A Marriage of Inconvenience

by Diana Campbell

STAND-IN FOR LOVEWhen Marietta Chase arrived at Twin Oaks, she expected to be greeted by her handsome husband-to-be, Roger Thorning, and introduced to the splendid mansion that would be her new home.Instead Marietta found waiting only Roger's notorious older brother, Christopher, the master of Twin Oaks and the man responsible for turning this great mansion into a gamblers' den and a bachelor's unkempt quarters.Marietta would have fled--but she had nowhere to run. She would have said no to Christopher's inexplicable offer of marriage--if she had not needed a home so badly.Marietta walked down the marriage aisle at the side of a man she did not know but could only fear--and into the heart of a mystery she had to solve to find her way at last to love....

Genres: Regency Romance, Traditional Regency

Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1982

Reviews

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marietta Chase was in a bind.

Her father had died, her stepmother was on the verge of remarrying and she would be out of a home in the very near future. Her only recourse was to marry. The most reasonable suitor whom was close to her age was Roger Thorning. They courted briefly and then he sent for her to meet him at his older brother's estate. From there they would get married.

Christopher Thorning, Viscount Sheridan, was an animal-lover and gambler. He was also a conundrum: stylish with his clothes but sloppy around his home. The front door was left open. And various dogs of all shapes and breeds seemed to be in every room. She had found him playing cards.

Sheridan took his time in acknowledging the young woman. After a pause, he left his associates to continue with their wagering. He met with Miss Chase to discuss her situation. Within 30 minutes of her arrival she had found she had been jilted by his long-gone younger brother.

To top it off, this high-and-mighty gentleman didn't believe her situation was as dour as she portrayed it. Sarcasm was part of his nature, disbelief came in at a close second and his constant rudeness forced humiliation upon her. So naturally he offered her a proposition of marriage.

You see, Christopher Thorning was in a bind.... And he had reasons to behave the way he did.

Unfortunately, this is not revealed until almost the end. These two people came across as very insecure. Petty misunderstandings gobbled up the story. Also, the romance lacked the chemistry needed when someone writes a traditional Regency. I kept waiting for something to click but it never happened. And surprise, surprise! This older Signet Regency romance contains a form of bodice-ripper sex.

I loved Ms. Campbell's FAMILY AFFAIRS so I know she can write an entertaining Regency-period romance. I am sorry to say that I was very disappointed with this story.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really sure how Marietta falls for Christopher. If this weren't a romance, I would think him jealous, petty and swift to judge without the facts.

[Bree Lewandowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful romp! I haven't giggled reading regency romance since I started reading the genre. The main character's reaction to things was sharp and fun. Contrary to many of the portrayals of female main characters, Ms. Campbell's heroine did not let life overwhelm her or jump to ridiculous conclusions based on very little fact. It was flipping refreshing to see a regency romance woman who isn't fainting at every turn. Whether literal or metaphorical.

Now, is this a deep read? No. It's a fun read. Not deep. Don't look for poignant romance. Lord Sheridan is handsome and his eyes burn into her. 'Nuf said.

Also, dogs.

Enjoy.

[Milena Constanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Regency romance novel!

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hero is a jerk for most of the book and the heroine somewhat of a pushover, but it was entertaining!

[HistoricalHussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

Could’ve done with more interactions between H/h (which would’ve provided a bit more of the romance this could’ve used)

[Spazfungus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yay, Housecleaning conquers all, leads to awesome sober servants, and a loving husband. It was a cute quick read, gotta give credit to Roger for his schemes, liked that Marietta eventually outwitted them all. Christopher seems kinda useless Mariette arrives at Twin Oaks to marry Roger, who has run off. Roger's brother Christopher offers to marry her instead, thinking she is part of Roger's scheme to get more money out of him. When Christopher discovers she isn't a hired doxy but a real lady, he has no choice but to marry her (since he has already compromised her by keeping her in his house without a chaperone). As she is a real lady, she cleans up the house and straightens the servants and husband and wife begin to fall in love. however, Mariette's step parents arrive with Roger and cause issues between them. Mariette eventually tricks her step parents to reveal Roger's schemes to his rich uncle and they are all shipped off to Australia.

[mirole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I specifically wanted to read a traditional Regency romance and was not disappointed.

I loved the writing, the story was ok, the heroine was great - no matter how dire her situation was, she would always sleep on it and wake up with a positive outlook and energy to act.