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Arrangements #2
Married to the Marquess
To hate and to scold...
Derek Chambers, Marquess of Whitlock, has a problem: his wife. She is the single most horrifying aspect of his life, and the only thing he has ever enjoyed about her are their truly spectacular fights. As such, he prefers having as little to do with her as possible. So when she unexpectedly summons him to London, he surprises himself by going, and finds his life turned upside down in ways he never thought possible.
To loathe and to perish...
Katherine despises her worthless and irritating husband, and nothing bothers her more than the fact that he actually came to London when she sent for him. Worst of all, now that he has come, she needs him to stay. With her. And with his every smile making her heart race, she begins to wonder if there could be more to him than meets the eye.
Derek Chambers, Marquess of Whitlock, has a problem: his wife. She is the single most horrifying aspect of his life, and the only thing he has ever enjoyed about her are their truly spectacular fights. As such, he prefers having as little to do with her as possible. So when she unexpectedly summons him to London, he surprises himself by going, and finds his life turned upside down in ways he never thought possible.
To loathe and to perish...
Katherine despises her worthless and irritating husband, and nothing bothers her more than the fact that he actually came to London when she sent for him. Worst of all, now that he has come, she needs him to stay. With her. And with his every smile making her heart race, she begins to wonder if there could be more to him than meets the eye.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2015
324 people are currently reading
1111 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
86 books1,235 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
December 21, 2015
2.5 Bored Stars!
This one started off really good. Both Kate and Derek hate each other and they've been married for 5 years. They were paired up because of status and both were stubborn. Kate is in London taking care of the estate and Derek is any where but there.
Kate thinks Derek is selfish and lazy. Derek thinks Kate is the devil.
When Kate's mom dies she sends for Derek. They bicker and argue the whole time. Then when Kate hears some gossip about them she gets upset. This for some reason has Derek calling a truce and agreeing to stay for two weeks. They become friends and start developing feelings for each other. I on the other hand became bored and had a hard time finishing the book. Nothing happened until around 90% and that issue was silly to me. I should of added another to my DNF pile!
This one started off really good. Both Kate and Derek hate each other and they've been married for 5 years. They were paired up because of status and both were stubborn. Kate is in London taking care of the estate and Derek is any where but there.
Kate thinks Derek is selfish and lazy. Derek thinks Kate is the devil.
When Kate's mom dies she sends for Derek. They bicker and argue the whole time. Then when Kate hears some gossip about them she gets upset. This for some reason has Derek calling a truce and agreeing to stay for two weeks. They become friends and start developing feelings for each other. I on the other hand became bored and had a hard time finishing the book. Nothing happened until around 90% and that issue was silly to me. I should of added another to my DNF pile!
April 19, 2017
4.5
I'm kind of reading this series out of order, luckily the books are written in a way that you can read them as standalones. The series follows five best friends as they find their happily ever afters. Married to a Marquess is Derek's story and his situation is unique in that the story picks up after he has already been married for five years. Derek and Katherine were betrothed since childhood and never cared for one another. In fact, they basically despise each other.
I'm glad we were able to get both Derek's and Katherine's POV, you see why they don't like each other, but also get to see inside their heads and what makes them tick. They surprisingly have a lot in common and it's sad that it takes them so long to actually get to know each other. The reason Katherine calls him to London is really a turning point for them, if the event (don't want to give spoilers) hadn't happened, I don't know if they ever would have worked things out.
I liked Kate's character, it bothered me when he called her Kate at first, but gradually it grew on me. I liked her character growth and seeing her soften and really discover who she is. I liked Derek, but did think he was a little too harsh with Kate in the beginning, but I guess they have a lifetime of bitter feelings built up and they take it out on each other.
I was a bit worried about how these two would ever get over all the grief they'd caused each other. I did like that they both determined to "play nice" and attempt being friends. It's a nice turning point in the story for them to realize they actually have things in common and like each other. I enjoyed their story and watching them overcome quite a bit and end up having a pretty solid romance and connection. Since I read the third book before this I did know that eventually they'd figure things out, but it was still fun to actually see how that all comes about. I also enjoy stories about married couples since it adds a totally different perspective on falling in love. Lots of tense moments, sweet moments, swoony moments and just an overall enjoyable read.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Book Two, Arrangement Series
Source: Kindle-personal copy
I'm kind of reading this series out of order, luckily the books are written in a way that you can read them as standalones. The series follows five best friends as they find their happily ever afters. Married to a Marquess is Derek's story and his situation is unique in that the story picks up after he has already been married for five years. Derek and Katherine were betrothed since childhood and never cared for one another. In fact, they basically despise each other.
I'm glad we were able to get both Derek's and Katherine's POV, you see why they don't like each other, but also get to see inside their heads and what makes them tick. They surprisingly have a lot in common and it's sad that it takes them so long to actually get to know each other. The reason Katherine calls him to London is really a turning point for them, if the event (don't want to give spoilers) hadn't happened, I don't know if they ever would have worked things out.
I liked Kate's character, it bothered me when he called her Kate at first, but gradually it grew on me. I liked her character growth and seeing her soften and really discover who she is. I liked Derek, but did think he was a little too harsh with Kate in the beginning, but I guess they have a lifetime of bitter feelings built up and they take it out on each other.
I was a bit worried about how these two would ever get over all the grief they'd caused each other. I did like that they both determined to "play nice" and attempt being friends. It's a nice turning point in the story for them to realize they actually have things in common and like each other. I enjoyed their story and watching them overcome quite a bit and end up having a pretty solid romance and connection. Since I read the third book before this I did know that eventually they'd figure things out, but it was still fun to actually see how that all comes about. I also enjoy stories about married couples since it adds a totally different perspective on falling in love. Lots of tense moments, sweet moments, swoony moments and just an overall enjoyable read.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Book Two, Arrangement Series
Source: Kindle-personal copy
April 10, 2021
This starts out as an interesting take on the troubled marriage trope, but after the involving first half, with their antagonism flaring and then cooling towards friendship, it plateaus because of lack of any real conflict.
Anachronisms are present but not any more than most.
Enemies to friends to lovers.
Anachronisms are present but not any more than most.
Enemies to friends to lovers.
August 10, 2016
Couldn't finish. I get annoyed with regency era books where the characters and dialogue don't fit the era.
September 8, 2024
Loved it…
It’s nice to find stories that are fiction, but also have a lot of reality to them. Marriage, no matter how much you love the other person, can be tough beans and is something you need to work on every single day. I can only imagine how difficult it is to make an arranged marriage work, but all is possible if you are committed and willing to do your part.
It’s nice to find stories that are fiction, but also have a lot of reality to them. Marriage, no matter how much you love the other person, can be tough beans and is something you need to work on every single day. I can only imagine how difficult it is to make an arranged marriage work, but all is possible if you are committed and willing to do your part.
November 8, 2024
Awwwww. This got so dang cute after the annoying bickering and hating on each other was over. Some very lovely tension leading up to a swoony kiss.
Okay, I’m amending my 4 stars to 3.5, but I’ll still round up. The manufactured angst at the end was stupid. Kate and Derek behaved like daft imbeciles when it came to declaring their love. Also, there was a ridiculous amount of “I love you” being spouted off at the end. It became offensively cheesy.
Do you know what really happened in The Grinch, when he heard those who-people down in Whoville start singing on Christmas morning? His heart did not grow 3 sizes. He and his rabid hound were overcome with murderous rage, and promptly embarked on a killing spree. When every last Who was slaughtered, cleaned, and chopped into tiny pieces, the G and his mongrel proceeded to turn them into the best Christmas dinner ever. They made Who-pudding and Who-hash. The roast beast, formerly known as little Cindy Lou-who, was the most delightful thing either one of them had tasted in their entire lives. It was a truly special holiday, a memory each would treasure.
Unfortunately, this story has been sanitized, much like the original Grimm tales. I can’t help but wonder how differently things could’ve turned out, if only those foolish Who-things had refrained from singing that cheesy “Dah-who-door-hey” song over and over again on that unfortunate morning.
Okay, I’m amending my 4 stars to 3.5, but I’ll still round up. The manufactured angst at the end was stupid. Kate and Derek behaved like daft imbeciles when it came to declaring their love. Also, there was a ridiculous amount of “I love you” being spouted off at the end. It became offensively cheesy.
Do you know what really happened in The Grinch, when he heard those who-people down in Whoville start singing on Christmas morning? His heart did not grow 3 sizes. He and his rabid hound were overcome with murderous rage, and promptly embarked on a killing spree. When every last Who was slaughtered, cleaned, and chopped into tiny pieces, the G and his mongrel proceeded to turn them into the best Christmas dinner ever. They made Who-pudding and Who-hash. The roast beast, formerly known as little Cindy Lou-who, was the most delightful thing either one of them had tasted in their entire lives. It was a truly special holiday, a memory each would treasure.
Unfortunately, this story has been sanitized, much like the original Grimm tales. I can’t help but wonder how differently things could’ve turned out, if only those foolish Who-things had refrained from singing that cheesy “Dah-who-door-hey” song over and over again on that unfortunate morning.
January 17, 2016
Another really fun book by Connolly. I would suggest reading An Arrangement of Sorts first. This was a fun story with great characters who grow and learn to bend. I must admit I liked An Arrangement better because of the story line. But this one was great and the writing is just fun and silly and I love the style. Really excited for the next book which I am sure will be a lead off from this one.
September 2, 2024
ahhh i absolutely loved this book!! would definitely recommend🫶🏻🫶🏻 i love the enimies to lover story line and their relationship is so amazing 😘😄
July 28, 2022
I’m done with Rebecca Connolly books. Her writing style doesn’t seem to bad at first and she writes in a promising way and after so many pages you think ‘Where is this going?’, then to realise that the story is not going anywhere. This ‘hero’ (highly debatable) called Derek is disgusting. Okay, it’s an forcibly arranged marriage, betrothed as babies etc, and both H and h don’t have much affection for each other. It is in name only and they keep their distance, not even living in the same house.
So why does he have to insult her, provoke her and taunt her whenever he (rarely) sees her? He’s just a big bully and she called him to come because her mom just died, and it was the ton’s expectation for him as her husband console her and help her in such a moment, and not be busy in some other county. Instead he bullies her in front of his friends, even saying about how he didn’t need her as a wife and that there were plenty of harlots on the streets for him. Dis-to-the-gusting.
I was so disgusted with his personality and couldn’t care less about him but only read on for the heroine. She deserved a happy ending, not he.
When feelings develop, he makes things unnecessarily difficult by saying the opposite of what he feels as he has issues with his father and wants to counter his father’s wishes. His dad desires an heir; so he made his wife cry by telling her something like, Why would you think I’d ever want you to have my baby? No way! I never want children!! Ever!’ (while actually wanting his own family some day).
The ending is was just terrible. So stupid. Is the heroine experiencing an extreme life threatening situation the only factor that could make you admit that you love your wife?
So why does he have to insult her, provoke her and taunt her whenever he (rarely) sees her? He’s just a big bully and she called him to come because her mom just died, and it was the ton’s expectation for him as her husband console her and help her in such a moment, and not be busy in some other county. Instead he bullies her in front of his friends, even saying about how he didn’t need her as a wife and that there were plenty of harlots on the streets for him. Dis-to-the-gusting.
I was so disgusted with his personality and couldn’t care less about him but only read on for the heroine. She deserved a happy ending, not he.
When feelings develop, he makes things unnecessarily difficult by saying the opposite of what he feels as he has issues with his father and wants to counter his father’s wishes. His dad desires an heir; so he made his wife cry by telling her something like, Why would you think I’d ever want you to have my baby? No way! I never want children!! Ever!’ (while actually wanting his own family some day).
The ending is was just terrible. So stupid. Is the heroine experiencing an extreme life threatening situation the only factor that could make you admit that you love your wife?
April 1, 2016
I’m in such a happy little niche with all my historical finds that a book of today is doing nothing for me. Derek and Kate were impeccable at giving me what I love in my reading time. Their plot line is one of my all-time favorite types to read. I love strangers. I love the beginning and especially love the revelation. Derek and Kate have the old fashion arranged marriage, their duty. Neither fought it because as in their time it was a responsibility. While the beginning years of their marriage they were not together, the personal change of events in Kate’s life pushed them under one roof and that��s when the fun was to be had.
They despised one another because they ‘thought’ they had the other figured out. They made assumptions on their belief and shined that to all that knew them. When the real came through and all the false judgments easily washed aside the heart of soul of, albeit, new relationship was so special and a joy to watch. I was constantly smiling.
The care and friendliness they each portrayed, along, with the continued funny quarrels carried through to the end. We all would love to have a Derek for ourselves. They both let the actions speak volumes and always when the other was unsure. They both brought their relationship to the best next level and both made the other a better person.
I loved every moment of reading this and I wish it wasn’t so damn amazing because I couldn’t slow down reading it. I was feeling everything and even the heart break. I couldn’t stop it. I'm happy I read this, and very sad it's over. One of those that I wish I could erase my memory and read it for the 1st time again
They despised one another because they ‘thought’ they had the other figured out. They made assumptions on their belief and shined that to all that knew them. When the real came through and all the false judgments easily washed aside the heart of soul of, albeit, new relationship was so special and a joy to watch. I was constantly smiling.
The care and friendliness they each portrayed, along, with the continued funny quarrels carried through to the end. We all would love to have a Derek for ourselves. They both let the actions speak volumes and always when the other was unsure. They both brought their relationship to the best next level and both made the other a better person.
I loved every moment of reading this and I wish it wasn’t so damn amazing because I couldn’t slow down reading it. I was feeling everything and even the heart break. I couldn’t stop it. I'm happy I read this, and very sad it's over. One of those that I wish I could erase my memory and read it for the 1st time again
June 20, 2025
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
To hate and to scold...
Derek Chambers, Marquess of Whitlock, has a problem: his wife. She is the single most horrifying aspect of his life, and the only thing he has ever enjoyed about her are their truly spectacular fights. As such, he prefers having as little to do with her as possible. So when she unexpectedly summons him to London, he surprises himself by going, and finds his life turned upside down in ways he never thought possible.
To loathe and to perish...
Katherine despises her worthless and irritating husband, and nothing bothers her more than the fact that he actually came to London when she sent for him. Worst of all, now that he has come, she needs him to stay. With her. And with his every smile making her heart race, she begins to wonder if there could be more to him than meets the eye.
MY TAKE
I really liked Derek and came to love Kate. Connolly does a great job demonstrating how a person can have a tough exterior yet be very vulnerable inside. That was Kate. I didn't get the impression Derek being an obedient son in the first book--not that we saw that much of him--but his portrayal was appropriate to those who show one face to their parents and another to everyone else.
The falling in love part took up a large part of the story. I loved best when they started learning about each other and the rules they'd each grown up with. I got really angry with Derek later for the way he lashed out but the eventual coming together was very touching.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job again.
4 1/2 stars
To hate and to scold...
Derek Chambers, Marquess of Whitlock, has a problem: his wife. She is the single most horrifying aspect of his life, and the only thing he has ever enjoyed about her are their truly spectacular fights. As such, he prefers having as little to do with her as possible. So when she unexpectedly summons him to London, he surprises himself by going, and finds his life turned upside down in ways he never thought possible.
To loathe and to perish...
Katherine despises her worthless and irritating husband, and nothing bothers her more than the fact that he actually came to London when she sent for him. Worst of all, now that he has come, she needs him to stay. With her. And with his every smile making her heart race, she begins to wonder if there could be more to him than meets the eye.
MY TAKE
I really liked Derek and came to love Kate. Connolly does a great job demonstrating how a person can have a tough exterior yet be very vulnerable inside. That was Kate. I didn't get the impression Derek being an obedient son in the first book--not that we saw that much of him--but his portrayal was appropriate to those who show one face to their parents and another to everyone else.
The falling in love part took up a large part of the story. I loved best when they started learning about each other and the rules they'd each grown up with. I got really angry with Derek later for the way he lashed out but the eventual coming together was very touching.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job again.
4 1/2 stars
November 3, 2016
This book started off quite promisingly. I love troubled marriages and estranged couples as a theme. The hero and heroine loathe one another, choosing to live separate lives, following their arranged marriage 5 years earlier. The heroine has a rod up her rear end and her life is bound by endless rules guarding every aspect of her behaviour. The hero, less so, and hence is deemed irresponsible and hedonistic by the heroine. All good so far, but unfortunately, there is not enough passion and physical tension between them to raise the excitement of their sparring to another level. The heroine went sappy too quickly, once Mother-dear became Dearly-departed. She lost the rod but also her back-spine with it. Yes, it is a clean book, which I don't object to, but there are plenty of clean books, where a look, a breath, the tiniest touch of a gloved hand, can still convey oozes of repressed sexual feelings.
May 26, 2020
3.5 stars. Well, this book made me cry... which could either mean that it was VERY emotional, or that I’m PMSing. Probably the latter, although it’s hard for me to be impartial.
This is the story of Kate & Derek who have been married for 5 years but despise each other. They slowly find their way back to each other & a HEA.
This book really was pretty good, but could have used more humor. There was plenty of good banter between the hero & heroine in the beginning but instead of funny quips, they were often cutting and unfunny. There was some humor & there were also some emotional moments (as mentioned above). This book is extremely clean, no sex, no ow/om drama, just about as tame as they come.
This series has been an enjoyable one to read, and I’ll likely continue with book 4 soon (I read books 1&3 a while back).
This is the story of Kate & Derek who have been married for 5 years but despise each other. They slowly find their way back to each other & a HEA.
This book really was pretty good, but could have used more humor. There was plenty of good banter between the hero & heroine in the beginning but instead of funny quips, they were often cutting and unfunny. There was some humor & there were also some emotional moments (as mentioned above). This book is extremely clean, no sex, no ow/om drama, just about as tame as they come.
This series has been an enjoyable one to read, and I’ll likely continue with book 4 soon (I read books 1&3 a while back).
December 7, 2015
Loved it!
It was a difficult beginning for me as I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through the unkind and spiteful remarks between husband and wife. But knowing this was the intention of this book I was eager to see how Ms. Connolly would write the transformation of her characters... I was not disappointed in th least! She did it expertly well -writing plot and story line that was both believable and hard to put down. Thank you for keeping characters that didn't turn "misish" but stayed true to form and showed greatness by communicating. Well done! Sweet romance. Huge thumbs up
It was a difficult beginning for me as I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through the unkind and spiteful remarks between husband and wife. But knowing this was the intention of this book I was eager to see how Ms. Connolly would write the transformation of her characters... I was not disappointed in th least! She did it expertly well -writing plot and story line that was both believable and hard to put down. Thank you for keeping characters that didn't turn "misish" but stayed true to form and showed greatness by communicating. Well done! Sweet romance. Huge thumbs up
July 14, 2016
I'm in love
Yes, I'm in love with these books. They're light and fluffy but not overly so, clean, romantic, and well thought out. I will keep reading these as long as Rebecca writes them. Read them in order though...this is the second, and they really should be numbered.
Yes, I'm in love with these books. They're light and fluffy but not overly so, clean, romantic, and well thought out. I will keep reading these as long as Rebecca writes them. Read them in order though...this is the second, and they really should be numbered.
April 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. We watch a married couple go from hating each other to falling in love. It had a bit of a Taming of the Shrew feel. Both people in the marriage changed for the better in this one.
September 25, 2025
This was a really cute book with a sweet story. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book back in this one as well as foreshadowing to the next ones. The only two issues I had - minor spoiler alert so stop now if you don’t want to hear it - were that the duke threatens to disinherit Derek. This is an issue because the title and certain funds and assets are entailed to the oldest son, so, since Derek is a legitimate oldest son, he will revive the title and these entailed assets upon his father’s death whether his father wants him to or not. The other issue was - also a minor ish spoiler - is that there was not resolution between Derek, Kate, and the duke. The duke really needs a talking to and to get his priorities realigned. However, this may come in the next book/short story.
February 12, 2020
The very best type of enemies to lovers story!
Do you ever read a book where you simultaneously want to devour it but also move slowly to savor it and make it last? This was just such a book for me. I absolutely loved this. The marriage of convenience, while also enemies to lovers story drew me in from the start and kept me reading and enjoying it until the very last word. And speaking of the very last word, oh how I love these epilogues in this series!!! ❤️
Anyway, highly recommend this book!
Content: clean
Do you ever read a book where you simultaneously want to devour it but also move slowly to savor it and make it last? This was just such a book for me. I absolutely loved this. The marriage of convenience, while also enemies to lovers story drew me in from the start and kept me reading and enjoying it until the very last word. And speaking of the very last word, oh how I love these epilogues in this series!!! ❤️
Anyway, highly recommend this book!
Content: clean
July 4, 2025
3.5, but better than the first…more attention to the ensemble. Liked that. Didn’t like how cruel Derek is in the beginning. Like it’s too much. I loved how both of these two changed….but it seemed like there was more expectation of HER changing than HIM when she was quite remarkable to begin with. He didn’t change as much as she did, though he was quite awful in the beginning. Their last fight seemed like a plot device to make the book longer. 😬
May 30, 2020
So engaging and surprising! I may have actually shed a tear!
August 11, 2023
Book 2 in this series. I’m looking for number 3.
July 28, 2025
enjoyed this one slightly more than the first because of the banter.
not a lot happened after like 30% into the book but it was a cute romance 😌
not a lot happened after like 30% into the book but it was a cute romance 😌
January 29, 2023
I’m really enjoying the arrangements series on audio. This is the second book and I loved it! If you enjoy marriage of convenience with enemies to lovers, this is one you should check out.
June 25, 2020
They went from hatred to friendship so fast that I feel like I have a whiplash
July 30, 2018
Good points: The narrative voice was very appealing -- good snark, good banter, sweet and not-too-serious tone. I liked both the physical and emotional descriptions, and how the two MCs are described working through their emotional progression.
Bad points: The turnaround in the MCs' relationship was ridiculously quick -- I would have believed it much more easily if it had occurred over the course of two months rather than two weeks. And it was much too easy -- it would have been much more believable with more serious bumps along the way, more fits and starts in its progress -- and when the big bump did finally come, it was rather stupid. Also, some elements of the plotting were eye-rolling: for instance, although our MCs have been well-acquainted since childhood, and we are told that Our Hero's brother is very close with his sister, we are expected to believe that Our Heroine has never met her; and we are told that Our Heroine has no friends, yet she makes two new bosom buddies within days of the book's beginning; and although they have already been married for five years, now Our Hero's father suddenly decides to become obsessed with the idea that they must produce an heir Immediately, if not sooner.
And I just had to guffaw when one character said they were conducting "an intervention". LOL.
Oh, also -- Our Heroine just seemed to completely collapse as their relationship was improving. She went from a strong, organized, independent woman to a milksop wilting ninny. And Our Hero was such a cruel, self-centered, cowardly jerk at times, that it was sometimes hard to root for them as a couple. Sigh.
But I really did like the writing style. I'm going to have to try another Connolly book or two to see if she can do better with the other aspects of the story.
Bad points: The turnaround in the MCs' relationship was ridiculously quick -- I would have believed it much more easily if it had occurred over the course of two months rather than two weeks. And it was much too easy -- it would have been much more believable with more serious bumps along the way, more fits and starts in its progress -- and when the big bump did finally come, it was rather stupid. Also, some elements of the plotting were eye-rolling: for instance, although our MCs have been well-acquainted since childhood, and we are told that Our Hero's brother is very close with his sister, we are expected to believe that Our Heroine has never met her; and we are told that Our Heroine has no friends, yet she makes two new bosom buddies within days of the book's beginning; and although they have already been married for five years, now Our Hero's father suddenly decides to become obsessed with the idea that they must produce an heir Immediately, if not sooner.
And I just had to guffaw when one character said they were conducting "an intervention". LOL.
Oh, also -- Our Heroine just seemed to completely collapse as their relationship was improving. She went from a strong, organized, independent woman to a milksop wilting ninny. And Our Hero was such a cruel, self-centered, cowardly jerk at times, that it was sometimes hard to root for them as a couple. Sigh.
But I really did like the writing style. I'm going to have to try another Connolly book or two to see if she can do better with the other aspects of the story.
June 20, 2016
Predictable and unoriginal.
You will find nothing original or exciting in Married to the Marquees, it is simply a story of a nasty spoilt man who falls in love with his sharp tongued wife. Well, there might be a little more to it in that they both make the changes necessary for love to grow but that's it. Nothing more. I kept turning pages looking for the exciting part but it just never manifested. Every chapter even the epilogue was predictable not to mention boring.
The only surprise was the author's failure to do her research. Doesn't everyone know about primogeniture? Only the eldest living son can inherit the title? Just because Derek's father is mad does not mean he can delegate whom his title goes to. Derek being the Marquess and married to Lady Kate Whitlock by arrangement. It is their marriage we watch go from hateful to loving.
While I could drone on and on about all that is wrong with this story I'll stop here, no wait I do have to agree with the others who felt the style of conversing to be too trendy. I frequently felt like I was reading about a bunch of young hipsters who were gathering for a round of Frisbee golf.
So there you have it, read it at your own risk. The reason for two stars was simply because I was able to finish it. There are a lot of books nowadays that are so unpalatable I can't even finish.
You will find nothing original or exciting in Married to the Marquees, it is simply a story of a nasty spoilt man who falls in love with his sharp tongued wife. Well, there might be a little more to it in that they both make the changes necessary for love to grow but that's it. Nothing more. I kept turning pages looking for the exciting part but it just never manifested. Every chapter even the epilogue was predictable not to mention boring.
The only surprise was the author's failure to do her research. Doesn't everyone know about primogeniture? Only the eldest living son can inherit the title? Just because Derek's father is mad does not mean he can delegate whom his title goes to. Derek being the Marquess and married to Lady Kate Whitlock by arrangement. It is their marriage we watch go from hateful to loving.
While I could drone on and on about all that is wrong with this story I'll stop here, no wait I do have to agree with the others who felt the style of conversing to be too trendy. I frequently felt like I was reading about a bunch of young hipsters who were gathering for a round of Frisbee golf.
So there you have it, read it at your own risk. The reason for two stars was simply because I was able to finish it. There are a lot of books nowadays that are so unpalatable I can't even finish.
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed book one so much and then this one just fell so flat.
I'm pretty sure she was going for a Regency Taming of the Shrew but it never quite works. Some of the early sparring was fun but it ended too easily. The dialogue was limited and dreadful. Not only was it stilted it was often way too modern. Actually quite jarring. The 5 friends who I quite liked in the first book just came across as frat boys this time. I could buy them helping out the farmers while in the country but
I'm pretty sure she was going for a Regency Taming of the Shrew but it never quite works. Some of the early sparring was fun but it ended too easily. The dialogue was limited and dreadful. Not only was it stilted it was often way too modern. Actually quite jarring. The 5 friends who I quite liked in the first book just came across as frat boys this time. I could buy them helping out the farmers while in the country but
January 14, 2016
Being a historical romance fan, I adored this book so much. The blurb pulled me in and I instantly 1-clicked. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect with the added twist of the main characters already being married.
The fights between Kate and Derek were harsh but funny also. I loved reading their interactions. The secondary characters were a great addition to the book as well and added comic relief. I hope all of Derek's friends get stories as well especially Colin.
The romance between Kate and Derek was sweet to read and I'm happy the author kept it authentic and had the love progress slowly. You felt the bond with them and I loved seeing their friendship bloom. They were so fun. This is the first book I've read by this author; her writing and character development made me an instant fan. I loved every page. I'll be reading book 1 and looking forward to more from this series. 4.5 Stars!
The fights between Kate and Derek were harsh but funny also. I loved reading their interactions. The secondary characters were a great addition to the book as well and added comic relief. I hope all of Derek's friends get stories as well especially Colin.
The romance between Kate and Derek was sweet to read and I'm happy the author kept it authentic and had the love progress slowly. You felt the bond with them and I loved seeing their friendship bloom. They were so fun. This is the first book I've read by this author; her writing and character development made me an instant fan. I loved every page. I'll be reading book 1 and looking forward to more from this series. 4.5 Stars!
December 25, 2015
SPOILERS ::::
Clean romance with a married couple. Sure they hate each other in the beginning, but what marriage solves all problems? Good heavens no.
They are each acerbic and convinced they are in the right at the outset. I enjoyed their developing friendship and especially the supporting characters who tell them to stop behaving like idiots.
I'm interested in the duke's story. He is one crabby dude -does he ever soften or is he always like Lady Penelope? Also, how on earth did Derek and Katherine's parents agree with one another to the betrothal in the first place? I would be interested in that story as well. They seem like two very opposite couples who care nothing for one another.
And again, I appreciate the author including an epilogue where a good space of time has elapsed between the conclusion of the main story and the beginning of the epilogue.
Clean romance with a married couple. Sure they hate each other in the beginning, but what marriage solves all problems? Good heavens no.
They are each acerbic and convinced they are in the right at the outset. I enjoyed their developing friendship and especially the supporting characters who tell them to stop behaving like idiots.
I'm interested in the duke's story. He is one crabby dude -does he ever soften or is he always like Lady Penelope? Also, how on earth did Derek and Katherine's parents agree with one another to the betrothal in the first place? I would be interested in that story as well. They seem like two very opposite couples who care nothing for one another.
And again, I appreciate the author including an epilogue where a good space of time has elapsed between the conclusion of the main story and the beginning of the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2016
I really liked this clean romantic story. It sounded a bit different than the usual storyline. The hero in this case had an arranged marriage and was not thrilled with the results. Derek the future Duke, has tried his best to stay away from his stuffy wife who lives for rules, and seems withdrawn, irritable, and cold. Katherine has been busy handling the estates from London, and feels her husband to be lazy, and rude. Thrown together after the death of her mother, both learn things are not always as simple as they seem. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and some were from her last book. I thought that this story was well written, and a great romance to read. This is book two in this series, and I am anxious to see which available gentleman's story will be next. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was a great finishing touch.
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