing Nick's bed. She decided he couldn't have everything his own way—if he truly wanted her, he would have to prove it!
Paige decided to act as if their wedding was just a business proposition. But it was hard sharing Nick's bed. She decided he couldn't have everything his own way—if he truly wanted her, he would have to prove it!
November 9, 2025
Too many extraneous incidents hurt the narrative flow and the plot and the characters and the romance. It’s similar to Wife Against Her Will but not as good or as intense.
KC has details in her review.
These HPs where h sacrifices herself for a (take your pick) greedy stupid shallow spiteful family member get so old.
I like author bur this doesn’t work.
KC has details in her review.
These HPs where h sacrifices herself for a (take your pick) greedy stupid shallow spiteful family member get so old.
I like author bur this doesn’t work.
August 29, 2012
Not my cup of tea. The heroine married the hero to save a business. It was a marriage of convenience and then they basically avoided each other. Then BANG *HURRICANE* and all of a sudden they are all close again. Weirdness.
June 25, 2017
3.5*! Surprisingly I like this story very much! The story unfolded by way of flashbacks which was effectively done without making me confused or anxious/impatient.
The story started when Paige was in the Caribbeans on a well-deserved holiday, her first in 2 years (her last was her ill-fated honeymoon but more heartbreaking than relaxing!)
Her friend's husband owns the luxurious hotel so she was able to stay cheaply. We were told after only 7 weeks of marriage Paige and Nick had been separated since and she cannot wait to get her clean and quickie divorce. The friend was trying to play matchmaker with Paige and another local entrepreneur but Paige was firmly not interested. She wished she were but it seemed like she felt more for her fake husband than it appeared.
What happened next was a catastrophic coincidence (the hurricane) that made both Paige and Nick's paths cross again unplanned. Paige had avoiding Nick down to an art form and even Bick could not have contrived to bring on a hurricane to trap Paige with him!
While all this was happening seeing Nick brought back all the bad and painful memories of how they first met and how the marriage of convenience came to be, and finally culminating in the disastrous honeymoon.
Once we are brought up to speed on their back story Nick's cryptic comments about her family company and not granting her an easy divorce became clearer. Her brother was really dodgy and once again Nick used the opportunity to force his way into Paige's life again.
The plot moved along nicely but the ending was kind of abrupt. Up till the last scene I thought Nick was going to leave her because Paige had not been entirely truthful to Nick!
I wish Toby and Denise had lived with the consequences of their ways...but we didn't really know what happened to them other than Toby losing his position. They got away too lightly!
In this case if there had been a good epilogue the ending would have been more satisfying.
Spoilers!!!!!
I wish they didn't have to sell the family firm...Nick and Paige should have been able to take it over and keep it running for the next generation! Her great-grandfather had founded the company from nothing!
The story started when Paige was in the Caribbeans on a well-deserved holiday, her first in 2 years (her last was her ill-fated honeymoon but more heartbreaking than relaxing!)
Her friend's husband owns the luxurious hotel so she was able to stay cheaply. We were told after only 7 weeks of marriage Paige and Nick had been separated since and she cannot wait to get her clean and quickie divorce. The friend was trying to play matchmaker with Paige and another local entrepreneur but Paige was firmly not interested. She wished she were but it seemed like she felt more for her fake husband than it appeared.
What happened next was a catastrophic coincidence (the hurricane) that made both Paige and Nick's paths cross again unplanned. Paige had avoiding Nick down to an art form and even Bick could not have contrived to bring on a hurricane to trap Paige with him!
While all this was happening seeing Nick brought back all the bad and painful memories of how they first met and how the marriage of convenience came to be, and finally culminating in the disastrous honeymoon.
Once we are brought up to speed on their back story Nick's cryptic comments about her family company and not granting her an easy divorce became clearer. Her brother was really dodgy and once again Nick used the opportunity to force his way into Paige's life again.
The plot moved along nicely but the ending was kind of abrupt. Up till the last scene I thought Nick was going to leave her because Paige had not been entirely truthful to Nick!
I wish Toby and Denise had lived with the consequences of their ways...but we didn't really know what happened to them other than Toby losing his position. They got away too lightly!
In this case if there had been a good epilogue the ending would have been more satisfying.
Spoilers!!!!!
I wish they didn't have to sell the family firm...Nick and Paige should have been able to take it over and keep it running for the next generation! Her great-grandfather had founded the company from nothing!
December 9, 2017
رواية مترجمة للغة العربية
295 ـ وحدهما في الظلام :
سارة كريفن
كان يجب أن تقول لا في لحظتها . كل غريزة فيها كانت تصرخ بها ترفض التضحية بنفسها على طريقة القرون الوسطى مع هذا قبلت أن تبيع نفسها وتتزوج من نك ديستراي من أجل المال وكان عليها أن تقضي حياتها بعد ذلك هاربة من قرارها .. ومن زوجها ! إلى أن التقيا ولم يعد لديها مجال للهرب ! قالت له : زواجنا لم يكن له وجود ..لقد انتهى !ولا شيء تقوله أو تفعله سيشكل أي فارق
ـ أنت مخطئة في هذا يا زوجتي ..لأنني لم أنته منك بعد في الواقع أنا لم أبدأ بعدكان هذا سببا آخر لتكرهه ولكن لماذا لا تستطيع أن تسيطر على ردة فعلها ؟ ألم تتعلم شيئا من الماضي ؟ لا شيء أبدا ؟!!
295 ـ وحدهما في الظلام :
سارة كريفن
كان يجب أن تقول لا في لحظتها . كل غريزة فيها كانت تصرخ بها ترفض التضحية بنفسها على طريقة القرون الوسطى مع هذا قبلت أن تبيع نفسها وتتزوج من نك ديستراي من أجل المال وكان عليها أن تقضي حياتها بعد ذلك هاربة من قرارها .. ومن زوجها ! إلى أن التقيا ولم يعد لديها مجال للهرب ! قالت له : زواجنا لم يكن له وجود ..لقد انتهى !ولا شيء تقوله أو تفعله سيشكل أي فارق
ـ أنت مخطئة في هذا يا زوجتي ..لأنني لم أنته منك بعد في الواقع أنا لم أبدأ بعدكان هذا سببا آخر لتكرهه ولكن لماذا لا تستطيع أن تسيطر على ردة فعلها ؟ ألم تتعلم شيئا من الماضي ؟ لا شيء أبدا ؟!!
October 26, 2025
Me duele darle tres estrellas a este libro, porque la autora es de mis favoritas, pero la trama es una mezcla entre el pasado y el presente y fue un poco confusa perdiendo por instantes el ritmo de lectura.
Aún así, la historia de Paige y Nick Destry estuvo cargada de angustia, tensión y perdón. Ella se casa con el banquero para salvar el negocio familiar en el que hay secretos que se revelarán al final.
Es una historia con altos y bajos de un matrimonio de conveniencia con un final que me dejó un tanto incompleta.
📖:⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: 🔥
Aún así, la historia de Paige y Nick Destry estuvo cargada de angustia, tensión y perdón. Ella se casa con el banquero para salvar el negocio familiar en el que hay secretos que se revelarán al final.
Es una historia con altos y bajos de un matrimonio de conveniencia con un final que me dejó un tanto incompleta.
📖:⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: 🔥
April 15, 2020
what the heck did I just read?
How can peoples emotions change so fast? First she hates him and is scared of him and then oh I have loved you always?
What the? Utter waster of time.
Also the writing style was not for me. Going back and forth between the memories and the present time, not sure what was that for, to build a stage of some kind to inform us of how their relation ship started?
Lesson to learn from this messy cheesy cheese, communication is #1 in relationships.
How can peoples emotions change so fast? First she hates him and is scared of him and then oh I have loved you always?
What the? Utter waster of time.
Also the writing style was not for me. Going back and forth between the memories and the present time, not sure what was that for, to build a stage of some kind to inform us of how their relation ship started?
Lesson to learn from this messy cheesy cheese, communication is #1 in relationships.
May 6, 2020
Everything interesting in this book happened in what? The last 4 chapters? Why did the hero act like a douche when he supposably loved her at first sight? Not explained, at least not well. Why did he automatically believe the heroine was a thief? Makes the hero seem like a dumbass all the way through this story. The heroine is doing all the heavy lifting to bring them together. The 'blackmail' needed to be chapter 2 instead of the slog the book was. Skip.
June 8, 2024
The Marriage Proposition
When a marriage begins with proposal to be only on paper things are pretty cut and dried. But what happens when emotions come into play? This is an interesting question. Can this marriage become more?
When a marriage begins with proposal to be only on paper things are pretty cut and dried. But what happens when emotions come into play? This is an interesting question. Can this marriage become more?
April 10, 2022
Sara at her Best
It's sad sweet misunderstandings that are compounded by deceit. It's love and the torture of inadequacy that makes Sara Craven the queen of angst romance.
It's sad sweet misunderstandings that are compounded by deceit. It's love and the torture of inadequacy that makes Sara Craven the queen of angst romance.
November 2, 2025
2.3
she’s such a meek character
there was no yearning or groveling, its was j easy for her to forget and there was no love
she’s such a meek character
there was no yearning or groveling, its was j easy for her to forget and there was no love
December 10, 2025
Notes for me
Just meh
MOC he rejects her on their wedding night.
Spend a year apart and he’s seen with many women.
Talk it out the last chapter
No gut punch.
Just meh
MOC he rejects her on their wedding night.
Spend a year apart and he’s seen with many women.
Talk it out the last chapter
No gut punch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2011
Woman marries man to save the family business, and then avoids him. When fate and a hurricane throw them together on a tropical island, they start to develop a relationship. Surprisingly un-bad for this sort of thing.
January 2, 2025
I love this one for the writing and our valiant h. The H is an idiot. All he ever had to do was apologize and HEA all the way. He does a nice grovel at the end though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews