A marriage of convenience, wrong groom, billionaire romance by bestselling author Natalie Anderson.
Why does marrying the wrong man...feel so right?
Though Elodie Wallace vowed never to remarry, she’ll do anything to stop her sister’s forced nuptials — even take her place! Challenging the groom to wed her instead, she’s shocked to find searing attraction sparking alongside her rage. Even more surprising? She’s got the wrong billionaire!
After his parents’ disastrous union, Ramon Fernandez swore off marriage too. Yet a temporary arrangement with the vexing redhead secures the inheritance stolen by the calculating cousin Elodie mistook him for. And the thought of their wedding night threatens to unleash a hunger Ramon can’t control...
Mills & Boon Modern — Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good. With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year). When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
I've long read Harlequin paperback Romances before I even discovered what indie publishing was all about, and Natalie Anderson was one such author whose books I'd always loved reading. Since then the Harlequin Imprint has certainly got one hell of a lot spicier and holy cow, Ms Anderson absolutely nailed the heat and sensuality between the two main characters in THEIR ALTAR ARRANGEMENT. A marriage of convenience, this book was hot and sensual, the togetherness between Juan Ramon Fernandez and Elodie Wallace was everything that made for great romantic reading🔥🌶🔥🌶🔥
Elodie was a conundrum at first to me, and to Ramon. Approaching him with so much bravado behind her facade took guts. She'd clothed herself in the robes of deceit to escape her first marriage, and carried that mantel successfully into her second. What Ramon thought he was getting most certainly wasn't that which he actually got!!!! He found her visually arresting, her presence and personality challenging, and much to his own surprise, his own loss of control was a total surprise even to him as he was distractingly attracted to her. She was as much of an enigma to him as the Escape Room puzzles were that she created in her business life.
Actually he was more like obsessed, and herein lies my own guilty love of this formula of perfect easy-to-read romance that makes up the particular Harlequin brand.
Ramon was everything that I'd come to expect from the Harlequin uber-billionaire alpha heroes;
“He was so perfect, wasn’t he? So controlled. Physically active, he ate well, and worst of all, he was still reading a report while doing it. Multitasking with his annoying ability to concentrate.”
The man had an exercise bike on his private plane so was not only a physically perfectly attractive specimen, but a workaholic to boot as noted by Elodie in an almost scathing tone.
I loved Elodie's bravado, her strength and her love for her sister.
I also loved seeing Ramon being thrown off his game. There is nothing I find more satisfying than an alpha having a curve ball thrown at him, and it was deliciously satisfying. She took up waaaaaaaaay too much rent-free room in his head than he thought her entitled to, and I loved it. He was at pains to distance himself from his selfish father who looked only to satisfy hedonistic desires at great cost to the family, and his physical and mental response to Elodie had him looking to keep himself under extreme control! And believe me, that desire burned so hot.
And that was exactly why the dual POV format is my absolute favourite to read. Objectively we know that people interpret situations differently but to see where Elodie was projecting a party-hard-brash and experienced facade, and Ramon was actively judging her for it in spite of his desperate ‘want’ for her, I knew these two were in for a very fiery and passionate ‘temporary' relationship. My hands virtually rubbed together in glee because the written chemistry between them was off the charts!
Romance for me is not only the palpable chemistry between our main characters, but the dynamics. Even as Elodie and Ramon were hiding their true selves from each other, they also became their best selves when in proximity to the other. Each was strong, but stronger still together, an almost synergistic pairing where the sum of their two together was more than each individually;
“She drew on his strength and wistfully hoped that somehow he too drew on something from her.”
... indeed he did.
In the end, what they had was a temporary marriage arrangement and while we know that HEA's are pretty much guaranteed, it’s the journey that counts, and I very much enjoyed what Ms Anderson had in store for them.
Right to the very end I was there with them and in true Harlequin format when written by Author Natalie Anderson, the reading experience was short, quick and fully enjoyable so it gets 5-Harlequin-style-stars ✨️
This is book one in The Convenient Wives Club series : Mills and Boon Modern and it is Elodie and Ramon’s story. Elodie’s father was controlling, abusive and even decided who she would marry but when Elodie had enough of not only her father but also her husband she decided to rebel big time making herself look really bad so that she could get a divorce and knew just how to make it happen which worked for her because not only did she get her divorce but also thrown out of the family and now she runs her own life how she wants too and will never be allowed to be controlled again by anyone so now she lives her life on her own terms. When Elodie finds out that her father is up to his old tricks again and marrying her sister off all for business she decides to step in but what she didn’t know was what she did next would completely change her life. Ramon vowed never to get married after seeing what his father did to his mother and the disaster that unfolded but when he finds out that his cousin and aunt are trying to take his inheritance he decides that a temporary marriage with Elodie will help them both get what they want so now he had to convince her to go along with him. Elodie and Ramon have intense chemistry and attraction right from their first meet and when they decided to have a fake marriage with benefits things became even more complicated than ever and even though neither wanted a relationship fake suddenly starts to feel so real but there are big secrets between them and if they are revealed it could make them stronger together or tear them apart. My heart broke for everything that Elodie and Ramon had been through in their lives and especially as it was at the hands of the people who should have loved, cared, protected and kept them safe and even though Elodie and Ramon had many ups and downs along the way they were so perfect together and for each other in every single way and when they came together it was truly explosive and they couldn’t keep there hands off each other but will it be enough to make there fake marriage real. I absolutely loved this book so much and read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.
Their Altar Arrangement, written by Natalie Anderson, is the first book in the Mills & Boon/ Harlequin mini series The Convenient Wives Club.
Elodie Wallace is determined to prevent her little sister, Ashleigh, from marrying Ramon Fernandez at all costs, even if she has to marry him herself! After being manipulated into marriage by her domineering father she is determined not to have the same happen to her sister. It took Elodie years to rebuild her life and she manufactured a whole raunchy alternative narrative in order to do so. When she bursts in in the billionaire she doesn’t realise she has got the wrong Ramon. He is Juan Ramon Fernandez. The man her sister is engaged to (and Juan’s cousin) is called Jose Ramon Fernandez. Juan also needs a wife as the first of the two men to get married inherits an island - he wants to preserve it whilst his cousin wants to build on it. They agree to marry for a year and due to the chemistry between have fun. Juan will help her upgrade her escape room business and help . Elodie will be the one to break their marriage up, as she did with her first one.
I really enjoyed this novel and will reread it. I liked that Elodie was firmly in control and Juan was quite often put on the back foot and didn’t automatically get his own way. I felt that the setting way more contemporary and interesting than the formulaic teacher/ secretary etc trope as she is running her own escape room business and isn’t in desperate need for his money. Both characters have had turbulent childhoods which has shaped who they are. It is interesting to see how they grow develop and change throughout the novel. There is humour between the main characters and the book is well thought out in terms of pacing and storyline. All the loose ends are tied up and the minor characters - Juan’s aunt and Jose also get a final mention rather than just disappearing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sexy, sparkling and scintillating, Their Altar Arrangement by Natalie Anderson is sure to thrill Harlequin Presents fans everywhere.
Elodie Wallace had sworn off men and vowed never to remarry. However, there is simply nothing that she wouldn't do for her beloved sister - even take her place and get married in her stead! Elodie thought that her plan was absolutely foolproof - until she realized that she got the wrong groom and that she's attracted to the sexy billionaire standing alongside her at the altar.
After his parents' acrimonious union, Ramon Fernandez had also sworn off marriage. However, when sparks begin to fly between him and Elodie and he realizes that marrying her will get secure him the inheritance stolen by the cousin she mistook him for, Ramon vows to make Elodie Mrs Fernandez.
Yet, they hadn't counted on the explosive chemistry that sizzled between them or on a wedding night that left them both wanting more...
Natalie Anderson's Their Altar Arrangement is a seductive contemporary romance from this talented writer with a spirited heroine, a gorgeous Alpha male hero and plenty of emotion, intensity and drama to keep readers glued to its pages.
A must-read for Harlequin Presents fans, Their Altar Arrangement by Natalie Anderson should not be missed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Elodie (escape room manager) and Ramon (billionaire something or other … it felt a bit generic ‘rich man’) is pacy; does the sexual chemistry and emotional connection between them well and delivers some new twists on old tropes. If you like this imprint of the Harlequin/Mills and Boon stable I am sure you will love it. It is done well.
I seek out Natalie Anderson’s books as I love reading her characterisation; ability to capture romance in all forms and quirky plot twists. I seek her out despite the fact I am not fond of stories that are full of tropes and or present their emotional drama and tensions through complicated situations. Unfortunately this book is full of these: marriage of convenience; controlling fathers who have damaged the heroes ability to love/trust/relax; conveniently evil family members who are drawn superficially - this book has all of them. This is a true case of ‘it’s not you; it’s me’. I generally do not read this category by the publisher because lately they have felt reductive, despite authors giving them fresh twists and contemporary ethics. I get pulled in by authors I admire, such as here.
If you like plot packed (there is a lot here) books that come part of a set to immerse yourself in (there are 3 and the characters were introduced here though only in a cursory way) and have fireworks, drama and emotional connection, ignore my whinging and go for it.
It was not for me, despite that I had a pleasant couple of hours with it.
What’s not to love about a marriage of convenience with all the perks! I fell in love with Elodie who will do the unthinkable for her sister despite swearing off ever getting married again after all she went through to get out of her last one. Then there is Ramon, a staid bachelor who is all about the family business and his mother’s island escape that he won’t lose to his Aunt’s son. So the deal is set in paper, but Ramon wants more than just a marriage of convenience. As the two spring their surprise on their respective families, the ramifications are exactly as expected for Ramon, but Elodie’s takeaway is another story to which Ramon steps up beautifully. While Ramon and Elodie learn about each other, the ping points of Ramon’s mother’s need for escape and her death and Elodie’s ex-husband betrayal, seem to tear the two apart. Will Ramon learn to bury the past of his Aunt’s actions? You have to read to find out!
This is Elodie and Ramon's interesting arrangement and romance. Elodie, was once forced to marry by her father, who is abusive and controlling. It was not a good marriage but she was able to find an out. The out gave her freedom from her father and a divorce she desperately wanted. She also lost her family too. Now she lives life on her terms. When she hears her dad is trying to do to her sister what he did to her she steps in. Ramon, after seeing what his father did to his mother, he vowed never to marry. Now, because of his aunt and cousin, he needs to marry. He convinces Elodie to go along with a marriage of convenance. Their chemistry and attraction to each other is off the charts but can the keep it at bay? I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. These two people have been through a lot in their lives, and by who is unbelievable and heartbreaking. I am glad they finally find love, happiness and more.
Elodie has been controlled by her father too long so when she marries the man he choose for her she finally had to rebel. She shows up on social links dancing with different men until her husband gives her the divorce she wanted now running her own business with friends is all she wants until she meets Ramon. He is wealthy and demanding and he wants a six month marriage only with no feelings and she will get the business free and clear but she realizes that what she wants is him and he never wanted a real marriage. Loved this book with complicated family situations and personalities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.7⭐️ Instalust intensifies to even more after marriage of convenience
This was a fun read. Both main characters have some very developed muscles from carrying baggage for so long. Both find it hard to trust. They are instantly attracted to each other & aren’t sure what to think about their intense reaction to the other person. In this steamy marriage of convenience story, they both learn & grow, fall in love and have to figure out how to share truth with each other. The HEA is a satisfying conclusion to the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their Altar Arrangement: A marriage of convenience, wrong groom, billionaire romance story of Ramon and Elodie..This is a wonderful and a heartwarming story..A sister who will do anything to save her little sister to a forced married Even dare the groom to marry her instead eventhough she promised to herself wthat she will never remarry again...Only she asked the wrong groom,a man she have an instant attraction with..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Elodie enters into a marriage of convenience with Ramon she never expected the outcome that transpires. Neither were looking for love and had their own reasons behind it but when feelings begin to blossom between them will their agreement go out the window and lead them along the path to true happiness. This story is heartwarming and had me all caught up in Elodie and Ramon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Natalie’s books, you know they will be good and this definitely didn’t disappoint. I loved the chemistry between Ramon and Elodie, the storyline was brilliant, there was no unnecessary angst and it had the best HEA. I shed emotional but happy tears. I can’t wait for another book by Natalie, I am always carried away into another world and feel like I am there looking it. Perfect ❤️
This was a romance book I enjoyed reading by a new author to me and what is the start of a new series. I thought the way the characters unfolded in this romance book was very well written and the ending is just as good as the entire book. So, for your next romance read grab this book and see what a truly great author Natalie really is when you read this book by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like the lengths Elodie will go through to save her sister even if the one she thinks is the one is wrong. I like how both Ramon and Elodie enjoy puzzles and escape rooms and how it adds spice to their marriage. Hidden truths almost derail their marriage but I like how they make up.
The start of the Convenient Wives Club and Ms. Anderson's 50th Harlequin title. Elodie Wallace and Ramon Fernandez have both sworn off marriage. I enjoyed seeing this well written story come together and them get a happy ending. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Elodie and Roman have a marriage of convenience in this romance with a sassy FMC and alpha MMC. Their story is steamy and sexy, passionate and full of chemistry. I wonder what is instore for her friends Phoebe and Bethan?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I respect the attempt at something new. The heroine of this book and the others in the forthcoming trilogy are or have been married before. In this one, the beautiful Elodie was forced into marriage by her domineering and controlling father but it was consummated - she is no secret virgin, she just didn't like sex with her husband. In fact, she just didnt like her husband full stop. So, in order for her sister to avoid the same fate, she has a marriage of convenience with Ramon, who must get married before his cousin or he loses a family island (some things in HPlandia never change...) These two are practically having sex against a wall the first time they meet, and they are attracted like magnets, but there are lots of secrets and miscommunications and I just wasn't feeling it with these two. The H did step up and protected her against her family during the main showdown. Nice, clever Epilogue.