What do you think?
Rate this book
Marriage by Scandal #1
The Earl's Inconvenient Wife
Nathaniel Buford, Earl of Roderick, doesn't want a wife, but his brother died, passing on the title of earl to him. Now he is bound by duty to get an heir. Unfortunately, to get the heir, he must find a wife. As luck would have it, he gets caught in a scandalous situation not of his doing, and the next thing he knows, he's married...and to a lady whose family is reported to desire money above all else.
Miss Claire Lowell wanted to get married. But she never intended to marry a gentleman who felt trapped into it, and she certainly never thought her family would have a hand in the scandal that forced Lord Roderick's hand in marriage. Can love find a way to thrive under such conditions or will her father's eagerness to see her married off to an earl condemn her to a loveless marriage?
Miss Claire Lowell wanted to get married. But she never intended to marry a gentleman who felt trapped into it, and she certainly never thought her family would have a hand in the scandal that forced Lord Roderick's hand in marriage. Can love find a way to thrive under such conditions or will her father's eagerness to see her married off to an earl condemn her to a loveless marriage?
234 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2012
1065 people are currently reading
2335 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books712 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
June 8, 2018
2.5 stars
Not bad for a freebie.
However, I can't in good conscience recommend anyone spending their hard-earned money on this one.
It's a pretty simplistic historical romance that has some ok moments, but nothing awesome.
Claire ends up married to Nate because her father demands 'satisfaction' due to an unfortunate accident at a ball. In other words, she trips and ends up tangled up with the Earl on the veranda.
Nate (the Earl) resents her because he believes that she did it on purpose in order to trap him into marriage. Which is stupid, because she kept telling him to leave her alone, and that she only wanted a few minutes by herself.
Not exactly the world's best trap...
Also, it appeared that Nate was a virgin. Which led to him spending a lot of time reading a book about How to Please Your Woman. And according to this novel...that's all you need. Ok. As much as I love books, there are some things you can only learn with...um, hands on experience. There's no way two virgins are going to have the time of their lives in bed.
Go ahead, call me a liar.
I dare you.
Then there was Claire's sister, and her obsession with a snagging a man with a title. The situation was resolved with the use of lame disguises, and very little conflict.
Even though this is not labeled a 'Christian' romance, I think it would work well enough for readers who are looking for something in that genre.
For me, however, this was a semi-cute way to pass the time, but nothing more.
Not bad for a freebie.
However, I can't in good conscience recommend anyone spending their hard-earned money on this one.
It's a pretty simplistic historical romance that has some ok moments, but nothing awesome.
Claire ends up married to Nate because her father demands 'satisfaction' due to an unfortunate accident at a ball. In other words, she trips and ends up tangled up with the Earl on the veranda.
Nate (the Earl) resents her because he believes that she did it on purpose in order to trap him into marriage. Which is stupid, because she kept telling him to leave her alone, and that she only wanted a few minutes by herself.
Not exactly the world's best trap...
Also, it appeared that Nate was a virgin. Which led to him spending a lot of time reading a book about How to Please Your Woman. And according to this novel...that's all you need. Ok. As much as I love books, there are some things you can only learn with...um, hands on experience. There's no way two virgins are going to have the time of their lives in bed.
Go ahead, call me a liar.
I dare you.
Then there was Claire's sister, and her obsession with a snagging a man with a title. The situation was resolved with the use of lame disguises, and very little conflict.
Even though this is not labeled a 'Christian' romance, I think it would work well enough for readers who are looking for something in that genre.
For me, however, this was a semi-cute way to pass the time, but nothing more.
March 20, 2013
This book? Yes, yes, yes, and then NO!
So, you know that moment when you're flying through a book like a great acid trip, and then WHAM-O... devastation? And, I'm not talking Katrina or Mt Kilimanjaro level of Mother Nature Be Crazy, I'm talking Japanese Tsunami, batten-down-the-hatches-'cause-shit-just-got-real level. Take that overdone analogy, and apply it to The Earl's Inconvenient Wife.
"But, Jacqueline!" as I'm sure you're not thinking, "...You rated this book 3 stars; a like! Surely you're not raging that bad?" And, dear reader, you'd be right. This novel takes the very special place in my Highly Qualified Reading Perspective of "yes-but-no." See, the characters? Oh, man, you talk about some believable-ass characters! If Claire was any sweeter, I'd pass out from a diabetic sugar-induced coma. If Nate was any more Beta-But-Alpha-But-Beta, I'd be throwing my panties off quicker than a Rihanna relationship about-face.
(GIF was vital, I promise.) These characters had believable written all over their actions, and their response to their personal situations was both logical, and driven. The plot of the book actually aids in this endeavor, forcing these two together, creating butt-loads of tension and conflict, which in turn make for a GREAT story...until the second act of the novel.
No, no, gentle reader, you read that correctly. This book pwns good conflict and tension backed by likable, interesting characters until about the 75% mark. Annnnnnd, then? The book falls on its ass harder than PSY's music career. Granted, that's a pretty hard insult I'm dishing out, I know, but it's warranted. The novel has one central point of conflict, and while it's the Big Mis trope, it still works. The problem results from the base fact that Ms. Nordin seemed to be trotting along with her writing and conflict, then suddenly decided, "Nah, it's all good now." Rushed resolutions and random character realizations for no logical apparent reason? Check.
Ironically, though, despite having one hell of a let down, the classic "All's well that ends because it ends!" climaxes, I still would recommend this to a friend. (Gokce, hon, I'm looking at you!) It's worth the time as long as the reader knows going into it there's great buildup with mediocre to lackluster climax and resolution. Granted, that's definitely sucky, but it doesn't negate the readability of the story, because fundamentally the characters are likable, if at times a bit underdeveloped. There is a level of depth without delving into the psyche. There's a level of plot without drowning in story.
Not exactly a sterling recommendation, but certainly enjoyable for a light read, or maybe as a break from the typical HR angst.
October 27, 2013
More than half this story relies on a Big Misunderstanding; Nate thinks Claire colluded with her family to trap him into marriage. This goes on and on, with Nate acting like an absolute ass, and Claire not doing a single thing to try and redeem herself. Then, in the span of a few pages, the entire tone shifts. Nate just decides he's been unfair and apologizes and the two of them start getting along splendidly. I still have no idea what brought about Nate's change of heart... Amateur writing.
August 26, 2016
Nate starts off as a major jerk, not believing the heroine for no good reason. He does not even seem to mourn the death of his brother a year ago. He is more concerned about the fact that he now has to get married in order to have an heir since he has the title of Earl.
Claire is a pushover. She is a kind introvert who has panic attacks when she goes into crowded ballrooms. She is not very convincing and cannot seem to prevent her parents from forcing her into a trapped marriage. Even after the wedding, other than a few tantrum fits, she does not have a strong backbone to stand up to her husband.
Their reconciliation is like a flip of a light switch. Nothing truly seems to prompt it, and it happens so fast it is not quite believable.
In spite of the fact that I did not really like either of the main characters in the beginning, it is an easy read and much of it amused me. The erotic scenes are much more descriptive than the only other Ruth Ann Nordin book I have read. That was a plus for me.
Claire is a pushover. She is a kind introvert who has panic attacks when she goes into crowded ballrooms. She is not very convincing and cannot seem to prevent her parents from forcing her into a trapped marriage. Even after the wedding, other than a few tantrum fits, she does not have a strong backbone to stand up to her husband.
Their reconciliation is like a flip of a light switch. Nothing truly seems to prompt it, and it happens so fast it is not quite believable.
In spite of the fact that I did not really like either of the main characters in the beginning, it is an easy read and much of it amused me. The erotic scenes are much more descriptive than the only other Ruth Ann Nordin book I have read. That was a plus for me.
February 20, 2021
REVISED 9-19-2016
Now that I am calmer I am revising my review. I really shouldn't write when I am so emotional.
I feel bad about blowing my stack and I realize my previous review was petty and immature. Forgive me all.
The bright side is, the author was able to provoke such strong emotions in me (Even if it was a negative emotion.) and in a way this is a compliment.
Well let me start by saying that I have NEVER given such a low rating to any of this authors books before. This is a favorite author of mine and this is the first time I have been so disappointed. I guess it's because this is the first time I have seen this author create a hero who is nasty and mean. I wasn't expecting it. I have no problem with a hero that is unlikeable in the beginning as long as he changes. This one didn't. For me to have liked him he needed to grovel or feel bad about what he did. He did neither. Compliment this with a heroine who is weak and spineless.... a doormat to the hero... and it's no wonder I was so angry. The hero's pathetic excuse for an apology "Gee I'm sorry I misjudged you".. and the heroine's doormat response.. "Gee that's ok." pushed me to my wits end.
It makes me wonder if this author wrote this book just to appease the many reviewers who were constantly complaining that her usual sweet beta heroes were too weak or wimpy. I happen to love her usual heroes and never find them wimpy at all.
Anyway, the two fought for more than 60% of the book, and then all of a sudden they are in love. WHY they fell in love with each other I don't know, neither were likable. In fact none of the characters were, except Perry
The heroine's sister was almost as bad as the hero. She was a shallow gold digging twit. The heroine's parents were horrible. They were only concerned with the h finding a titled husband.. no matter if she was happy or soiled her reputation. What's even worse is the heroine just went along with everything without protest.
Then there is the mysterious "Hester" who was the hero's first intended.. who apparently "jilted" him was never discussed. Just mentioned. This is especially odd since the hero thought the heroine was "like" her. Well.. how was she like her? A gold digger? a deceiver? And what were his feelings for Hester? Did he love her? We were just left hanging.
Needless to say I skimmed alot.
Bottom line: I would NOT recommend this book. Yes I will keep reading this author because this book is the only one out of the 20 something I have read of hers that angered me, and I think this was something new for her to explore ( a rotten hero) and I can respect that.
Content concerns:
Now that I am calmer I am revising my review. I really shouldn't write when I am so emotional.
I feel bad about blowing my stack and I realize my previous review was petty and immature. Forgive me all.
The bright side is, the author was able to provoke such strong emotions in me (Even if it was a negative emotion.) and in a way this is a compliment.
Well let me start by saying that I have NEVER given such a low rating to any of this authors books before. This is a favorite author of mine and this is the first time I have been so disappointed. I guess it's because this is the first time I have seen this author create a hero who is nasty and mean. I wasn't expecting it. I have no problem with a hero that is unlikeable in the beginning as long as he changes. This one didn't. For me to have liked him he needed to grovel or feel bad about what he did. He did neither. Compliment this with a heroine who is weak and spineless.... a doormat to the hero... and it's no wonder I was so angry. The hero's pathetic excuse for an apology "Gee I'm sorry I misjudged you".. and the heroine's doormat response.. "Gee that's ok." pushed me to my wits end.
It makes me wonder if this author wrote this book just to appease the many reviewers who were constantly complaining that her usual sweet beta heroes were too weak or wimpy. I happen to love her usual heroes and never find them wimpy at all.
Anyway, the two fought for more than 60% of the book, and then all of a sudden they are in love. WHY they fell in love with each other I don't know, neither were likable. In fact none of the characters were, except Perry
The heroine's sister was almost as bad as the hero. She was a shallow gold digging twit. The heroine's parents were horrible. They were only concerned with the h finding a titled husband.. no matter if she was happy or soiled her reputation. What's even worse is the heroine just went along with everything without protest.
Then there is the mysterious "Hester" who was the hero's first intended.. who apparently "jilted" him was never discussed. Just mentioned. This is especially odd since the hero thought the heroine was "like" her. Well.. how was she like her? A gold digger? a deceiver? And what were his feelings for Hester? Did he love her? We were just left hanging.
Needless to say I skimmed alot.
Bottom line: I would NOT recommend this book. Yes I will keep reading this author because this book is the only one out of the 20 something I have read of hers that angered me, and I think this was something new for her to explore ( a rotten hero) and I can respect that.
Content concerns:
October 9, 2021
3.75 stars. Liked it.
gave-it-a-shot
November 17, 2016The heroine literally plants her feet following her reluctant wedding with the hero. He responds by DRAGGING HER OUT OF THE ROOM. WIKA-WHAT. Overall poorly written, poorly characterized, and poorly plotted. NEXT.
December 7, 2012
Could not even finish this book. Truly, I did not like any of the characters not even any of the supporting characters and that made for a dismal read indeed.
The heroine was described countless times as being very shy and timid but to me she was just pathetic, immature, and rude. The supposed hero wasn't any better. He was angry, pompous, and really just very boring. There were countless times I just stopped and stared at the book on disbelief. Nothing the main characters did made any sense to me. They were both just very immature.
The heroine was described countless times as being very shy and timid but to me she was just pathetic, immature, and rude. The supposed hero wasn't any better. He was angry, pompous, and really just very boring. There were countless times I just stopped and stared at the book on disbelief. Nothing the main characters did made any sense to me. They were both just very immature.
December 26, 2012
A regency romance, this book was about a young woman, Claire who is coming out into society. Her parents want her to have a titled husband. Her older sister is not yet married, as the only offer she'd had was from an untitled gentleman.
I was disappointed with this story. The characters were not well-rounded. Claire went from being nearly catatonically shy to throwing screaming fits which were unbecoming. Her sister came across as a selfish, greedy and obnoxious young woman. The sister and the father contrive a situation whih forces Claire to marry someone she doesn't know, making her later loyalty to them illogical.
The writing was odd and full of improperly used words: someone 'threatened' someone else 'to a duel.' and 'left a pair of clothes,' for example. There were many more such as that.
There were some leaps in the story progression which made it hard to justify her change in position, for example, going from hate to love in a blink.
It didn't seem that the writer had a good grasp on the class structure and who would associate with whom. It would be highly unlikely for Lord Roderick's steward to move in the same social circles as a titled person, much less to owe him money.
The scene that involves mounting horses was very strange and I'd guess that the author hasn't had any experience with that in regards to an English saddle.
There are many other things I could pick apart, but I shall leave this one be now.
I was disappointed with this story. The characters were not well-rounded. Claire went from being nearly catatonically shy to throwing screaming fits which were unbecoming. Her sister came across as a selfish, greedy and obnoxious young woman. The sister and the father contrive a situation whih forces Claire to marry someone she doesn't know, making her later loyalty to them illogical.
The writing was odd and full of improperly used words: someone 'threatened' someone else 'to a duel.' and 'left a pair of clothes,' for example. There were many more such as that.
There were some leaps in the story progression which made it hard to justify her change in position, for example, going from hate to love in a blink.
It didn't seem that the writer had a good grasp on the class structure and who would associate with whom. It would be highly unlikely for Lord Roderick's steward to move in the same social circles as a titled person, much less to owe him money.
The scene that involves mounting horses was very strange and I'd guess that the author hasn't had any experience with that in regards to an English saddle.
There are many other things I could pick apart, but I shall leave this one be now.
September 21, 2017
This hero read WAY too many HP novels I'm telling you. Must be a Charlotte Lamb or Sara Craven fan.
Because the moment he was caught with the heroine he just jumps to his HP manual (Can't believe they're centuries old) and jumps to the Golden Rule "everything is her fault, even when she's telling the truth she's lying"!
The f***ing double standards he had!
He didn't trust when the heroine protested to death that the scandal was not her doing, yet is surprised when heroine refused to trust him when he told her he didn't take advantage of her on their wedding night.
Really? you don't see the direct relationship here you moron?
And finally it was only her lack of trust on HIM that he was willing to rethink that "if she's being stubborn about not trusting me while I'm innocent, is it possible I'm acting the exact same way?" Wow! what a genius!
He was so rude and insulting and controlling that she was willing to travel to London, on a horseback risking all sorts of terrible thing!
If that doesn't tell you he's horseshit, I don't know what does!
Because the moment he was caught with the heroine he just jumps to his HP manual (Can't believe they're centuries old) and jumps to the Golden Rule "everything is her fault, even when she's telling the truth she's lying"!
The f***ing double standards he had!
He didn't trust when the heroine protested to death that the scandal was not her doing, yet is surprised when heroine refused to trust him when he told her he didn't take advantage of her on their wedding night.
Really? you don't see the direct relationship here you moron?
And finally it was only her lack of trust on HIM that he was willing to rethink that "if she's being stubborn about not trusting me while I'm innocent, is it possible I'm acting the exact same way?" Wow! what a genius!
He was so rude and insulting and controlling that she was willing to travel to London, on a horseback risking all sorts of terrible thing!
If that doesn't tell you he's horseshit, I don't know what does!
January 5, 2013
What very unpleasant people. The characters in this book spent the first two thirds misunderstanding each other and acting like shrews, had a magical epiphany followed by great sex and suddenly loved each other beyond measure. Things happened, but there was no reason for them to have happened.
January 6, 2021
Bad bad bad! Couldn't finish. The female is weak and childish. Hate her! She let's her family forse a marriage and allowed her sister to run over her. With her husband she acts like a spoiled child. Came near the end but could stand no more. Not worth being free!!!
February 27, 2013
DNF. Too many WTF moments. Both Nate and Claire are spouse hunting and when they are caught in a compromising position (really its not, but everyone tells them it is. . . WTF #1), they are forced to marry. Then Nate antagonism towards Claire is really unfounded. He wanted a bride, remember, so now he has one and treats her like dirt (WTF#2). Maybe the story gets better, but I'm not staying around to find out. Too many better books out there.
June 26, 2024
Rating: 3.2 / 5
Admittedly, I found myself needing to be more patient with this book than I'm used to for Ruth Ann Nordin romances, and therefore it wasn't as enjoyable a read for me as some other things have been.
In this story--her most read one, by the way--our heroine is Claire, a young woman whose parents just want her and her sister to marry well--aka a titled gentleman with money. Enter Nate Roderick, an earl, who himself is looking for a wife, but doesn't feel one way or another about whom he's marrying, as he just needs an heir and otherwise just wants a quiet life with politics and seriousness. He finds Claire out alone quite by chance and, being a gentleman, tries to convince her to go back inside and grab a chaperone; but Claire, claustrophobic from being around a lot of people, refuses, and a clumsy accident later and a "scandal" erupts, forcing the two to marry.
Now...in terms of a "marriage by scandal", I really didn't think that this qualified, especially since it was a misunderstanding that could easily have been cleared up, and therefore felt kind of forced. Additionally, I found myself hard-pressed to support the two being together, as Nate especially is obstinate and refuses to listen to Claire's side of the story, just thinking that he's been hoodwinked and forced into marriage. He doesn't go as far as to treat her cruelly, per se, but I found that I couldn't get behind supporting their relationship, in part because I just didn't believe in it working out, or feel any sort of chemistry from them whilst they insisted on being "enemies" and just didn't communicate.
Thankfully, this does change, but considering that it's around the 70% mark, that's too little to late, in my opinion. The rest of the story and how they resolve Claire's sister's romance is much more tolerable, but ultimately this is one of the lesser reads for me from this author, which left quite a bit to be desired. Not sure if I'll ever revisit it, but hey, at least it was a freebie!
Admittedly, I found myself needing to be more patient with this book than I'm used to for Ruth Ann Nordin romances, and therefore it wasn't as enjoyable a read for me as some other things have been.
In this story--her most read one, by the way--our heroine is Claire, a young woman whose parents just want her and her sister to marry well--aka a titled gentleman with money. Enter Nate Roderick, an earl, who himself is looking for a wife, but doesn't feel one way or another about whom he's marrying, as he just needs an heir and otherwise just wants a quiet life with politics and seriousness. He finds Claire out alone quite by chance and, being a gentleman, tries to convince her to go back inside and grab a chaperone; but Claire, claustrophobic from being around a lot of people, refuses, and a clumsy accident later and a "scandal" erupts, forcing the two to marry.
Now...in terms of a "marriage by scandal", I really didn't think that this qualified, especially since it was a misunderstanding that could easily have been cleared up, and therefore felt kind of forced. Additionally, I found myself hard-pressed to support the two being together, as Nate especially is obstinate and refuses to listen to Claire's side of the story, just thinking that he's been hoodwinked and forced into marriage. He doesn't go as far as to treat her cruelly, per se, but I found that I couldn't get behind supporting their relationship, in part because I just didn't believe in it working out, or feel any sort of chemistry from them whilst they insisted on being "enemies" and just didn't communicate.
Thankfully, this does change, but considering that it's around the 70% mark, that's too little to late, in my opinion. The rest of the story and how they resolve Claire's sister's romance is much more tolerable, but ultimately this is one of the lesser reads for me from this author, which left quite a bit to be desired. Not sure if I'll ever revisit it, but hey, at least it was a freebie!
January 31, 2022
Nathaniel Buford, Earl of Roderick, has decided he wants a wife. In his thinking the best way to pick one is to talk to a lady's father first to see if he enjoys his conversation. After all he doesn't have to converse with his wife to get an heir. Claire Lowell isn't that interested in a husband. Unfortunately a sequence of circumstances with a breath of fresh air turns into a scandal. Claire finds herself married to Nate, who does not even know her name. Nate thinks his new countess is a money grabbing wife. Claire is just as angry being married to him and wants to live in London. She resents being stashed away in the country from her family. All they seem to do is fight, until Claire's antics break the ice. Funny, but frustrating with Claire's immaturity and Nate's rigid stance.
December 16, 2013
Este libro es una broma, no?
Pues lo parece…
La protagonista, Claire, es, como poco, lela y pusilánime. El protagonista, Nate, es borde, prepotente y ciego. Ambos tienen un altercado en el que las cosas parecen lo que no son y del cual resulta que él se tiene que casar con ella. De ello se encarga el padre de ella, que arruina su reputación tan sólo para casarla, porque, según él, en 30 segundos que dura dicho altercado, ha investigado al conde y es fiable y un buen partido…tú crees que ella se enfada o intenta razonar? No…”vale papi”.
Nate la odia porque lo ha engañado para casarse con ella (de aquí lo de estar ciego porque ella le dice un par de veces durante el altercado que no lo ha hecho queriendo, súmale que es él el que inicia el altercado acosándola...sin pies ni cabeza....), Claire lo odia y llora como una Magdalena porque él cree que ella lo ha engañado y yo voy por el 39% del libro pensando…dios mío…que horror, espero que no la viole…
Ella se emborracha para poder “pasar la noche de bodas” y él la encuentra encantadora cuando está borracha como una cuba…eh?...perdón?
La hermana de ella es una caza-títulos-fortunas de marca mayor que sólo se quiere a sí misma, pero Claire la invita a pasar su primer día de casada a casa del conde. La hermana quiere ir de compras, Claire sabe que no quiere gastarse el dinero del conde a ver si así le demuestra que no es una caza fortunas, pero se van de compras, Claire le dice que no van a gastarse mucho dinero (y yo pienso, bueno, a ver, si son capaces de no dejar entre las dos al conde arruinado y le planta cara a la hermana…sigo leyendo…y qué pasó?... Sí...y no pude seguir…ya era demasiado).
Por mucho que la historia diese vueltas, un tercio del libro con él odiando a la protagonista y con tan sólo el objetivo de conseguir un heredero, y ella llorando y corriendo por la casa sin mirar a nadie, con miedo de él…es suficiente…esto no es romance…esto es terror…
:(
Pues lo parece…
La protagonista, Claire, es, como poco, lela y pusilánime. El protagonista, Nate, es borde, prepotente y ciego. Ambos tienen un altercado en el que las cosas parecen lo que no son y del cual resulta que él se tiene que casar con ella. De ello se encarga el padre de ella, que arruina su reputación tan sólo para casarla, porque, según él, en 30 segundos que dura dicho altercado, ha investigado al conde y es fiable y un buen partido…tú crees que ella se enfada o intenta razonar? No…”vale papi”.
Nate la odia porque lo ha engañado para casarse con ella (de aquí lo de estar ciego porque ella le dice un par de veces durante el altercado que no lo ha hecho queriendo, súmale que es él el que inicia el altercado acosándola...sin pies ni cabeza....), Claire lo odia y llora como una Magdalena porque él cree que ella lo ha engañado y yo voy por el 39% del libro pensando…dios mío…que horror, espero que no la viole…
Ella se emborracha para poder “pasar la noche de bodas” y él la encuentra encantadora cuando está borracha como una cuba…eh?...perdón?
La hermana de ella es una caza-títulos-fortunas de marca mayor que sólo se quiere a sí misma, pero Claire la invita a pasar su primer día de casada a casa del conde. La hermana quiere ir de compras, Claire sabe que no quiere gastarse el dinero del conde a ver si así le demuestra que no es una caza fortunas, pero se van de compras, Claire le dice que no van a gastarse mucho dinero (y yo pienso, bueno, a ver, si son capaces de no dejar entre las dos al conde arruinado y le planta cara a la hermana…sigo leyendo…y qué pasó?... Sí...y no pude seguir…ya era demasiado).
Por mucho que la historia diese vueltas, un tercio del libro con él odiando a la protagonista y con tan sólo el objetivo de conseguir un heredero, y ella llorando y corriendo por la casa sin mirar a nadie, con miedo de él…es suficiente…esto no es romance…esto es terror…
:(
July 10, 2013
When Nathaniel Buford, a second son, finds himself Earl of Roderick, he decides to do the correct thing and find himself a wife to start a family with. Twenty Three is a bit young to be getting married, but well, accidents happen, as well his older brother discovered. His only stipulation is that he doesn't want a fortune hunter, a girl that is only after this title and his money. But that's exactly what he appears to get, when a bit of gallantry leads him in to a supposed, and very questionable, compromising position with a young lady.
Claire Lowell his horrified that her family would force to to marry a man that doesn't want her, but she still walks down the aisle and says the words. What happens next should be very clear to the reader, however, it quickly becomes evident that Ruth Ann Nordin either doesn't understand Regency society or doesn't care to bore her reads with such details. Gentlemen spend the day reading or going horseback riding. Ladies go for walks, draw a bit, and journal their thoughts. At no time does Claire attempt to act like a Countess and take up the running of the Earl's household. At no time does Nathaniel go out to visit his tenant farmers...if he has any.
Nate claims an interest in politics, but you don't see him hanging around Parliament to get away from his wife. Instead, after Claire's sister ropes her into a very expensive shopping trip on the Earl's dime, he whisks her away to the country where she can't do any further damage. There she is so horribly alone, but she does nothing to redeem her character, coming across as a willful, spoiled brat. Meanwhile, Nate finds out his Stewart has been stealing from him and must head back to London to settle the man's debts. Obviously, he has no interest in running his own estate either, if he didn't do an audit of the books when he took over the estate.
This was a Kindle freebie on Amazon, but free or not, it's really best to stay away from this one. The only decent character in the book is Nate's friend Perry who sadly, does not end up a love of his own.
Claire Lowell his horrified that her family would force to to marry a man that doesn't want her, but she still walks down the aisle and says the words. What happens next should be very clear to the reader, however, it quickly becomes evident that Ruth Ann Nordin either doesn't understand Regency society or doesn't care to bore her reads with such details. Gentlemen spend the day reading or going horseback riding. Ladies go for walks, draw a bit, and journal their thoughts. At no time does Claire attempt to act like a Countess and take up the running of the Earl's household. At no time does Nathaniel go out to visit his tenant farmers...if he has any.
Nate claims an interest in politics, but you don't see him hanging around Parliament to get away from his wife. Instead, after Claire's sister ropes her into a very expensive shopping trip on the Earl's dime, he whisks her away to the country where she can't do any further damage. There she is so horribly alone, but she does nothing to redeem her character, coming across as a willful, spoiled brat. Meanwhile, Nate finds out his Stewart has been stealing from him and must head back to London to settle the man's debts. Obviously, he has no interest in running his own estate either, if he didn't do an audit of the books when he took over the estate.
This was a Kindle freebie on Amazon, but free or not, it's really best to stay away from this one. The only decent character in the book is Nate's friend Perry who sadly, does not end up a love of his own.
June 29, 2014
This was an Amazon freebie with decent reviews. It sat on my Kindle for a while and last night I wanted a light read so started this.
I didn't like it.
The leads are both unpleasant and petty. The supporting characters are one dimensional - her sister is just vile, yet we're apparently supposed to care that she marries happily and be glad when a decent chap ends up saddled with her. The historical 'setting' is paper thin (modern speech, wildly anachronistic situations, the lot). It's a 'marriage of convenience' story but the reason for the marriage is unbelievable and their reaction to it is nonsensical. He wants a wife, he gets one, therefore he acts like a dick to her. She's upset because he thinks she's a manipulative fortune hunter, so she therefore goes shopping and spends loads of money. GAH.
You can have marriage of convenience stories that work out. Couples can move convincingly from hostility to love. Relationships can develop. This relationship doesn't develop, it's just unrelentingly hostile hostile hostile, petty petty petty, until about 70% of the way through the book he says 'I was unfair, sorry' and she says 'S'OK' and they snog happily, then go to bed and have great sex, and then decide they love each other after all.
Also, the author spelling Mr as 'Mister' all through the book drove me bananas.
I didn't like it.
The leads are both unpleasant and petty. The supporting characters are one dimensional - her sister is just vile, yet we're apparently supposed to care that she marries happily and be glad when a decent chap ends up saddled with her. The historical 'setting' is paper thin (modern speech, wildly anachronistic situations, the lot). It's a 'marriage of convenience' story but the reason for the marriage is unbelievable and their reaction to it is nonsensical. He wants a wife, he gets one, therefore he acts like a dick to her. She's upset because he thinks she's a manipulative fortune hunter, so she therefore goes shopping and spends loads of money. GAH.
You can have marriage of convenience stories that work out. Couples can move convincingly from hostility to love. Relationships can develop. This relationship doesn't develop, it's just unrelentingly hostile hostile hostile, petty petty petty, until about 70% of the way through the book he says 'I was unfair, sorry' and she says 'S'OK' and they snog happily, then go to bed and have great sex, and then decide they love each other after all.
Also, the author spelling Mr as 'Mister' all through the book drove me bananas.
July 20, 2015
I actually enjoyed this book. It's a pretty short and simple read. I like two kinds of books the really intelligent ones and the ones that don't try too desparately to come off intelligent. I enjoyed this book because it falls under the latter group. It had some really cute moments especially the drawing competition between Nate and Claire.
September 30, 2015
Fun historical romance
A fun gentle read. A historical romance gone wrong and how it develops. I didn't enjoy the beginning but was glad to see how it progresses. Not very believable but entertaining!
A fun gentle read. A historical romance gone wrong and how it develops. I didn't enjoy the beginning but was glad to see how it progresses. Not very believable but entertaining!
May 27, 2015
What a fun romp. I enjoyed this book very much even though it didn't have any hard core meat to it. The characters were fun and believable. A perfect book to while away a few hours of fun and frolic.
September 17, 2015
God the dude was sUCH a giant dick. It's all because of a ~misunderstanding~ but he is just so awful, I couldn't go on.
Want to read
June 30, 2025🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (12/7/2020)!🎁
July 19, 2021
2.5 stars.
I liked that this story featured two decent people who, due to unfortunate misunderstandings, thought the worst of each and behaved badly. They were genuinely nice people but couldn't stop assuming the worst about each other enough to start anything good in their marriage. It was a little bit frustrating to read about their ridiculous inability to communicate anything meaningful and constructive; however, once they started down the right path, it was lovely. The sister was awful. So as long as you go into this book knowing that, I think you'll be able to make it through to the end. I actually read the beginning of the sister's book first and couldn't stomach her anymore and DNFed it. I might go back to it now knowing what I know from this.
Overall, this was an ok story. Perry was lovely, Mister Robinson was amusing, and I adored the double virgin trope. Very sweet.
I liked that this story featured two decent people who, due to unfortunate misunderstandings, thought the worst of each and behaved badly. They were genuinely nice people but couldn't stop assuming the worst about each other enough to start anything good in their marriage. It was a little bit frustrating to read about their ridiculous inability to communicate anything meaningful and constructive; however, once they started down the right path, it was lovely. The sister was awful. So as long as you go into this book knowing that, I think you'll be able to make it through to the end. I actually read the beginning of the sister's book first and couldn't stomach her anymore and DNFed it. I might go back to it now knowing what I know from this.
Overall, this was an ok story. Perry was lovely, Mister Robinson was amusing, and I adored the double virgin trope. Very sweet.
October 26, 2018
Claire was still naive about some things but she knew being forced into a marriage wasn’t necessarily a good thing, but her family thought otherwise. Although Nate was in the market for a bride Claire was not his choice but having found themselves married they needed to put their anger aside and look at the broader picture. They had a rough go from the start, and Claire acting like a petulant child wasn’t helping things along, it’s a wonder it took them a while to find that evasive love in each other embrace.
March 23, 2020
*** 3.75 stars ***
Finally done with this one.
It was a quick read but somehow I was looking forward to read for last 2 years and now when I am done with it I would say the story wasn't as exciting as I expected it to be.
I loved Nate for being mature and content in his present situation whereas Claire is so thoughtful.
The couple is perfect for each other but the sparks weren't that enticing.
All in all a good read.
Finally done with this one.
It was a quick read but somehow I was looking forward to read for last 2 years and now when I am done with it I would say the story wasn't as exciting as I expected it to be.
I loved Nate for being mature and content in his present situation whereas Claire is so thoughtful.
The couple is perfect for each other but the sparks weren't that enticing.
All in all a good read.
February 12, 2017
This well told tale is a delightful 'historical' look at the modern life situation of that old adage about if you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with. Enjoyable characters for a time when women were second class citizens but they still found a way to deal with things in life on a daily basis. A very entertaining story.
August 29, 2023
It was a cute marriage by compromise story, the MC are nice, there is not much angst but the last 20% of the book deviated on a sub plot I was not interested about and lost my attention.
I would have liked some more tension between the MC.
I would have liked some more tension between the MC.
August 15, 2020
Sweet
This book had its ups n downs but overall it was good. The characters sent well together n the leading lady didn't get on my nerves... Lol
This book had its ups n downs but overall it was good. The characters sent well together n the leading lady didn't get on my nerves... Lol
January 17, 2020
It's ideal silly read - you will forget it after closing the book, but it's cute and fluffy. What's more there to look in a book to read on a phone while riding tram to work?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews