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Business of Marriage #1
A Debt Paid in Marriage
"What am I to him? A contract? A convenient solution?"
Laura Townsend's plan to reclaim her family's merchandise backfires when she creeps into moneylender Philip Rathbone's house and threatens him with a pistol, only to find him reclining naked in his bath!
The last thing she expects is to see this guarded widower on her doorstep a couple of days later armed with a very surprising proposal. A marriage of convenience may be Laura's chance to reclaim her future, but she won't settle for anything less than true passion. Can she hope to find it in Philip's arms?
Laura Townsend's plan to reclaim her family's merchandise backfires when she creeps into moneylender Philip Rathbone's house and threatens him with a pistol, only to find him reclining naked in his bath!
The last thing she expects is to see this guarded widower on her doorstep a couple of days later armed with a very surprising proposal. A marriage of convenience may be Laura's chance to reclaim her future, but she won't settle for anything less than true passion. Can she hope to find it in Philip's arms?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
16 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Georgie Lee
83 books119 followersA lifelong history buff, award winning author Georgie Lee hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then, she fulfills her dreams of lords, ladies and a season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any movie with a costume and an accent. Please visit www.georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 10, 2016
I've given this a B at AAR, so that's 4 stars.
It’s quite refreshing to find a story set in this period in which the protagonists are ordinary working people. In A Debt Paid in Marriage, Laura Townsend and her mother are left to the care of her uncle following the death of Laura’s father, who was a prosperous draper. Unfortunately, Robert Townsend very quickly gambles away the family business and reduces them all to penury.
In a desperate, last-ditch attempt to salvage something, Laura sneaks in to the home of Philip Rathbone, the moneylender from whom her uncle had borrowed a large sum for which he’d used the business as security. She plans to force Rathbone into returning some valuable cloth to her so that she can recoup some of their losses and begin to repay the debt. Discovering her quarry relaxing in his bath, Laura confronts him at gunpoint. Rathbone is surprisingly unperturbed and makes no bones whatsoever about rising from the bath and dripping all over the carpet so he can show her – while completely naked – the paperwork proving his ownership of the business.
Shocked at his sangfroid and realising hers is a lost cause, Laura flees back to the dingy room in Seven Dials she shares with her mother, knowing that they will soon be unable to afford even that. Her uncle has disappeared on one of his regular drinking binges, and she has no idea what is to become of them.
Philip, meanwhile, can’t forget the quiet desperation and courage of the young woman who had challenged him, and thinks she may provide the solution to some of his most pressing problems. A widower with a young son and a thirteen year-old sister, he needs someone to guide and befriend Jane and a mother for Thomas – so he tracks Laura down and proposes a marriage of convenience. He will take care of her and her mother and in return she will run his household and learn his business and eventually, he hopes, bear him more children. Having no alternative, Laura agrees, and that very day Philip removes her and her mother to his home, but not before an unpleasant confrontation with her uncle, who makes clear his opposition and threatens them both.
The relationship between Philip and Laura is very well written, and I was particularly intrigued by the unusual profession Ms Lee has chosen for her hero. Through Laura’s tutelage, she gives the reader an insight to the workings of his business, and offers a different view to the one normally found in such stories, wherein the moneylender is a cruel, rapacious villain. Philip is a scrupulously honest, fair man who is above board in all his dealings and who even tries to help those who can’t help themselves.
Because of the situation in which she found herself – dependent on a man who gambled away their livelihood – Laura is initially wary of Philip and believes him to be a cold, unemotional man. But watching him with his son and seeing his affection for his sometimes exasperating sister gradually shows Laura that Philip’s not unfeeling, just someone who is very guarded and keeps his emotions on a tight rein. As she spends more time with him – in both familial and work situations –Laura comes to realise that behind his aloofness is a fear of emotional involvement.
Philip loved his first wife deeply and was devastated by her death following Thomas’ birth. He is attracted to Laura, but never wants to experience such hurt again and determines that he will not open his heart to her. But as time goes on, he just can’t help doing so, no matter how hard he tries not to. The one false note I felt is struck in the book is towards the end, after something happens to cause Philip’s fears to come thundering back. Laura is then faced with the choice of letting him retreat from her or fighting for their marriage – and Philip’s volte-face is so fast that it could have caused whiplash.
But that’s my one reservation. Otherwise, this is a lovely, gentle story about two people who have suffered tragedy finding each other and falling in love. It’s not plain sailing all the way of course –there are times when Laura’s view of Philip leads her to badly misjudge him and hurt him deeply, but fortunately, she’s a woman who is capable of owing her mistakes and apologising for them; and there’s also the shadow of her uncle’s threats hanging over them. Both are well drawn and likeable, and the same is true of the secondary characters – Jane, Laura’s mother, and Philip’s friend and colleague, Justin Connor, who I hope may get his own book at some point.
A Debt Paid in Marriage is a quick, but sweetly romantic read, and one I’d certainly recommend to anyone looking for an historical that isn’t full of dukes, earls, and debutantes.
It’s quite refreshing to find a story set in this period in which the protagonists are ordinary working people. In A Debt Paid in Marriage, Laura Townsend and her mother are left to the care of her uncle following the death of Laura’s father, who was a prosperous draper. Unfortunately, Robert Townsend very quickly gambles away the family business and reduces them all to penury.
In a desperate, last-ditch attempt to salvage something, Laura sneaks in to the home of Philip Rathbone, the moneylender from whom her uncle had borrowed a large sum for which he’d used the business as security. She plans to force Rathbone into returning some valuable cloth to her so that she can recoup some of their losses and begin to repay the debt. Discovering her quarry relaxing in his bath, Laura confronts him at gunpoint. Rathbone is surprisingly unperturbed and makes no bones whatsoever about rising from the bath and dripping all over the carpet so he can show her – while completely naked – the paperwork proving his ownership of the business.
Shocked at his sangfroid and realising hers is a lost cause, Laura flees back to the dingy room in Seven Dials she shares with her mother, knowing that they will soon be unable to afford even that. Her uncle has disappeared on one of his regular drinking binges, and she has no idea what is to become of them.
Philip, meanwhile, can’t forget the quiet desperation and courage of the young woman who had challenged him, and thinks she may provide the solution to some of his most pressing problems. A widower with a young son and a thirteen year-old sister, he needs someone to guide and befriend Jane and a mother for Thomas – so he tracks Laura down and proposes a marriage of convenience. He will take care of her and her mother and in return she will run his household and learn his business and eventually, he hopes, bear him more children. Having no alternative, Laura agrees, and that very day Philip removes her and her mother to his home, but not before an unpleasant confrontation with her uncle, who makes clear his opposition and threatens them both.
The relationship between Philip and Laura is very well written, and I was particularly intrigued by the unusual profession Ms Lee has chosen for her hero. Through Laura’s tutelage, she gives the reader an insight to the workings of his business, and offers a different view to the one normally found in such stories, wherein the moneylender is a cruel, rapacious villain. Philip is a scrupulously honest, fair man who is above board in all his dealings and who even tries to help those who can’t help themselves.
Because of the situation in which she found herself – dependent on a man who gambled away their livelihood – Laura is initially wary of Philip and believes him to be a cold, unemotional man. But watching him with his son and seeing his affection for his sometimes exasperating sister gradually shows Laura that Philip’s not unfeeling, just someone who is very guarded and keeps his emotions on a tight rein. As she spends more time with him – in both familial and work situations –Laura comes to realise that behind his aloofness is a fear of emotional involvement.
Philip loved his first wife deeply and was devastated by her death following Thomas’ birth. He is attracted to Laura, but never wants to experience such hurt again and determines that he will not open his heart to her. But as time goes on, he just can’t help doing so, no matter how hard he tries not to. The one false note I felt is struck in the book is towards the end, after something happens to cause Philip’s fears to come thundering back. Laura is then faced with the choice of letting him retreat from her or fighting for their marriage – and Philip’s volte-face is so fast that it could have caused whiplash.
But that’s my one reservation. Otherwise, this is a lovely, gentle story about two people who have suffered tragedy finding each other and falling in love. It’s not plain sailing all the way of course –there are times when Laura’s view of Philip leads her to badly misjudge him and hurt him deeply, but fortunately, she’s a woman who is capable of owing her mistakes and apologising for them; and there’s also the shadow of her uncle’s threats hanging over them. Both are well drawn and likeable, and the same is true of the secondary characters – Jane, Laura’s mother, and Philip’s friend and colleague, Justin Connor, who I hope may get his own book at some point.
A Debt Paid in Marriage is a quick, but sweetly romantic read, and one I’d certainly recommend to anyone looking for an historical that isn’t full of dukes, earls, and debutantes.
Read
July 14, 2021 Rating: **3.2 stars**
It was a predictable and sweet story with bland characters. You saw it coming from a mile away who the antagonist was and when he would strike and what reaction would that elicit from the reluctant ML. It's just a good pastime, nothing impressionable.
It was a predictable and sweet story with bland characters. You saw it coming from a mile away who the antagonist was and when he would strike and what reaction would that elicit from the reluctant ML. It's just a good pastime, nothing impressionable.
March 21, 2016
I enjoyed this first book in Georgie Lee’s “Business of Marriage” series. It features a marriage of convenience but refreshingly both the hero and heroine are ordinary working people – not a title in sight.
Following the death of her father, Laura Townsend and her mother find themselves in the care of her Uncle Robert who has inherited her father’s flourishing draper business. However, he has borrowed money from moneylender Philip Rathbone to pay off his large gambling debts, using the business’s assets as collateral. When he defaults on the loan, having gambled the money away, Philip seizes the goods leaving Laura and her mother penniless and fearful for their future. Laura boldly confronts Mr Townsend, hoping to persuade him to consider her business proposal, but he flatly refuses. So it is with surprise that she finds him on her doorstep the next morning with a startling proposal of his own!
Widower Philip is in need of a wife, not only to look after his baby son and provide guidance to his thirteen-year-old sister but also learn and help him run his business. In Laura, he recognises all the qualities he is looking for, strength of character, courage and intelligence and proposes a marriage of convenience. Despite her misgivings about his cold, business-like proposal, Laura is realistic enough to appreciate that it offers security for her mother and herself, which is far preferable to the alternative…a life on the streets of Seven Dials.
Their situation was already growing desperate and she knew what happened to desperate women in Seven Dials.
I enjoyed how the relationship develops between Philip and Laura. Philip loved his first wife but, because she was frail, he blames himself for her death in childbirth. The only way he can cope with the terrible pain is to shut himself off from his emotions. He is attracted to Laura and I love how he wants to protect her and make her happy, but he is unwilling to surrender his heart, fearing he could never face that sort of loss again.
Laura demanded his respect and affection and he would give it, but he would not surrender his heart, He couldn’t.
Laura soon discovers that Philip is not the cold, unfeeling man she thought but a man who loves his son and his sister, Jane. The scene where she watches Philip soothing his little son is so touching.
The boy sniffed, his eyes growing heavy as his father continued to rock him and stroke his little back. Soon the child’s stuffy-nosed breaths gave way to steady quiet snores.
Laura’s insecurities sometimes lead her to mistrust Philip but I like how she is willing to admit to her mistakes. I also admire her determination to fight for a loving marriage and I enjoyed watching Philip’s defenses slowly crumbling. However, his sudden about turn following dramatic events towards the end of book does seem like an obstacle too far.
The secondary characters all extra interest to the story, especially Philip’s sister, Jane, Laura’s mother and Philip’s friend, Justin, whose story is told in A Too Convenient Marriage . I particularly enjoyed the scene where Mr Charton, one of Philip’s associates, is trying to talk about some of the rather “unusual” collateral they have inspected, only to have his wife drag him away.
For lovers of Epilogues like me, I am pleased to say that Ms Lee provides one that will be leave you with a nice warm glow.
MY VERDICT: An extremely enjoyable” marriage of convenience” story.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
Business of Marriage series (click on the book covers for more information):
- 19th June 2016
**My sincere thanks to Georgie Lee for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review**
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Following the death of her father, Laura Townsend and her mother find themselves in the care of her Uncle Robert who has inherited her father’s flourishing draper business. However, he has borrowed money from moneylender Philip Rathbone to pay off his large gambling debts, using the business’s assets as collateral. When he defaults on the loan, having gambled the money away, Philip seizes the goods leaving Laura and her mother penniless and fearful for their future. Laura boldly confronts Mr Townsend, hoping to persuade him to consider her business proposal, but he flatly refuses. So it is with surprise that she finds him on her doorstep the next morning with a startling proposal of his own!
Widower Philip is in need of a wife, not only to look after his baby son and provide guidance to his thirteen-year-old sister but also learn and help him run his business. In Laura, he recognises all the qualities he is looking for, strength of character, courage and intelligence and proposes a marriage of convenience. Despite her misgivings about his cold, business-like proposal, Laura is realistic enough to appreciate that it offers security for her mother and herself, which is far preferable to the alternative…a life on the streets of Seven Dials.
Their situation was already growing desperate and she knew what happened to desperate women in Seven Dials.
I enjoyed how the relationship develops between Philip and Laura. Philip loved his first wife but, because she was frail, he blames himself for her death in childbirth. The only way he can cope with the terrible pain is to shut himself off from his emotions. He is attracted to Laura and I love how he wants to protect her and make her happy, but he is unwilling to surrender his heart, fearing he could never face that sort of loss again.
Laura demanded his respect and affection and he would give it, but he would not surrender his heart, He couldn’t.
Laura soon discovers that Philip is not the cold, unfeeling man she thought but a man who loves his son and his sister, Jane. The scene where she watches Philip soothing his little son is so touching.
The boy sniffed, his eyes growing heavy as his father continued to rock him and stroke his little back. Soon the child’s stuffy-nosed breaths gave way to steady quiet snores.
Laura’s insecurities sometimes lead her to mistrust Philip but I like how she is willing to admit to her mistakes. I also admire her determination to fight for a loving marriage and I enjoyed watching Philip’s defenses slowly crumbling. However, his sudden about turn following dramatic events towards the end of book does seem like an obstacle too far.
The secondary characters all extra interest to the story, especially Philip’s sister, Jane, Laura’s mother and Philip’s friend, Justin, whose story is told in A Too Convenient Marriage . I particularly enjoyed the scene where Mr Charton, one of Philip’s associates, is trying to talk about some of the rather “unusual” collateral they have inspected, only to have his wife drag him away.
For lovers of Epilogues like me, I am pleased to say that Ms Lee provides one that will be leave you with a nice warm glow.
MY VERDICT: An extremely enjoyable” marriage of convenience” story.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
Business of Marriage series (click on the book covers for more information):
- 19th June 2016**My sincere thanks to Georgie Lee for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review**
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
June 12, 2015
Marriage of convenience regency times story with no dukes, earls, viscounts or even minor gentry in sight. What a refreshing concept! The start was intriguing to say the least: the heroine brandishes a pistol in front of the hero who reclines naked in bath. The hero, a widower Philip Rathbone, belongs to both feared and despised profession of moneylenders. He loans his clients money, indicates collateral and seizes the collateral when the unfortunate client can't pay the loan back. The profession is both risky (unscrupulous, deceiving clients) and dangerous (desperate people can do desperate things). One of these unfortunate clients was our heroine's uncle - a gambler, drinker and all in all a real piece of work. His niece, Laura Townwnsend, is brought down to her knees by the said uncle who, after the death of Laura's father, assumed total control over his brother's drape business . His unwise business decisions and destructive habits lead to the seizure of all merchandise and subsequent family downfall. Only desperation made Laura to creep to Philip's house, and demand the seized merchandise back. Despite their less then ideal first meeting, Philip is intrigued by Laura. The widower with one year old son and thirteen year old sister, he sure could use some of the intelligence, bravery and courage he saw in Laura to help him with his family and business. He offers Laura a marriage of convenience. Even though she perceived Philip as cold, arrogant, unfeeling man, Laura accepts his proposal as not doing so would mean to go back to starvation. There is a lot of introspective reflections and the story is told from both characters' POV. I normally love MOC genre and the working class aspect of the story was unique. But this was just OK read for me. I can't pin point exactly what it is but I was bored in the middle of the story and found myself skimming pages. It maybe lack of chemistry between the characters, it may be the characters were too good, somewhat even preachy. I was also a bit annoyed with the constant "should I marry or should I not" trope. Overall, a very good premise but an average execution.
April 15, 2015
A very good story. It was terrific to read a Regency story without the usual lords and ladies. In this case we have Laura Townsend, whose unscrupulous uncle has lost the family business to a local moneylender. Desperate, Laura sneaks into Philip's home, hoping to force him to return the store merchandise so she can restore the business. However, it doesn't quite work out that way.
Philip is relaxing in the bath when Laura appears before him, pistol in hand. He's amazingly unfazed, rising naked from the water and retrieving the paperwork showing his right to the business. Realizing it's a lost cause, Laura flees into the night, not knowing what will become of her and her mother. Two days later, Philips hasn't been able to forget the lovely Laura. He is a widower with a one year old son and a thirteen year old sister and he is in need of some help. He offers Laura a marriage of convenience. He will take care of her and her mother if she will marry him and help him with his family and his business.
I really liked both Laura and Philip. Each of them has known tragedy and loss, which leave them vulnerable, The death of Laura's father left her and her mother at the mercy of her uncle. Because he lost the business through his dealings with the moneylender, Laura has a rather jaded view of Philip. She first sees him as cold and unfeeling, but feels marriage to him is her only choice. As she gets to know him, she realizes that he isn't cold at all, only very guarded in his feelings. The obvious love he has for his son and sister give her hope for their future.
Philip is drawn to Laura from the time he first met her. He's impressed by her courage in confronting him, and by the intelligence he sees when he explains things to her. His decision to offer her marriage is a practical one for him. He had loved his wife and still grieves over her death. He considers himself responsible, as she had been somewhat fragile in health and died in childbirth. He is attracted to Laura, but refuses to allow himself to open his heart to her, not wanting to risk the pain of another loss like that.
I loved the relationship that grows between them. Philip is protective of Laura and finds himself wanting to do things that make her happy. I also enjoyed seeing the way that he brings her into his business, respecting her intelligence and ability to understand people. He resists the idea that he is beginning to care for her, but everyone around him can see it. Laura starts out wary of Philip, but soon understands that his aloofness hides his fear of getting involved. I liked her gentle way of getting close to him. However, she does still have insecurities of her own, and occasionally they cause her to misjudge him. Fortunately, when she realizes she's in the wrong, she has no trouble owning up to it and apologizing.
Things are going quite well for them and their future looks promising when her uncle reappears and causes trouble. Philip's fears are brought crashing back to haunt him, and Laura has to decide if it's worth it to fight for his love. I loved seeing her determination overcome his fears. The epilogue was a perfect wrap up.
The secondary characters were also well done. I especially liked Philip's sister Jane and the way she would challenge him before Laura and her mother came to stay. I also liked Philip's friend Justin and would love to see him get a story of his own. I also loved the backdrop of Philip's business. In most stories of that period, moneylenders are the sleazy bad guys, but this gives the viewpoint of an honest businessman. I really loved seeing Philip show Laura the ins and outs of the business, both the good side and the bad.
Philip is relaxing in the bath when Laura appears before him, pistol in hand. He's amazingly unfazed, rising naked from the water and retrieving the paperwork showing his right to the business. Realizing it's a lost cause, Laura flees into the night, not knowing what will become of her and her mother. Two days later, Philips hasn't been able to forget the lovely Laura. He is a widower with a one year old son and a thirteen year old sister and he is in need of some help. He offers Laura a marriage of convenience. He will take care of her and her mother if she will marry him and help him with his family and his business.
I really liked both Laura and Philip. Each of them has known tragedy and loss, which leave them vulnerable, The death of Laura's father left her and her mother at the mercy of her uncle. Because he lost the business through his dealings with the moneylender, Laura has a rather jaded view of Philip. She first sees him as cold and unfeeling, but feels marriage to him is her only choice. As she gets to know him, she realizes that he isn't cold at all, only very guarded in his feelings. The obvious love he has for his son and sister give her hope for their future.
Philip is drawn to Laura from the time he first met her. He's impressed by her courage in confronting him, and by the intelligence he sees when he explains things to her. His decision to offer her marriage is a practical one for him. He had loved his wife and still grieves over her death. He considers himself responsible, as she had been somewhat fragile in health and died in childbirth. He is attracted to Laura, but refuses to allow himself to open his heart to her, not wanting to risk the pain of another loss like that.
I loved the relationship that grows between them. Philip is protective of Laura and finds himself wanting to do things that make her happy. I also enjoyed seeing the way that he brings her into his business, respecting her intelligence and ability to understand people. He resists the idea that he is beginning to care for her, but everyone around him can see it. Laura starts out wary of Philip, but soon understands that his aloofness hides his fear of getting involved. I liked her gentle way of getting close to him. However, she does still have insecurities of her own, and occasionally they cause her to misjudge him. Fortunately, when she realizes she's in the wrong, she has no trouble owning up to it and apologizing.
Things are going quite well for them and their future looks promising when her uncle reappears and causes trouble. Philip's fears are brought crashing back to haunt him, and Laura has to decide if it's worth it to fight for his love. I loved seeing her determination overcome his fears. The epilogue was a perfect wrap up.
The secondary characters were also well done. I especially liked Philip's sister Jane and the way she would challenge him before Laura and her mother came to stay. I also liked Philip's friend Justin and would love to see him get a story of his own. I also loved the backdrop of Philip's business. In most stories of that period, moneylenders are the sleazy bad guys, but this gives the viewpoint of an honest businessman. I really loved seeing Philip show Laura the ins and outs of the business, both the good side and the bad.
May 18, 2015
I'm being mean with this rating. Objectively this is probably a four star book, but, for me, it just didn't hit the spot. Especially odd because, usually, I bloody love a marriage of convenience yarn. Perfectly well written, nicely drawn characters, believable conflict, not too stuffed with plot but it just felt flat. The romance wasn't strong enough. The h/h didn't have the requisite chemistry, it was like siblings falling in love (but somewhat less creepy than that idea). It also begins in an outrageously gimmicky manner which doesn't sit right with the hero's character and attitude ultimately. I really wanted to like this more, it deserves more from me but I just couldn't.
March 10, 2018
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June 24, 2017
Unusual
A historical romance without a single titled character. This alone makes it worth a look. A moneylender does make an unusual hero.
A historical romance without a single titled character. This alone makes it worth a look. A moneylender does make an unusual hero.
March 29, 2015
Was refreshing to read a regency with no aristocrats. No earls in the mix here, just honest hard-working folk. Well mostly honest, some are lying to themselves.
January 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. Plot and characters were fab. I think this may be my first Georgie Lee novel, but will read more of hers.
February 4, 2022
When Laura goes to confront the moneylender responsible for ruining her family, the last thing she expects is to find him bathing - or for him to propose to her the following day. But with nowhere else to turn, Laura accepts Philip’s proposal of marriage. Philip, however, is still reeling, years on, from the death of his beloved first wife in childbirth. As the two get to know one another, Laura is forced to reconsider her preconceptions about Philip, and Philip has to decide whether he’s ready to love again.
This was a good read. The writing is nice and crisp; it was more descriptive than I expected and I got the measure of the main characters quite quickly, even from the opening chapter. I found Laura’s character a little grating, but she was still well-drawn. Philip’s aloofness was more appealing and I liked how the both of them reacted to one another. Their first meeting - her confronting him at gunpoint whilst he’s bathing - was really engaging and good fun, and I thought they continued to have a lot of chemistry from thereon out. The sex scenes were very well-written and I liked that they had a tactile quality to them, with a lot of emphasis on things like undressing. They were sexy but still managed to be sweet.
The wider plot, involving her uncle, was fine, but I think the book could have done with a little bit more of that plotline. There were points where the book felt a little bit slow, even though it’s not that long, and I think some additional external drama might have kept things moving along a little bit. The final confrontation was very dramatic and worked well, and I liked the angst it led to, but the actual ending felt a bit swift and neatly tied up for me.
Overall, though, it was an entertaining read. I thought there was good characterisation and the central romance was very sexy and sweet at the same time. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a historical marriage-of-convenience romance with a widower hero.
Content Notes:
This was a good read. The writing is nice and crisp; it was more descriptive than I expected and I got the measure of the main characters quite quickly, even from the opening chapter. I found Laura’s character a little grating, but she was still well-drawn. Philip’s aloofness was more appealing and I liked how the both of them reacted to one another. Their first meeting - her confronting him at gunpoint whilst he’s bathing - was really engaging and good fun, and I thought they continued to have a lot of chemistry from thereon out. The sex scenes were very well-written and I liked that they had a tactile quality to them, with a lot of emphasis on things like undressing. They were sexy but still managed to be sweet.
The wider plot, involving her uncle, was fine, but I think the book could have done with a little bit more of that plotline. There were points where the book felt a little bit slow, even though it’s not that long, and I think some additional external drama might have kept things moving along a little bit. The final confrontation was very dramatic and worked well, and I liked the angst it led to, but the actual ending felt a bit swift and neatly tied up for me.
Overall, though, it was an entertaining read. I thought there was good characterisation and the central romance was very sexy and sweet at the same time. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a historical marriage-of-convenience romance with a widower hero.
Content Notes:
September 1, 2017
Ah, the troppiness of it all! Laura Townsend, in her role as feisty heroine, confronts Phillip Rathbone by pointing a pistol at him and insisting that he return the inventory to her draper shop that he claimed was collateral for a loan. Dripping wet and naked, he stalks across the room, unfazed by the gun she is pointing at him and shows her the contract signed by her (evil) uncle. Turns out her saintly but misguided deceased father had trusted the uncle with his business and taken no steps to provide for his wife and daughter, who are now living in abject poverty due to that misplaced trust. Laura leaves disheartened but of course the next day, in the manner of romance heroes everywhere, Phillip proposes. He loves her spunk! Who wouldn't trust someone whom they met at gunpoint with their one year old?
Nothing really pulls this tale out of romance novel central except that the characters are working class (not rich cits though Phillip seems to have quite a bit of money but probably what we would call middle class today). Apparently, they had very loose social rules since Laura runs about with Phillip and his band of men with no chaperonage before they are married. She attends dinners as his betrothed, also without chaperonage. I was a bit surprised by this but it didn't really affect the story line beyond giving it a modern feel. Phillip's sensibilities regarding women and Laura's working class attitude had already done that, so it wasn't a biggie. Not a great book but the author's prose was smooth and the story while wholly predictable had sufficient romance/chemistry between the leads to make it worth a quick read.
Nothing really pulls this tale out of romance novel central except that the characters are working class (not rich cits though Phillip seems to have quite a bit of money but probably what we would call middle class today). Apparently, they had very loose social rules since Laura runs about with Phillip and his band of men with no chaperonage before they are married. She attends dinners as his betrothed, also without chaperonage. I was a bit surprised by this but it didn't really affect the story line beyond giving it a modern feel. Phillip's sensibilities regarding women and Laura's working class attitude had already done that, so it wasn't a biggie. Not a great book but the author's prose was smooth and the story while wholly predictable had sufficient romance/chemistry between the leads to make it worth a quick read.
May 31, 2023
It was an ok read.
2.5 stars for me.
Honestly i am struggling to put my thoughts into words, it isn't as if the book was bad but nor was it great, it just seem regular like your everyday routine with nothing outstanding to recommend it.
The H and h were both ok with nothing inherent or special about their personalities.
The background of both H and h had immense potential to make them as interesting characters but it didn't come across as such.
The start to the story when she was found with a gun in the H's bedroom provides with an unusual premise but then it seem to lose the plot
The H in spite of all his inherent good deeds as well the anguish on the death of his wife , plus the love he has for his son and sister came across as wooden, i understand he was man of few words but even in that it was difficult to make out his personality.
The h again was someone who comes across as bold and intelligent but as story progresses all i see is her doubts and her inner monologues, she wanted to make a success of her father shop but then she didn't want that , i am not sure how much involved was she later in the H's business which we see she might not be good as she lets her emotions rule her at times. there falling in love too was too instant and abrupt i would have liked more interactions/incidents between them to solidify that, i know there are instances of insta love but didn't seem justified in here.
Still this was a decent one time read .
2.5 stars for me.
Honestly i am struggling to put my thoughts into words, it isn't as if the book was bad but nor was it great, it just seem regular like your everyday routine with nothing outstanding to recommend it.
The H and h were both ok with nothing inherent or special about their personalities.
The background of both H and h had immense potential to make them as interesting characters but it didn't come across as such.
The start to the story when she was found with a gun in the H's bedroom provides with an unusual premise but then it seem to lose the plot
The H in spite of all his inherent good deeds as well the anguish on the death of his wife , plus the love he has for his son and sister came across as wooden, i understand he was man of few words but even in that it was difficult to make out his personality.
The h again was someone who comes across as bold and intelligent but as story progresses all i see is her doubts and her inner monologues, she wanted to make a success of her father shop but then she didn't want that , i am not sure how much involved was she later in the H's business which we see she might not be good as she lets her emotions rule her at times. there falling in love too was too instant and abrupt i would have liked more interactions/incidents between them to solidify that, i know there are instances of insta love but didn't seem justified in here.
Still this was a decent one time read .
July 25, 2021
My first Harlequin Historical!
Also my first time reading this author. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. Laura and Philip were ordinary working class people who often find themselves in difficult situations and this time turned it into a marriage of convenience. I liked that the characters were mot titled or part of the peerage like typical regency romances. Since it's HQN the book is shorter than the average HR reads, but towards the end still lagged.
GL has a way of writing the time period in a realistic way that felt different than the dramatized and probably inaccurate versions of the the Regency period. There's little bursts of wit throughout the story and a few times where her sentences made me stop and reread them.
The pacing in the first half of the story was excellent and I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters like Laura's mother and Jane the hero's sister whom he has to raise.
Also my first time reading this author. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. Laura and Philip were ordinary working class people who often find themselves in difficult situations and this time turned it into a marriage of convenience. I liked that the characters were mot titled or part of the peerage like typical regency romances. Since it's HQN the book is shorter than the average HR reads, but towards the end still lagged.
GL has a way of writing the time period in a realistic way that felt different than the dramatized and probably inaccurate versions of the the Regency period. There's little bursts of wit throughout the story and a few times where her sentences made me stop and reread them.
The pacing in the first half of the story was excellent and I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters like Laura's mother and Jane the hero's sister whom he has to raise.
August 5, 2025
I’m on page 101 and so far, there is too much monologue and whining. I get that there will be some doubts when someone asks for a marriage of convenience from you. But c’mon! This is the 1800s. The heroine is a very poor hungry woman on her 20s with a sick mother. I would have not expected this much crying and misery.
It’s only the second day that they met. First day of being betrothed yet she is already thinking about how much he wouldn’t care about her or love her or how much it is only a business contract for him 🙄. I was so looking forward to continue reading this afternoon after the first few chapters but now I am side eyeing the heroine because she is upset of the things many women of that era are grateful about.
It’s only the second day that they met. First day of being betrothed yet she is already thinking about how much he wouldn’t care about her or love her or how much it is only a business contract for him 🙄. I was so looking forward to continue reading this afternoon after the first few chapters but now I am side eyeing the heroine because she is upset of the things many women of that era are grateful about.
September 24, 2018
A decent enough plot with a likeable hero and heroine. It contained the wicked, evil villain to provide plenty of conflict. The story kept me interested until the last two chapters, which I think dragged out a little. I thought there were a couple of inaccuracies. Mrs Hammond’s husband took the kings shilling at a time when soldiers were discharged en-masse from the army and the author mentions impressment, which I believed ceased shortly before 1817 when the story is set. Unfortunately this is the kind of thing I tend to notice and cannot give a full five stars. However, it was a nice little read, well written and entertaining enough.
August 15, 2020
This is a lovely historical romance free of any dukes, earls, barons or governesses. Phillip is a money lender who repossessed Laura's family's inventory to satisfy her evil uncle's debt. Laura tries to get the inventory back at pistol point - meeting Phillip in his bath - and ends up married to Phillip instead.
The story is good, showing us how Phillip and Laura find in each other someone to love and honor and they build their lives together. I would have given this 4 stars for the delightful story about common people except the pace is too slow.
There are a couple narrative peaks that don't quite ring because it takes so long to get there.
The story is good, showing us how Phillip and Laura find in each other someone to love and honor and they build their lives together. I would have given this 4 stars for the delightful story about common people except the pace is too slow.
There are a couple narrative peaks that don't quite ring because it takes so long to get there.
April 4, 2022
Questo romanzo è davvero godibile e ha tutte quelle caratteristiche che cerco in un libro.
Laura e Philip, i due protagonisti, sono ben caratterizzati e ho apprezzato la loro crescita personale. Philip cerca di resistere al sentimento che, giorno dopo giorno, sente crescere per la giovane donna; inoltre, è molto protettivo nei suoi confronti e desidera davvero renderla felice. Laura, dal canto suo, non ha paura ad ammettere l'amore che prova per lui e ogni volta che commette un errore non esita a chiedere scusa.
Mi sono piaciuti molto anche i personaggi secondari che ritroveremo nei prossimi libri e io non vedo l'ora di leggerli.
Consigliato alle amanti del genere.
Laura e Philip, i due protagonisti, sono ben caratterizzati e ho apprezzato la loro crescita personale. Philip cerca di resistere al sentimento che, giorno dopo giorno, sente crescere per la giovane donna; inoltre, è molto protettivo nei suoi confronti e desidera davvero renderla felice. Laura, dal canto suo, non ha paura ad ammettere l'amore che prova per lui e ogni volta che commette un errore non esita a chiedere scusa.
Mi sono piaciuti molto anche i personaggi secondari che ritroveremo nei prossimi libri e io non vedo l'ora di leggerli.
Consigliato alle amanti del genere.
May 6, 2018
I loved the fact that it was a marriage of convenience set among ordinary working people, rather than among the greater nobility, but as other reviewers have mentioned, the romance didn't feel very strong. All in all I had the feeling that I was reading a sophomore effort by an author who may very well grow into one of my favorites - all the materials are there but they don't quite come together to make magic for me as a reader yet.
May 12, 2017
"Gli passò le mani calde, confortanti e tenere ai lati del viso. La fiducia che riponeva in lui era più potente dei propri dubbi, lo sfiorare del suo tocco più forte di qualsiasi sforzo avesse mai fatto per mantenere intatto il tumulo di pietre che gli comprimeva il cuore. Come acqua, lei era filtrata nelle fenditure, penetrandolo fino a che le rocce non avevano iniziato a crollare e la luce a scacciare l’oscurità. «Ti amo, Philip, e so anche tu ami me.» «Sì.» Lui aprì gli occhi e la prese per la vita, attirandola nell'arco del suo corpo, sostenendo con la propria forza la sua debolezza. «L’ho fatto fin dalla sera in cui hai fatto irruzione qui."
A volte in questi piccoli libri della serie Harmony History trovi delle piccole perle come in questo caso! L'escamotage del matrimonio di convenienza è ormai trito e ritrito ma non capita certo tutti i giorni che i nostri due eroi si incontrino tra una pistola puntata e una vasca da bagno XD Mi è piaciuto il fatto che ogni personaggio abbia il suo perché ai fini della trama e tutti, seppur provati dalla vita, mantengano una forza e una maturità stupefacente. Persino Phil, con la sua tristezza, la sua malinconia e il suo cercare di mantenersi distaccato dalla nuova adorabile moglie (con scarsi risultati XD) alla fin fine si rivela un uomo forte, che ama la sorella e il figlioletto con tutto se stesso ed è capace di grande dolcezza e gentilezza nei confronti dei più sfortunati. Il gesto inspiegabile per tutti (anche per lui XD) di scegliere una donna disperata, povera, ma determinata e decisa come sposa non solo rivoluzionerà la sua vita ma porterà l'amore e la luce nella sua vita e in quella dei suoi cari *ç* Laura è la protagonista che vorrei avere in ogni romanzo, è fragile ma determinata, disposta a tutto per proteggere sua madre e l'amore che sta nascendo tra lei e quell'inaspettato marito <3
A volte in questi piccoli libri della serie Harmony History trovi delle piccole perle come in questo caso! L'escamotage del matrimonio di convenienza è ormai trito e ritrito ma non capita certo tutti i giorni che i nostri due eroi si incontrino tra una pistola puntata e una vasca da bagno XD Mi è piaciuto il fatto che ogni personaggio abbia il suo perché ai fini della trama e tutti, seppur provati dalla vita, mantengano una forza e una maturità stupefacente. Persino Phil, con la sua tristezza, la sua malinconia e il suo cercare di mantenersi distaccato dalla nuova adorabile moglie (con scarsi risultati XD) alla fin fine si rivela un uomo forte, che ama la sorella e il figlioletto con tutto se stesso ed è capace di grande dolcezza e gentilezza nei confronti dei più sfortunati. Il gesto inspiegabile per tutti (anche per lui XD) di scegliere una donna disperata, povera, ma determinata e decisa come sposa non solo rivoluzionerà la sua vita ma porterà l'amore e la luce nella sua vita e in quella dei suoi cari *ç* Laura è la protagonista che vorrei avere in ogni romanzo, è fragile ma determinata, disposta a tutto per proteggere sua madre e l'amore che sta nascendo tra lei e quell'inaspettato marito <3
June 9, 2021
Honestly one of the things that bugged me about this book was that the hero doesn’t smile until like the epilogue?? Like so much happens in the middle and he’s very stoic but come on-just one teeny smile at your girl/sister/son/work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2019
Loved reading about this couple and start of a series. Looking forward to justin and janes separate books
June 27, 2019
This was really nice.
August 25, 2019
A fun low key read. Perfect for just relaxing.
January 17, 2023
i read it two days ago and i cant remember anything significant about it so 2 stars
November 3, 2016
Well when the meeting is with him in his bath and her with a gun things are going to be explosive.
November 5, 2018
When Laura’s father died, she and her mother fell under the care of Laura’s uncle, who took a loan from the moneylender Philip Rathbone to pay off his gambling debts, but he used their family business to get the loan. When Laura’s uncle couldn’t pay back the loan, Philip had to seize the goods leaving Laura and her mother in bad situation. Laura didn’t see another option than to go Philip’s home and threat him with a gun to make him take her business deal, but to her misfortune Philip refuses. What she didn’t expect was to find him on her doorstep with a surprising proposal.
It’s the first book in the Business of Marriage series and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked Laura and Philip individually, but even more together. I found Philip’s sister a great side character and her love for romance novels was very sweet. I hope I’ll enjoy the next books in the series as well. I’m fairly new to Historical Romance genre, but I am glad I discovered it, because I really enjoy reading them.
It’s the first book in the Business of Marriage series and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked Laura and Philip individually, but even more together. I found Philip’s sister a great side character and her love for romance novels was very sweet. I hope I’ll enjoy the next books in the series as well. I’m fairly new to Historical Romance genre, but I am glad I discovered it, because I really enjoy reading them.
October 21, 2017
Witty and charming.
June 7, 2015
Heroine kept questioning whether she should marry the wealthy moneylender who was kind and compassionate to her and her mother. This went on for pretty much the first half of the book. She was living in a rat infested hovel. Her mother was ill and could barely get out of bed. They were both starving. And oh yeah her uncle was brokering a deal to sell her to the local brothel. Frankly I had a hard time understanding her dilemma. I would have kissed the hero's feet and worked my way up from there.
The second half was about the hero's reluctance to form an attachment to his new wife. He was a heck of a nice guy but couldn't get over his first wife's death. Yawn. Like that old chestnut hasn't been done to death.
Spoiler....they both get over their hang ups. Double Yawn.
The second half was about the hero's reluctance to form an attachment to his new wife. He was a heck of a nice guy but couldn't get over his first wife's death. Yawn. Like that old chestnut hasn't been done to death.
Spoiler....they both get over their hang ups. Double Yawn.
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