The Mister I Married

Romancing the Rogue #3

by Sylvie Sinclair

Lady Emmy Keswick adores her life in London. Unmarried and unattached, she spends her days and nights flitting about Town, socializing with friends and poking her nose in everyone's business—whether or not it's welcome. All is splendid in Emmy's world...until her mother upends it, announcing that she has grown weary of London and will retire to the country once the Season is over. With no other chaperone at her disposal, Emmy will have to go with her, and leave behind the life she loves. Unless, of course, she takes a husband instead...

Alexander Whitcomb has zero interest in the so-called delights of London life. He'd rather be at home with his dogs in Berkshire than rubbing elbows with the beau monde in their stuffy ballrooms. But when his father implores him to marry and give him grandchildren, Alex agrees to go to London and bring his sister with him, in the hopes they might both find a spouse. London suffers no shortage of lovely young ladies looking for husbands, but Alex is unimpressed with the lot of them...until he meets spirited, artless Emmy Keswick.

He wants a wife who will give him children. She seeks a husband who will give her the freedom she craves. A marriage of convenience is what they both desire...but what will happen when their hearts begin to yearn for more?

The Mister I Married is a steamy Regency romance with a guaranteed happily-ever-after. It is the third book in the Romancing the Rogue series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Sylvie Sinclair cut her teeth on the Sweet Valley Twins, L.M. Montgomery and Sunfire Romances before inevitably graduating to the classic bodice rippers of the eighties and nineties (which she kept hidden under her bed from her disapproving mother for years).

She lives in California with her own cinnamon roll hero and their two adorable, spoiled-rotten rescue cats. When she isn't writing or reading, she can usually be found watching The Golden Girls with a glass of wine in hand or puttering around in her flower garden.

Reviews

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Emmaline Keswick loves life in the ton, but her mother upends her social life by announcing that she has grown weary of London and will retire to the country once the Season is over. Unlike Emmy, Alexander Whitcomb has zero interest in London life. He travels to town for two reasons: his sister wants to experience society and his father wants him to find a wife and sire grandchildren. With no chaperone, Emmy finally decides to choose a husband, but her marriage of convenience becomes more than she bargained for.

This is the third book in the Romancing the Rogue series. Emmy is the sister of book two's hero, and that couple makes a small appearance.

I had mixed feeling about this book. The typical male/female roles are swapped. Emmy just wants freedom, not love! But Alex, whose mother ran away with a servant, is much more invested in family and is open to falling in love despite not specifically marrying for it. In Emmy, he sees someone who was kind to his sister and with which he could form a connection. That's enough to agree to HER proposal. Although there's some open door scenes, the chemistry between the characters definitely read more "sweet" to me. I would recommend this one to readers who prefer lower angst and a more relatable relationship journey. 3.5 stars

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Virgin Hero/Double Virgin

Steam: 3

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review

[Nina Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mister I married
Basic plot:
Emmy lives alone with her mother and loves her independent life in London. When her mother tells her that she wants to move to the countryside, Emmy has two options:
Either she moves with her and leaves London or she gets married.

My thoughts:
This was my first book by Sylvie Sinclair and I came across it quite by chance. I really like her way of writing; there‘s something light about it that makes me want to keep reading.
The story between Emmy and Alex contains many themes that I like very much. It is a marriage of convenience, slow burn, he falls first romance.
The focus is on Emmy and the question of what she wants from her life and whether this can change with the right people in her life.
One thought that is raised is the question of whether Emmy even wants to become a mother and the worry about whether she can be there for her child and love it as much as it needs. This is not something that is often addressed in romance books and I found it to be a very good and important point.
I really liked this book and Sylvie Sinclair will definitely end up on my TBR list.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story of Emmy and Alex. Their story was well written, it is realistic for that time period and the emotions and considerations are believable. I like that in a book.
Alex is a friendly, thoughtful and kind man. Emmy is pragmatic, loyal and quite outspoken. I liked that she asked the questions she wanted to ask, instead of keeping silent.
Both Alex and Emmy start this marriage agreeing that it is a marriage of convenience. Emmy did not really want to get married, she just wanted to stay in London but since her mother wanted to leave London, she either needed to accompany her to the countryside or get married, in order to enjoy the London season. Alex, too, didn’t fancy getting married but due to his father’s health reluctantly started a search for a wife. He liked Emmy so when she asked him to get married, he agreed. I could totally understand how each one of them didn’t feel free to express their budding romantic feelings. It was fun to read their thoughts and see them struggling to cope with their feelings, tiptoeing around each other, trying to keep their distance but longing for closeness. I liked Alex trying to win her over, making an effort. Emmy didn’t dare believe in anything else so she stubbornly kept her distance. It’s refreshing to see the man doing all the work to win his wife’s heart and the woman trying to guard her heart. Often in books it’s the other way around. I understood that Emmy tried to safeguard her heart, but I was disappointed that she disagreed equally fought for a happy marriage, especially after what he went through with his mother. I wanted to throttle her for what she did! Luckily, Alex and Emmy do get their HEA, albeit a bit sudden, it was a satisfying end.
This book is an easy read with likable characters, a realistic setting and I can honestly recommend it.
Trigger warnings: There are quite a few sexually intimate scenes, some of which might offend some readers. By the way, both Alex and Emmy entered into the marriage without having any sexual experience, which I liked.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
…

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant story by one of my most favorite authors!

Emmy is a vibrant social butterfly, that is sometimes outspoken, sometimes interfering, and always a champion of women against fortune hunters. But, beneath her bubbly exterior lies a fear of losing her autonomy, especially in a marriage. This fear makes her hesitant to open her heart fully. When she agrees to marry Alex, she doesn’t expect to develop feelings for him and is determined to maintain her independence.

Alex is the strong and silent type who enjoys his quiet life in the country. He is thoughtful, self-contained and cares deeply for his family, but tends to keep his emotions guarded. Alex agrees to the marriage for practical reasons, expecting to keep his emotions at bay. They both agree to this arrangement without hope for romance, but their relationship begins to evolve in small moments that change everything.

It becomes clear pretty quickly that Alex begins to develop feelings for Emmy first. Her fierce spirit and the care she shows for his sister and father has him looking at her in a new light. He quietly hides his growing affection knowing full well that any hint of love he gave her would be rejected - that's not what either of them signed up for. When Emmy begins to notice Alex's affection, she feels confused and scared. She doubles down on her fight against loving him, desperately wanting to keep her identity. I love the role switch as it’s usually the Hero putting up a fight. Despite their struggle with keeping love out of the equation, their physical attraction is unavoidable and neither denies it. They are both virgins but learn quickly through consent and communication. It's in these moments that they allow themselves to express how they feel about each other but don't dare admit to in the light of day.

This is a slow journey, with plenty of forks in the road, and wrong paths taken. Emmy’s acceptance of her love for Alex, and most importantly, his love for her, does not happen overnight. There is significant character growth where they learn to embrace their vulnerability creating a shift from a matter of convenience to a deep emotional bond. It's a superbly written tale filled with angst, tender moments, understanding, acceptance, and the undeniable power of connection. I highly recommend this read for those who appreciate emotional and relatable journeys in romance when a practical arrangement sparks genuine affection.

I was honored to receive an early copy from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am trying to gather my thoughts on what I want to say about this book. I cried (of course I did how could I not). Alex is genuinely the sweetest man and he never didn't allow Emmy the space to grow. I also appreciate that he expressed his hurt at some of her actions and walls she was trying to erect but never held it against her, he gave her the space to express herself so that they could grow together. And he was a male virgin, I really love this troupe when its in books because there is something special about that first love that gives you the space to have some awkwardness both persons grows from. The sex was still very hot (he must have prepared by reading some literature on the subject). Emmy, oh girl, I get it. You are so very fearful of losing yourself in marriage and she found the perfect man for her. She asks a lot of important questions I think to remember as a woman where you want a partner but you don't want to center your life around being someone's wife. She was very lucky to find a man understood her and didn't want her to be anything but her amazing self. I also loved her with his sister, she really was a great support system to Tess. I wonder if we will get Tess's love story. This is one of my favorite authors, I am always on the look out for her next book.

[Lady Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the story of Alex and Emmy. A light read, without much drama or misunderstandings. Alex is cute! An excellent brother, a great son, he loves his family deeply and I also loved him falling in love first! Not to mention that he is also a virgin! I've said this in other books that I love when our beloved MMC makes FMC the first and only. Real feelings, without exaggeration. We can understand why each of them was afraid to say how they felt or afraid of feeling too much, but that they saw that they could live a love with respect, without fear. A well-written story with well-developed characters. Will we have the story of Tess?

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my 3rd book by Sylvie Sinclair. I just picked her up mid 2024 and really loved her writing. Her sex scenes were great. Stories were well written. I just happen to run across this and was so glad to see another book out by her.

I liked Emmy and Alex. They seemed like a cute couple. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice read but they were just a bit boring couple. They didn't sizzle on the page but had a loving relationship. I enjoyed reading about Tess, Alex's sister. Like I said, overall it was a good read.

[Prafulla Kg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful and poignant story.women liberation must have started like this neither here nor there.madam authoress has picturised beautifully the thoughts going on in the minds of the heroine and her family when she first steps out of her husband's house. Enjoyed every minute of reading. Thank you madam Sylvie Sinclair for the free ARC COPY which I read on bookfunnel platform.The cover of the book is super.

[Marjorie Messerschmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of a woman fearful of losing her independence, her self, to a man in marriage, but is forced to leave London with her mother or a husband. The couple learning that every marriage is different and expectations from a spouse are unknown shows we can have both independence and love. I truly loved this story. I freely give a review with an advance copy of this book.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and in this series but reads well as a standalone. It’s beautifully written.

I absolutely adore Alexander Whitcomb. He is a wealthy man who lives in the country and prefers his country living and his beloved deerhounds, Gracie and Prescott. He has reluctantly come to London so his younger sister Tess can have her first season and as his sickly father is wanting to see grandchildren, Alexander might find an interesting woman he might like to marry.

Lady Emmaline (Emmy) has a kind heart and isn’t afraid to speak up for others and herself. Her two best friends have recently married and moved away but Emmy loves London and all its entertainment and doesn’t want to be marry to become a man’s property. She lives with her mother in the family’s London home.

The two meet at a society ball when Emmy rescues Tess from being taunted by two vapid women about Tess’ mother leaving her family when she was young. Alexander finds Tess and Emmy and after a small hiccup when they first meet, Emmy and Alexander feel very comfortable around each other. They both find each other intriguing. When her mother tells Emmy she wants to move out of London, Emmy decides to ask Alexander for a marriage of convenience, she will give him the children he wants and then she can move back to London and enjoy herself again.

As previously mentioned, I adore Alexander. He is such a kind and gentle man who loves his wife and wants her to love being with him. He tries to woo her but although she is kind too, she is also so scared of losing her own identity. She is a bit selfish and refuses to fall in love with her husband. He won’t stop her from leaving but wishes she would believe that he would never want her to stop being who she is.
There is chemistry between them that neither can deny. Emmy has decided that she will enjoy her time in the bedroom with Alexander but she won’t fall in love with him. There’s a surprise for Emmy on her wedding night that surprised me too.
There are moments when my heart was breaking for Alexander and his family but for most of the plot I loved to read how Emmy helps Tess find balance in her home life, helps his father and brings entertainment and interest back to the home she now shares with Alexander, his father and sister. I loved reading Alexander’s gentle wooing of Emmy so not to spook her and Emmy integrating into life in the country and learning about her husband as they married hardly knowing each other. When a reality hits, they almost lose each other but love and respect for each other brings them together again. It is a wonderful read that I am looking forward to reading again. I also want to read the previous books in this series and other books by this new found author. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical romance novels with a little angst but a lot more romance. I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-four year old Lady Emmaline (Emmy) Keswick was participating in her fifth season, and loving it. She enjoyed the social scene and energy of London. What she did not enjoy was the pressure from her mother to marry. At one event she stumbled upon two so called ‘ladies’ verbally abusing Tess, a sweet young newcomer to the ton. Furious, Emmy put them in their place and tried to console the tearful girl. That’s how Alex, who had been looking for Tess, found them and demanded to know what Emmy had done to his younger sister. Tess and Alex arrived at Emmy’s home the next day to offer both an apology and their gratitude, resulting in the three of them forging friendships and spending time together. Somewhere along the line, Emmy’s mother announced that this would be the last year that she would chaperone Emmy and participate in the London season. That meant that Emmy would have to move to the country with her mother, as an unmarried lady could not live alone in London unchaperoned. It occurred to Emmy that a marriage of convenience to Alex might resolve her problem. Fast forward and Emmy and Alex are married with Tess in tow, heading back to their country estate and their reclusive father. This story then revolves around the newlyweds’ acclimation to married life. There are awkward moments, misinterpretations, unguarded glances and steamy nights. Alex quickly falls in love with Emmy, but she insists that theirs is a marriage of convenience and not a love match. She wants to stick to their original agreement that she will provide Alex with an heir, and once that is accomplished he will grant her the freedom that she craves. It wasn’t until emotional distance required physical distance that Emmy finally saw the light. Alex has the patience of a saint and is just a really good guy. His family is important to him and he is committed to doing everything possible to ensure their happiness. Emmy is a tad self-absorbed, but does eventually learn that love is freeing, not confining. This is a well written charming story filled with endearing characters and a few well placed surprises!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Sylvie writes; she draws you in slowly and then you're hooked for the rest of the book. This is the three book in this series but the they don’t need to be read in order. I loved that this story was mostly outside of London society and more than just balls and parties. Lady Emmy Keswick is very different them most woman of the ton, she loves gossip and reads the gossip sheets daily. Mostly because she wants to know everything about everybody. Not just a busy body, but tries to help those she can. She believes everybody business is hers too. She is outspoken and unfortunately usually speaks before thinking how others will take it. Her mother has been trying to see her married for a long time now that she is on her seventh season and twenty-four her mother is tired and wanting to retire to the country. What! That means Emmy will have too also, she can’t stay in London on her own and her brother married her best friend, Olivia and moved on too. She loves her independence and socializing with friends. Her newest friend is Tess Whitcomb, who is London for her first season. There is a scandal in her past and ton is not nice to her. Emmy has taken her under her wing to help. She is with her brother, Alexander. Their father is not well and would like grand kids before he dies. Alexander is not wanting a wife but will do anything for his family. He is very thankful for Emmy’s help with the nasty gossip that hurt his sister's feeling. He finds her outspokenness very different and nice for a change. Emmy has a plan to help them both, a marriage of convenience. She will get her freedom and she will give him children. No feeling involved. Oh, my what could go wrong with this plan? Yup, feelings, desire, secrets and way too much talking or thinking in their minds and not to each other. It was great to see that they both were new to passion. They have so much to learn of marriage and how the heart knows best. Hopefully they figure it out before it is too late. To find out you need to get a copy and get started. You will not be sorry. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my somewhat long but honest opinion!

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is what finds you when you’re not looking?
And Emmaline & Alexander were most definitely not looking!

She’s a marquess’ sister in her fifth season, not a diamond but generally well-liked, a gossip rag devourer, a kind-hearted busybody and a little too forward. She likes the razzle dazzle of town, her freedom and just isn’t ready to marry yet - to her mother’s loving despair.
He’s the doting older brother who accompanied his little sister to town for her debut. A private, taciturn man. If it were up to him, he would have stayed home in the country with his dogs, but his father is getting on in years and he promised the man grandchildren.
They become friends when she saves his sister from two vicious harpies at a ball, and when her mother utters an ultimatum - marry this season or spend the next few years in the country - she proposes to him. A marriage of convenience. She’ll give him children and soon in return for her freedom. The crux: he’s fallen hard and fast, and he wants more…

What I loved most about this story is that, for once, it’s the man who does all the work and she’s the one to nearly screw up her own happiness.
Yes, Emmy is one hardheaded lady! She’s the one with strict boundaries, not a fan of change, terrified of losing herself, and determined to keep him at arm’s length… even when her heart is begging her not to. And Alex is this sweet and wonderful gem of a husband; considerate, tender, passionately in love with his wife and desperate to conquer her heart.
Also, they’re both virgins, and I really enjoyed their wedding night - the second one, that is… the ‘at arm’s length’ rule does not apply in the bedroom and they sizzle most deliciously.
They communicate openly and yet, they also spent an awful lot of time in their own heads. Maybe a little too much? I really, really, really wanted to shake them both quite a few times.
On the other hand, these internal struggles made the story feel more realistic, and so did Emmy’s envy towards her best friends - she feels a little left behind, yet doesn’t want to take the leap herself.

This was a wonderfully engaging feel-good story! A beautiful friends-to-lovers romance with quick steam and slow burn love. Charming and witty with an interesting cast of side characters and a small but important cameo for Griffin & Olivia.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy and Alex

“The Mister I Married” is book 3 in Sylvie Sinclair's series entitled Romancing the Rogue. Although there is not a rogue to be found in this marriage of convenience story. Alex Whitcomb is the mister. He is a well off member of the landed gentry, successful, and even tempered. Alex loves his country estate and is happily taking care of his sister, Tess, and his father (who is quite eager for grandchildren). A trip to London to look for a bride is in order as well as a husband for Tess. Alex meets outgoing, busybody, daughter of nobility, Lady Emmy. Emmy takes Tess under her wing and strikes up a friendship with Alex. Emmy loves London, she loves everything a big city has to offer. She has no plans to marry, at least not yet, until her mother drops a bombshell, they are quitting London for the countryside. Emmy makes a bargain with Alex and enters into a marriage of convenience. “The Mister I Married” is a nice story, it starts slow then picks up the pace once the wedding takes place. Emmy’s biggest problem is Emmy herself, she is constantly getting in the way of her own happiness. Emmy strives to keep the marriage of convenience, a convenience. Alex has the patience of a saint while waiting for Emmy to realize love isn’t the enemy. I liked Alex’s character from the beginning of the story, his easygoing nature and gentle mannerisms were just what Emmy needed. As a couple, Alex and Emmy got along best in the bedroom, their steamy, passionate nights were quite the contrast to the cold, aloof days. Tess was an excellent secondary character, filling in the gaps between Emmy and Alex. This is not a long read. I did enjoy this novel, my first from Silvia Sinclair. Recommended as a Regency romance and for fans of Ms. Sinclair.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this opposites attract, marriage of convenience romance. The plot is very well written and is filled with emotion, very nice main and secondary characters and steam. Alex is a virginal cinnamon roll hero who prefers a peaceful life with his loved ones, and Emmy is a social butterfly and spinster unwilling to sacrifice her entertainment and freedom. Although they are immediately attracted to each other, their love story is rather slow burning and full of twists and turns and suppressed feelings.

Unlike her friends Olivia and Sophie, Lady Emmy Keswick is not romantically inclined and does not want to get married. She enjoys her social life in London too much and the gossip it brings. At a ball, she meets young Tess Whitcomb, who is being bullied by other society ladies because of the scandal surrounding her mother, and comes to her aid. A friendship develops between the two and Emmy takes Tess under her wing.
Alexander "Alex" Whitcomb hates living in the city and would prefer to spend all his time at his family's country estate, but to please his father and sister Tess, Alex accompanies Tess to London for the season to find them both spouses. He is attracted to Emmy, but he knows that she is not interested in marrying him. But when Emmy's mother tells her that she has had enough of the hustle and bustle and wants to withdraw from society, Emmy has to act. She cannot stay in London on her own, so she decides to get married and makes Alex an offer that he accepts. She marries and gives him children, after which she is free to return to the city. Emmy soon feels attracted to Alex, but falling for her husband is out of question and would only complicate their arrangement...

Overall, a lighthearted read that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Marriage of convenience, MC's are virgins, he falls first
Steam level: 3
Part of a series but fine as a standalone.

3.5 stars squeaked up. This is a sweet, slow burn HR with some steam.
What I liked:
--Solid writing style with behavior and language that are pretty true to the period.
--Emmy is a bit different from the norm, a good girl mixed with a gossip girl. She uses the information she has to defend others from the slings and arrows of the ton.
--Alex is also a bit different, a mix of grumpy and cinammon roll.
--The parents are not painted as villains but as flawed people who are trying their best.

What didn't work as well for me:
--The pace overall is a tad slow. I felt that plotwise there needed to be more to switch things up from the standard HR tropes.
--I didn't quite sense the chemistry between the MC's.
--Emmy didn't end up being as fun as I'd hoped. Her outspoken personality, led by her code of ethics, devolved to being puzzlingly dismissive. Her hang-ups about having a "real marriage" and her treatment of Alex didn't make a lot of sense to me. She's obsesssed with having freedom, ok, but what are her life goals? There doesn't seem to be much outside of her circle of family and friends.

Overall: this is a sweet read that just needed a little bit of a jolt.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, volunary opinion. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Emmaline and Alexander and thought they were perfect for each other. They each had strengths the other did not and brought out the best in each other, IMO. Lady Emmaline Keswick loves to be in London and experience the sights and sounds. Unfortunately for her, her mother has grown bored and wants to retire to the country! Emmy in a bid to forestall said trip, decides to face the situation and look for a husband.

Alexander Whitcomb on the other hand, does not enjoy London and is only there so his beloved sister can experience life in London. At the same time, due to his father’s failing health, he has decided that it is time for him to select a bride and settle down. Emmy was truly kind to his sister so he feels the two of them can rub along together and maybe have a marriage of convenience.

What started out as a marriage of convenience soon turned into a love match that kept me reading through the night to see what happened. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each MCs perspective and how they were navigating their marriage. Lovely moments that had me sighing and smiling.

I will definitely look out for other books from this author.

I received an ARC from the author and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sylvie Sinclair is one of my go-to authors for fun, solid historicals that never stress me out. Her latest includes a marriage of convenience, a virgin hero, and some really kind characters.

Emmy loves the hustle and bustle of the Season. at 24, she's not ready to get married, and since she's rich, she really doesn't need to ... not until her mother announces that while Emmy may love London, her mother is ready to relax in the country. So, Emmy proposes to Alex, her friend's (very hot) brother. Alex is fine with a marriage of convenience, so they marry right away. Except, oh no, maybe they're falling for each other! Whatever can they do?

Some things I loved about this short novel: Emmy loves to gossip, and it's never presented as a problem. It is just a part of her bubbly, kindhearted personality to want to know everything that's going on. She's never malicious, and she's often able to help people out because she's paid attention to different social relationships. I loved both Emmy's and Alex's families as flawed but loving. And of course I always love adding to my "virgin hero" list!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks fly in a marriage of convenience between patient hero and headstrong heroine

Excellent story! Very well written and tightly focused on the main pair, which I love to see as a reader. Secondary characters flesh out the narrative nicely, but don't overwhelm the central romance.

Emmy enjoys her independence and is uninterested in love, but knows she must marry if she is to maintain her freedom. Alex needs an heir to appease his ailing father. He's drawn to Emmy's honesty, kindness, and energy, and she's drawn to his calm, intelligence, and devotion to family. They marry as a way to fulfill their needs, but turn out to be great together in the boudoir, and outside of it, too. Alex is the first to admit to himself he's completely smitten, but Emmy fights against the admission with all she's got.

There are several open-door spicy scenes after the wedding, and they are emotion-filled and quite erotic. The book is focused on the leads' character development and deepening romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light read with a story that felt too modern to belong in the historical fiction genre. I have mixed feelings about this book because, although I enjoyed the story overall, the stubbornness and reactions of the FMC didn’t always feel right.

Lady Emmaline is happily unmarried when her mother decides to spend more time on her own, visiting her son’s house and finally enjoying some solitude—especially after raising both Emmaline and her son, the Marquess of Keswick, following her husband's early death.

Alexander Whitcomb is one of the most eligible bachelors in the ton, despite lacking a title. He’s in London to support his sister, who is searching for a husband and social connections. Unfortunately, their mother's past makes it difficult for them to be fully accepted by society. Fortunately, Lady Emmaline is there to help them navigate the rough waters.

The story was cute, but somehow it didn’t meet my expectations.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was he falls first, she’s afraid to love marriage of convenience. There were some unique twists to the plot like the reason for the marriage, but there was also the predictable parts too. The characters were well developed. You really got a sense of who they were. I really loved Alex. He was a great hero. He was caring, patient, and so loving to the people he cared about. Emmy, on the other hand, was a difficult heroine for me. I never really connected to her character because I didn’t like her. Her nosiness was a bit obnoxious in the beginning, and then she just seemed so selfish and hypocritical throughout. I felt bad for Alex having to deal with her inconsistent behavior as he continued to try. They did finally get their HEA, and I was happy for him and she wasn’t as annoying at the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, full of intrigue, society, love, friends, family and twists. Lady Emmy is the sister of a Marquess, who is getting closer to spinsterhood as she has not found a man to marry. Her mother finally tells her that it's time to find a husband and have children as she wants to retire from the London scene and become a Grandmother. Alex is a Mister who has brought his sister to London for the season. It's there they become friends when she helps his sister out. Emmy does the impossible and asks Alex to many her. Shocked by her but wanting a family and wife of his son, he accepts. They sister Tess and father live in his home. As time goes on for them , this marriage of convenience isn't working well for them as both have discovered feelings for the other. Has some trust issues for both of them but love wins out. What a warm and heartfelt story. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Pickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Emmaline Keswick is not a typical lady of the ton. She does not wish to rush into marriage now or possibly ever. She does however involve herself in other people’s lives. When she steps in to help a debutant being harassed she is introduced to the Whitcomb family. She forms a bond with Tess Whitcomb and finds her brother Alex to be a true gentleman. When Emmaline’s mother drops a bombshell she looks to Alex to solve her problem. They agree on a marriage of convenience but Emmaline insists on a number of conditions that affect their relationship. Over time after they marry Alex realises that he wants more but Emmaline runs away as she finds it difficult to accept her changing feelings. A single event turns things on their head and Emmaline must decide her future. How the outcome is achieved makes for a most enjoyable story. I highly recommend this book.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book more than I did. I enjoyed the premise and how Emmy was so forthright and a “go getter.” She was outspoken, but she was kind and thoughtful. It was a good mix. But, I still found her very bratty. Her reasons for fighting her love for Alex were so shallow. And for all of her thoughtfulness elsewhere, I felt she acted so stupidly toward Alex. If Alex would have refused her at the end, I would have felt vindicated.

Alex was a wonderful man. He was a kind and generous man. He wasn’t over the top, but he was loyal and loving. I think the fact he was so good made me that much angrier at Emmy.

Overall, the writing was good and the story was fun. Emmy was just one of my least favorite FMCs.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt it was rude and unfair of Alex to ask Emmy to speed up the time to their wedding just because his sister wanted to go home early. Emmy was sacrificing a great deal and she deserved the rest of the summer in London as was planned. I took turns being mad at Alex first then at Emmy for running off to London. They needed to get on the same page and communication wouldn't be amiss. They frustrated the feathers out of me. It was easy to see the love they had for each other, they just needed to see it for themselves . Some twists lead to the perfect epilogue ending. Sweet. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly humorous story
Emmaline – but she prefers Emmy - is a young strongminded woman. She treasures her independence and is not overly interested in men or marriage. That is until her mother expresses her wish to retire for an indefinite period to the country after the season. Emmy will have to choose: either marry or bury herself at their country seat.
I loved Emmy spunk and can understand her fear of marriage at a time when women became their husband’s property. There are also some true laughing out loud moments in the book a.o. when she thinks “Saints be, she’d broken him”.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading this author , she puts so much detail in her characters that they just ooze romance and passion .

A marriage of convenience it was supposed to be ….no falling in love they said . Both virgins but both eager to please and did with great satisfaction a safe place where they understood each other yet the rule was not to fall in love .

They keep telling themselves don’t fall in love but what happens when one of them falls hard but can’t say ….you need to read it and find out

A lovely heartwarming read .

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming story of Emmy and Alex. He's determined to protect his sister but in the process he ends up married to Emmy as a marriage of convenience.

The two of them went back and forth in their own heads trying to figure out their different wants and needs. The characters are fantastic yet too into their own needs and wants to see each other. Alex is generally willing to be flexible by Emmy is afraid of losing herself in the marriage and out of London.

Well written and a story with great secondary characters.

[Rixxyreadsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet, swoony and adorable love story. Scratched my itch for an overly romantic, steamy but a little angsty HR. Loved both MC's, they're both kindhearted and yes we have TWO VIRGINS HERE, which is totally my catnip. The romance and chemistry was so good. Just not a fan of how long it took the h to realize how much the H loved her. Also, I think it's a breath of fresh air in HR when the mmc is actually the one who's chasing the fmc and the one really pursuing the relationship. So so love whipped mmcs and the mmc here didn't disappoint. I flew through this book. It was that good.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy and Alexander . . .

Lady Emmy Keswick enjoys London but has still not chosen a husband and her mother has had enough of waiting. Alexander Whitcomb is not thrilled with the London scene. But his father wants him to marry. He takes his sister Tess along on the trip and she becomes friends with Emmy. Since Emmy and Alexander are not interested in love, they agree to a marriage of convenience to suit both of them. Emmy is afraid of love. But how will they respond when real love becomes a possibility? Will it change things? Will it bring her back to him?