What do you think?
Rate this book
Amoureux Sous Contrat
Amoureux sous contrat, Jessica Hart
Epouser le richissime Torr McIver a ete, pour Mallory, le meilleur moyen d'eviter la ruine apres l'abandon de son compagnon, qui l'a laissee sans le sou. Pourtant, c'est avec beaucoup de reticence que la jeune femme, naguere celebre decoratrice d'interieur, a accepte le statut d'epouse au foyer que lui imposait son nouveau mari . Un mari qui, alors qu'il lui a promis que cette union de pure convenance resterait chaste, semble aujourd'hui vouloir revenir sur cette disposition..."
Epouser le richissime Torr McIver a ete, pour Mallory, le meilleur moyen d'eviter la ruine apres l'abandon de son compagnon, qui l'a laissee sans le sou. Pourtant, c'est avec beaucoup de reticence que la jeune femme, naguere celebre decoratrice d'interieur, a accepte le statut d'epouse au foyer que lui imposait son nouveau mari . Un mari qui, alors qu'il lui a promis que cette union de pure convenance resterait chaste, semble aujourd'hui vouloir revenir sur cette disposition..."
224 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2008
About the author
Jessica Hart
490 books135 followersAfter a haphazard career spent working and travelling around the world, I stumbled into romance writing as a way to fund a PhD. My first book, A Sweeter Prejudice, came out in 1991, and since then I've written a further 59 books, some of which have won awards in the US and the UK.
I live in York, a historic city in the north of England, and waste the best part of my days planning trips away or on Facebook and Twitter, both of which mean that I end up writing late into the night. As well as romance, I write 'time slips' as Pamela Hartshorne, and am a freelance project editor and occasional writing tutor.
In May 2013 I will publishing the Jessica Hart Vintage Collection of five of my early books from the 90s.
For news of forthcoming books and exclusive offers, do sign up for my newsletter: email jessica@jessicahart.co.uk or come and find me on Facebook.
I live in York, a historic city in the north of England, and waste the best part of my days planning trips away or on Facebook and Twitter, both of which mean that I end up writing late into the night. As well as romance, I write 'time slips' as Pamela Hartshorne, and am a freelance project editor and occasional writing tutor.
In May 2013 I will publishing the Jessica Hart Vintage Collection of five of my early books from the 90s.
For news of forthcoming books and exclusive offers, do sign up for my newsletter: email jessica@jessicahart.co.uk or come and find me on Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 18, 2015
I had a hard time connecting to this book—mostly because the protagonists just didn't engage me. I'm with Torr about Mallory's attachment to the man who swindled her and tanked her business. I understand being sad, but yearning for him still is just alien to me. That kind of betrayal tends to end any warm feelings for me and wishing he'd come back and save her from the consequences he caused is just self-indulgence. I understand mourning what you thought you had, but she took it to an extreme that put me off, somewhat.
Torr was okay as the stoic man of accomplishment. At first. But it wasn't long before I figured out that , and that kind of ruined him for me. It undermines him as the confident and successful man who builds towards things he wants. I'm not as attracted to as I am to the strong silent type he had seemed to be.
Criticisms aside, the relationship did develop satisfactorily and I enjoyed the setting and the two of them learning to work together and overcome their respective hang-ups. I don't regret picking it up or the time I spent with it, at any rate.
A note about Chaste: This is an odd one in that the couple has sex, it's just not on-screen. This is actually a weakness of the book as the emotional arcs of both characters were tied to intimacy and sex happened while they were still working it out. As such, some of that really should have manifest during that intimacy and it would have been a better place to illustrate their emotional journeys and growing attachment.
Torr was okay as the stoic man of accomplishment. At first. But it wasn't long before I figured out that , and that kind of ruined him for me. It undermines him as the confident and successful man who builds towards things he wants. I'm not as attracted to as I am to the strong silent type he had seemed to be.
Criticisms aside, the relationship did develop satisfactorily and I enjoyed the setting and the two of them learning to work together and overcome their respective hang-ups. I don't regret picking it up or the time I spent with it, at any rate.
A note about Chaste: This is an odd one in that the couple has sex, it's just not on-screen. This is actually a weakness of the book as the emotional arcs of both characters were tied to intimacy and sex happened while they were still working it out. As such, some of that really should have manifest during that intimacy and it would have been a better place to illustrate their emotional journeys and growing attachment.
July 7, 2010
This turned out to be a very engrossing, well-written story. Mallory spends much of this book teetering on the edge of unlikeablity, despite the fact that she was a sympathetic character in many ways. She is peevish and callous in the things she says to Torr, making me wonder why he doesn't just send her packing back to England. I had to keep reminding myself that she'd been badly hurt by her ex, and she was having to go through a grieving period. However, I don't really like it when one character is so callous in their feelings towards another. I realized that she saw Torr in a way that wasn't truly who he was. I figured out pretty early on that he was head over heels for her, and that was why he married her. It took her until the end of the book to figure it out. Despite the fact that Mallory was a hard pill to swallow, I loved this book. I liked the descriptions of Torr's inherited rundown castle in the Scottish highlands, the natural wonders of that place, from craggy hill to seashore. I loved Torr. I think he was really a great hero. He persevered through much to win his heroine, and I was glad he got her. I was glad to see Mallory have a wakeup call that she didn't need the bright lights and the big city to be happy. She just needed to love and be loved. And she needed the sense of purpose that rebuilding and making a home out of the castle brought her. She needed Torr's steadfast love to heal.
Warning: Mallory's dog gets sick and has to be put to sleep, if you are a doglover, this will probably make you cry. I know it did me.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
Warning: Mallory's dog gets sick and has to be put to sleep, if you are a doglover, this will probably make you cry. I know it did me.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2008
08/19/08
TITLE/AUTHOR: NEWLYWEDS OF CONVENIENCE by Jessica hart
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Romance/2008/179 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand Alone
TIME/PLACE: Present/Scotland
CHARACTERS: Torr McIver/Entrepeneur; Mallory/Interior Designer & his wife
FIRST LINES: "This year has seen record sales of Valentine's Day cards, while florists report that red roses are still the most popular choice for..." Mallory reached quickly for the remote control & pointed it at the television to switch off the tail end of the news.
COMMENTS:
07/14/08 purchase from Publix. Despite not really buying in to the premise of their marriage (she was in debt & he married her to help out) I did enjoy it. His motive was always love altho she was still hurting from a bad relationship. After they moved to his inherited old home in an isolated area of Scotland they worked together in restoring the home and became closer. Charlie the dog was a very nice added bond between them.
TITLE/AUTHOR: NEWLYWEDS OF CONVENIENCE by Jessica hart
RATING: 4/B
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Romance/2008/179 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand Alone
TIME/PLACE: Present/Scotland
CHARACTERS: Torr McIver/Entrepeneur; Mallory/Interior Designer & his wife
FIRST LINES: "This year has seen record sales of Valentine's Day cards, while florists report that red roses are still the most popular choice for..." Mallory reached quickly for the remote control & pointed it at the television to switch off the tail end of the news.
COMMENTS:
07/14/08 purchase from Publix. Despite not really buying in to the premise of their marriage (she was in debt & he married her to help out) I did enjoy it. His motive was always love altho she was still hurting from a bad relationship. After they moved to his inherited old home in an isolated area of Scotland they worked together in restoring the home and became closer. Charlie the dog was a very nice added bond between them.
February 21, 2018
This book would have been perfect if the h had to grovel a little. She was terrible. I disliked her character even more than the naive-virgin. The H was good. I am not a huge fan of love at first sight trope and I fail to see what he saw in her. But, okay.
The writing was good. It was easy to read. The pacing was also well done.
The writing was good. It was easy to read. The pacing was also well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2015
Confession time: I used to read plenty of Mills & Boon when I was younger, and looking back most of them were a complete waste of time. Yeah. I did keep two, though, both by Jessica Hart, and this is one of them. The inspiration for this was apparently the movie "The painted veil", also about a woman gradually falling in love with her husband. That's the story in a nutshell, and as usual when I really, really like a book, once again I don't find the words to express my feelings. You'll just have to read it yourself! ;) (BTW, the Highlands of Scotland as a background don't hurt, either ...)
July 8, 2008
A classic Jessica Hart story that has you rooting for this couple from the word go. Add in a ruined scottish castle and a cute dog and this story is a real winner.
October 27, 2022
I liked this a lot. The h is in shock from her longtime boyfriend betraying her, leaving her owing a quarter million and she doesn’t care about anything, in mourning for ex-creep. She married H before book began but couldn’t bring herself to sleep with him. H paid her debts and h is too honorable to walk away.
H takes her to a derelict castle missing part of its roof, filthy and freezing on the seashore in northern Scotland. She is not happy, and agrees with H to stay, work hard to help him fix castle if he will call the debt paid after a year and divorce her. After a few weeks sharing the one bed she offers to sleep with him.
She falls in love with H but thinks it’s hopeless. Our H made the cardinal error of telling her he is deeply in love with a lady who doesn’t love him. Of course it is the h and H finally tells her after she has a relief/anger meltdown when he’s gone all night and she worried so much she started walking 20 miles to closest village.
HEA
H takes her to a derelict castle missing part of its roof, filthy and freezing on the seashore in northern Scotland. She is not happy, and agrees with H to stay, work hard to help him fix castle if he will call the debt paid after a year and divorce her. After a few weeks sharing the one bed she offers to sleep with him.
She falls in love with H but thinks it’s hopeless. Our H made the cardinal error of telling her he is deeply in love with a lady who doesn’t love him. Of course it is the h and H finally tells her after she has a relief/anger meltdown when he’s gone all night and she worried so much she started walking 20 miles to closest village.
HEA
October 25, 2020
She Just Needed Some Time
After being swindled by her fiance Torr swept in and married her and took care of all her problems. He just wanted her company and her hostess skills. Total convenience.
What a surprise it was when Tore inherited a Scottish castle surrounded by mountains. There is going to be A LOT of compromise.
After being swindled by her fiance Torr swept in and married her and took care of all her problems. He just wanted her company and her hostess skills. Total convenience.
What a surprise it was when Tore inherited a Scottish castle surrounded by mountains. There is going to be A LOT of compromise.
October 29, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️though the h was an idiot for hanging on to her feelings for her horrible ex-boyfriend too long! I liked the H enough to make up for h’s bad points. I would love living at his castle!!
February 7, 2021
Charlie 🥺👉👈
November 8, 2013
I like this and it only works because of the H. The h is pretty horrible from start to finish to be frank. But then I guess I should not be stand as jury and judge as we are all human and we have our faults, and that even make belief novels doesn't need to feature perfect people to make a beautiful story.
This is mostly a story about how one recovers from a bad relationship. The h not only got dumped but also got cleaned out and saddled with debt by her ex. She was shell shocked, down trodden and refused to get out of her shell and face reality and deal with real life. Enters the H with an offer of marriage and she promptly agrees without really realising what is happening until it is too late. I can sympathise with her head in the sand attitude, betrayals not only hurt one's heart but one's self confidence too, one doesn't want to face all this emotional explosion and hence the h decides to just go through living without thinking. The story started close to half a year after this when the h finally gets a reality check when the H forcibly relocated them to a new scene with lots of alone time together and no possibility for the h to distract herself from her demons. This is when she gradually gets to know the H and falls in love with him.
The h is quite awful to be frank. She cannot make her disinterest in the H less obvious in the beginning then starts having contrary tantrums when she feels something for the H and tries to ignore these by blabbering blames at the H for things he is innocent of and saying things she didn't mean just to show how miserable she wants him to think she is. I almost want the H to wash his hands of her, though I must say I like her guts to call it as it is and confess all in the end. It takes a lot of guts to do what she did (not exactly a grovel but I wilk take that, understanding that her blabberings are all a defense mechanism from not wanting to get hurt again).
It is quite obvious the reason this book works is the lack of H's pov though we get to be more perceptive than the h and caught on his motive for marrying her. This one has the rehash all important event at the end of the book that a lot of older harlequin do to show the H's perspective and which is one of my secret pleasures.
The H is totally formidable, but intense and oh so focus on the h. He never lets on his thoughts but from his actions one can see he is not what he seems. We get to see how he cares for the h and it also shows that actions speak louder than words. I adore this type of H. Though this is a clean romance I do especially adore the scene he kisses her neck when he was sleeping, seems so poignant when he shows what he really feels when subconscious and not having a tight rein on his emotions.
Though again not much happens in this book, this is more a character driven novel in which we she how the h grows.becomes stronger and finally fighting for and getting the hea she finally earns.
This is mostly a story about how one recovers from a bad relationship. The h not only got dumped but also got cleaned out and saddled with debt by her ex. She was shell shocked, down trodden and refused to get out of her shell and face reality and deal with real life. Enters the H with an offer of marriage and she promptly agrees without really realising what is happening until it is too late. I can sympathise with her head in the sand attitude, betrayals not only hurt one's heart but one's self confidence too, one doesn't want to face all this emotional explosion and hence the h decides to just go through living without thinking. The story started close to half a year after this when the h finally gets a reality check when the H forcibly relocated them to a new scene with lots of alone time together and no possibility for the h to distract herself from her demons. This is when she gradually gets to know the H and falls in love with him.
The h is quite awful to be frank. She cannot make her disinterest in the H less obvious in the beginning then starts having contrary tantrums when she feels something for the H and tries to ignore these by blabbering blames at the H for things he is innocent of and saying things she didn't mean just to show how miserable she wants him to think she is. I almost want the H to wash his hands of her, though I must say I like her guts to call it as it is and confess all in the end. It takes a lot of guts to do what she did (not exactly a grovel but I wilk take that, understanding that her blabberings are all a defense mechanism from not wanting to get hurt again).
It is quite obvious the reason this book works is the lack of H's pov though we get to be more perceptive than the h and caught on his motive for marrying her. This one has the rehash all important event at the end of the book that a lot of older harlequin do to show the H's perspective and which is one of my secret pleasures.
The H is totally formidable, but intense and oh so focus on the h. He never lets on his thoughts but from his actions one can see he is not what he seems. We get to see how he cares for the h and it also shows that actions speak louder than words. I adore this type of H. Though this is a clean romance I do especially adore the scene he kisses her neck when he was sleeping, seems so poignant when he shows what he really feels when subconscious and not having a tight rein on his emotions.
Though again not much happens in this book, this is more a character driven novel in which we she how the h grows.becomes stronger and finally fighting for and getting the hea she finally earns.
February 21, 2013
3*read for me but since I stick with h.presents and setting as well as writing style is nice maybe it's 3.5*. Loving heroines on rebound marrying first wealthy man that proposes ,naturally, very interesting read and one of my favorite themes I snapped this book eagerly. It's mentioned in some reviews that this is steamy ready-well it's not! There's not even a kiss described properly,just sexual tension and awareness between them. What bugged me most is that heroine is too vague and she doesn't do anything that she's not forced to,one way or another,she's 32 and interior designer... I liked the fact that she hasn't fell in bed with him instantly and it's been five months in their marriage when story is told but she needs pushing and shaking every step,and I don't actually think she's too smart or grateful either.
So her ex cheated her into mortgaging her company,home as well as persuaded her to convince hero,Torr to invest in his business and then took off with capital,250 000,leaving her miserable and pinning for him and actually waiting for him to come back and make her tick,as if she needs second person telling her to breathe.
Well here we have our wonderful stable and dependable,strong hero that proposes,pays debts off,gives her and pet dog food and roof above their empty heads. But one day Torr comes home and informs Mallory that Georgian townhouse is sold ,he's moving to Scotland to renovate old medieval castle he inherited,but,oh it's falling apart,dirty and with single bed,no heating either. So disliking heroine I really missed hero's POV.
So her ex cheated her into mortgaging her company,home as well as persuaded her to convince hero,Torr to invest in his business and then took off with capital,250 000,leaving her miserable and pinning for him and actually waiting for him to come back and make her tick,as if she needs second person telling her to breathe.
Well here we have our wonderful stable and dependable,strong hero that proposes,pays debts off,gives her and pet dog food and roof above their empty heads. But one day Torr comes home and informs Mallory that Georgian townhouse is sold ,he's moving to Scotland to renovate old medieval castle he inherited,but,oh it's falling apart,dirty and with single bed,no heating either. So disliking heroine I really missed hero's POV.
March 12, 2011
I don't normally read romance novels, but this one sounded kind of interesting. Mallory McIver is an interior designer that has her own successful business. Her life is turned upside down when she falls in love with Steve.. a con-artist that preys on unsuspecting women. He convinces Mallory to invest in a joint venture to restore old buildings. Mallory talks a client into investing in the venture also. Steve suddenly disappears, leaving Mallory with massive debts and a tarnished reputation. The client investor, Torr makes a deal with Mallory. He will pay off her debts if she will marry him and entertain his business clients. Mallory still reeling of the loss of Steve, agrees and Marries Torr. As the title indicates, the marriage is strictly for convenience, with no romance.
When Torr inherits a dilapidated castle in rural Scotland, he decides to move from the city and work on restoring the castle. He coerces Mallory to join him. They finally reach an agreement that she will help him with the restoration work for 1 year then she wants a divorce. Working together and bonding, Mallory and Torr get to know each other on a more personal level. They finally decide to pursue a sexual relationship with no strings attached. Will they be able to maintain a platonic relationship with benefits?
When Torr inherits a dilapidated castle in rural Scotland, he decides to move from the city and work on restoring the castle. He coerces Mallory to join him. They finally reach an agreement that she will help him with the restoration work for 1 year then she wants a divorce. Working together and bonding, Mallory and Torr get to know each other on a more personal level. They finally decide to pursue a sexual relationship with no strings attached. Will they be able to maintain a platonic relationship with benefits?
September 9, 2012
'Sex?'
'Yes.' She cleared her throat. 'I....er...I was wondering...if...if...you'd think about...'
Torr let out a short breath that might have been a suppressed laugh or a snort of derision, and she bridled. Did he think this was easy for her?
'I think you know quite well what I'm trying to ask of you,' she finished tartly.
His expression was unreadable in the darkness. 'You want to make love?'
When I saw this book at a newly open bookstore in a mall near my place, there's no single hesitation in my mind when I hungrily grab it. It was all worth it!
And I love how Ms. Jessica make a scene like what I wrote on the top. So much kilig that I always rolled up in my bed smiling widely while reading. I am smiling in the entire duration I am reading this, except of course, on the part where Charlie died. I cried. It was just so sad. But nevertheless, another great book from my favorite Harlequin Author. So happy that I already had this book :)
'Yes.' She cleared her throat. 'I....er...I was wondering...if...if...you'd think about...'
Torr let out a short breath that might have been a suppressed laugh or a snort of derision, and she bridled. Did he think this was easy for her?
'I think you know quite well what I'm trying to ask of you,' she finished tartly.
His expression was unreadable in the darkness. 'You want to make love?'
When I saw this book at a newly open bookstore in a mall near my place, there's no single hesitation in my mind when I hungrily grab it. It was all worth it!
And I love how Ms. Jessica make a scene like what I wrote on the top. So much kilig that I always rolled up in my bed smiling widely while reading. I am smiling in the entire duration I am reading this, except of course, on the part where Charlie died. I cried. It was just so sad. But nevertheless, another great book from my favorite Harlequin Author. So happy that I already had this book :)
August 23, 2015
This is not really a clean romance. You can say that is is closed door but I could have done without the before and after details.
The two star rating is because of personal preference, I much prefer clean romances.
It was a short story and I really liked the setting, once again wishing that I lived in a castle. The surroundings and the castle itself were described well and could easily be pictured. The characters are quite secluded, there are only other very minor characters involved intermittently in the story but I think that was the intention. The castle was supposed to be out in the middle of nowhere. I do have to say that I was going crazy because neither character would just admit their feelings to each other. I understand that some stories need this aspect to a certain extent, but this particular book was pushing the limit of what I could endure. Still, I've read worse.
*Spoiler ahead*
The dog dies!! That also ruined it for me.
The two star rating is because of personal preference, I much prefer clean romances.
It was a short story and I really liked the setting, once again wishing that I lived in a castle. The surroundings and the castle itself were described well and could easily be pictured. The characters are quite secluded, there are only other very minor characters involved intermittently in the story but I think that was the intention. The castle was supposed to be out in the middle of nowhere. I do have to say that I was going crazy because neither character would just admit their feelings to each other. I understand that some stories need this aspect to a certain extent, but this particular book was pushing the limit of what I could endure. Still, I've read worse.
*Spoiler ahead*
The dog dies!! That also ruined it for me.
May 23, 2012
A lovely romance story that I could not put down until I finished reading it. The fact that it included a castle in the Scottish Highlands made it all the more romantic. I loved the Hero Torr McIver. I found the heroine quite frustrating though. Her former fiance was a con-man and she continued to pine after him for quite some time after he walked out on her leaving her in huge debt and her career shattered. She was also constantly arguing with Torr for no good reasons.
The ending is precious and I wanted it to be a little longer.
The ending is precious and I wanted it to be a little longer.
August 11, 2011
Read back in '08.
Ah yes, the book that led me to develop a craving for romance in other books, how on earth could I have forgotten to review you?? lol xP Can't really say much but: I devoured it, Loved it and still have the little tattered book on my bookcase haha. I really wish there was a sequel, or companion novel. :]
Don't judge. Everyone needs a light, steamy read once in a while! xP haha.
Ah yes, the book that led me to develop a craving for romance in other books, how on earth could I have forgotten to review you?? lol xP Can't really say much but: I devoured it, Loved it and still have the little tattered book on my bookcase haha. I really wish there was a sequel, or companion novel. :]
Don't judge. Everyone needs a light, steamy read once in a while! xP haha.
August 30, 2017
Steve, pria yang dipuja2 oleh Mallory ternyata menipunya habis2an dan kabur dengan membawa uang mereka, akibatnya Mallory harus menanggungnya dengan menikahi Torr, salah satu dari korbar penipuan Steve demi membayar hutangnya. Mallory yang merasa terjebak dengan pernikahannya terpaksa harus mengikuti suaminya ke daerah terpencil untuk memugar reruntuhan castle warisan Torr.Dan disinilah dimulai kisah cinta mereka. Simple and sweet love story.
December 7, 2015
I'm surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book. I'm not generally a fan of Harlequin Romances because they're predictable, vapid, and unrealistic. This one didn't fit the usual Harlequin mold though, and that's a good thing. Mallory could certainly be irritating at times, but I generally understood why. I would have liked to have seen a bit more emotion from Torr at times, but overall, I liked his character. For a quick read, I'm glad I picked this up.
July 2, 2011
Hart satisfies all expectations with this romance. Newlyweds of Convenience, takes place in a glamorized setting, which creates a credible perspective. The central characters become people you easily identify with. It is remarkable how emotionally enmeshed you can become reading this book. Newlyweds of Convenience, is a tear-jerker, enchanting, and spicy, all rolled into one.
September 14, 2018
Lit.. 💓
December 4, 2018
Awfully predictable, but sweet.
June 8, 2013
very cutely written. a feel good book
September 2, 2016
The only problem I had with the book was Mallory. She came across as self-absorbed and rather unsympathetic, and I really thought that Torr deserved someone more worthy of him.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews