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Swanlea Spinsters #5
Married to the Viscount
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The dashing Viscount proposes a marriage in name only...in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries' sexy historical romance...
Abigail Mercer was thrilled at being reunited with Spencer Law, whom she met once and later married by proxy. But now Viscount Ravenswood denies all knowledge of their union! Too many witnesses have made it impossible for the secretive Spencer to reject his bride without causing a scandal. So he has proposed a marriage in name only until they can locate his mysteriously absent younger brother—who is responsible for everything!—and untangle this messy affair.
Abigail is incensed, irate...and irresistibly attracted to this handsome, infuriating man who hides his smoldering passion behind a proper exterior. So the lady will agree to his terms on one condition: Spencer must seal their bargain with a kiss. But he finds that one deep, lingering, unforgettable kiss isn't nearly enough. And keeping his hands off his pretty wife is going to be much harder than he thought.
The dashing Viscount proposes a marriage in name only...in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries' sexy historical romance...
Abigail Mercer was thrilled at being reunited with Spencer Law, whom she met once and later married by proxy. But now Viscount Ravenswood denies all knowledge of their union! Too many witnesses have made it impossible for the secretive Spencer to reject his bride without causing a scandal. So he has proposed a marriage in name only until they can locate his mysteriously absent younger brother—who is responsible for everything!—and untangle this messy affair.
Abigail is incensed, irate...and irresistibly attracted to this handsome, infuriating man who hides his smoldering passion behind a proper exterior. So the lady will agree to his terms on one condition: Spencer must seal their bargain with a kiss. But he finds that one deep, lingering, unforgettable kiss isn't nearly enough. And keeping his hands off his pretty wife is going to be much harder than he thought.
376 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2003
134 people are currently reading
1821 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
88 books4,797 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 26, 2021
This is the final book of the Swanlea Spinster series. This book is fine to be read as a standalone. The characters Clara and Morgan make an appearance (they are from Dance of Seduction, book 4), but you won't be lost or anything without reading that book. I also think Juliet (from After the Abduction, book 3) is briefly mentioned.
Abigail and Spencer have a brief time together in America. He is there with his brother and getting to know Abigail's father's business. They part with fond memories of each other, so why wouldn't Abigail believe his letters from England courting her and asking to marry by proxy? However, when she travels an ocean to be with him, she finds he knows nothing of the marriage. And worse, Spencer's brother is now missing and he must be the culprit in all of this craziness.
Spencer goes along with this pretend marriage, due to gossip, scandal and everyone who witnessed Abigail's arrival. He must hide any and all feelings he has for her and make it a fake marriage until he finds his brother and can legally end this marriage.
Spencer. Oh Spencer. Someone pointed out once how so many of Jeffries' heroes just CAN'T MARRY for whatever reason. And he is the same. He must never marry. Is the reason worth it? Perhaps more than other reasons, but is it ever a good enough reason??? haha. Spencer can be such a jerk. He says and does some despicable things. I actually feel quite bad for Abigail in all of this. But, there's something about him. I guess I like the jerks sometimes, because I did like him. You have to wait a long time for him to get his life together though.
Abigail is half Seneca (native American). Her mother was daughter of a chief. She has a darker coloring and has heard slurs against her growing up. She is worried about fitting into English society. I felt bad for her in this story. She has no reason to think Spencer would lie to her and now is an ocean away from everything she has known and it's built on a falsehood. She tries to make the best of everything.
This book has a bit of angst and a lot of push and pull – I want you! No, we cannot be married. But I love you! Let's kiss. No, go away! Definitely frustrating, yet I did like this book. It was sexy and emotional, not the best Sabrina Jeffries I have read, but many of her good qualities.
I give 4 stars.
This is my 15th Sabrina Jeffries! And still soooo many more to go hahaha.
I finished a series! In order! I know, fall over in shock. This series had 2 3-star books and 3 4-star books for me. I'm not sure of my favorite. Probably A Notorious Love because I really liked Helena and her limp and how she found her confidence with Daniel. Did you read this series? Anyone want to share their ratings/favorite?
A Dangerous Love - 3 stars
A Notorious Love - 4 stars
After the Abduction - 3 stars
Dance of Seduction - 4 stars
Married to the Viscount - 4 stars
(This book takes place in 1822)
Locations of kisses/sex scenes
Abigail and Spencer have a brief time together in America. He is there with his brother and getting to know Abigail's father's business. They part with fond memories of each other, so why wouldn't Abigail believe his letters from England courting her and asking to marry by proxy? However, when she travels an ocean to be with him, she finds he knows nothing of the marriage. And worse, Spencer's brother is now missing and he must be the culprit in all of this craziness.
Spencer goes along with this pretend marriage, due to gossip, scandal and everyone who witnessed Abigail's arrival. He must hide any and all feelings he has for her and make it a fake marriage until he finds his brother and can legally end this marriage.
Spencer. Oh Spencer. Someone pointed out once how so many of Jeffries' heroes just CAN'T MARRY for whatever reason. And he is the same. He must never marry. Is the reason worth it? Perhaps more than other reasons, but is it ever a good enough reason??? haha. Spencer can be such a jerk. He says and does some despicable things. I actually feel quite bad for Abigail in all of this. But, there's something about him. I guess I like the jerks sometimes, because I did like him. You have to wait a long time for him to get his life together though.
Abigail is half Seneca (native American). Her mother was daughter of a chief. She has a darker coloring and has heard slurs against her growing up. She is worried about fitting into English society. I felt bad for her in this story. She has no reason to think Spencer would lie to her and now is an ocean away from everything she has known and it's built on a falsehood. She tries to make the best of everything.
This book has a bit of angst and a lot of push and pull – I want you! No, we cannot be married. But I love you! Let's kiss. No, go away! Definitely frustrating, yet I did like this book. It was sexy and emotional, not the best Sabrina Jeffries I have read, but many of her good qualities.
I give 4 stars.
This is my 15th Sabrina Jeffries! And still soooo many more to go hahaha.
I finished a series! In order! I know, fall over in shock. This series had 2 3-star books and 3 4-star books for me. I'm not sure of my favorite. Probably A Notorious Love because I really liked Helena and her limp and how she found her confidence with Daniel. Did you read this series? Anyone want to share their ratings/favorite?
A Dangerous Love - 3 stars
A Notorious Love - 4 stars
After the Abduction - 3 stars
Dance of Seduction - 4 stars
Married to the Viscount - 4 stars
(This book takes place in 1822)
Locations of kisses/sex scenes
December 30, 2014
Abby is super American! Spencer is super English-y. They meet in America once and then Spencer's brother "fake marries" them by proxy or something. I don't know, boners. Will their fake marriage ever become a marriage in truth? Also will Spencer ever confess that he thinks his man snake has lost its venom? Tune in to be vaguely appalled by everything!
1. Honestly though, there's only so much douchery I can take before I get fed up with it all. And Spencer is fucking king of the douches. Absolutely, is a big deal, but it's one that needs to be discussed with any longterm partners. Also the logic of why Spencer won't tell Abby breaks down when it's handily revealed that Spencer had no problem telling his former longterm mistress?!? But he can't bring himself to tell Abby ... because he's A MASSIVE DOUCHE, that's why.
And I really didn't care that much about that part of the plot because it seemed to vilify who I am and how I want to live my life because
2. And, I don't know. The general ~relationship conflicts felt very haberdashery and not well developed, i.e., AMURICA vs. YE OLDE ENGLAND; nobility vs. commoner; societal expectations of political wives vs. business lady; etc. It was very all over the place and none of the conflicts really came to anything other than the man snake thing.
3. I just really like saying man snake, ok?
4. OH OH OH AND: So there's this sex scene where the hero and heroine RUB CUSTARD ON ONE ANOTHER? which, okay! cool for you! EXCEPT THEN, the hero gets news of his dastardly brother and has to ride off to find him ASAP WITHOUT BATHING OMFG. TWO DAYS IN A CARRIAGE AND I BET YOU MONEY THAT BASTARD SMELLED AMAZING AND BY AMAZING I MEAN LIKE DEATH WARMED OVER MAGGOT STEW WITH A SIDE OF BROCCOLI!!
1. Honestly though, there's only so much douchery I can take before I get fed up with it all. And Spencer is fucking king of the douches. Absolutely, is a big deal, but it's one that needs to be discussed with any longterm partners. Also the logic of why Spencer won't tell Abby breaks down when it's handily revealed that Spencer had no problem telling his former longterm mistress?!? But he can't bring himself to tell Abby ... because he's A MASSIVE DOUCHE, that's why.
And I really didn't care that much about that part of the plot because it seemed to vilify who I am and how I want to live my life because
2. And, I don't know. The general ~relationship conflicts felt very haberdashery and not well developed, i.e., AMURICA vs. YE OLDE ENGLAND; nobility vs. commoner; societal expectations of political wives vs. business lady; etc. It was very all over the place and none of the conflicts really came to anything other than the man snake thing.
3. I just really like saying man snake, ok?
4. OH OH OH AND: So there's this sex scene where the hero and heroine RUB CUSTARD ON ONE ANOTHER? which, okay! cool for you! EXCEPT THEN, the hero gets news of his dastardly brother and has to ride off to find him ASAP WITHOUT BATHING OMFG. TWO DAYS IN A CARRIAGE AND I BET YOU MONEY THAT BASTARD SMELLED AMAZING AND BY AMAZING I MEAN LIKE DEATH WARMED OVER MAGGOT STEW WITH A SIDE OF BROCCOLI!!
July 30, 2021
Simply amazing
I loved this book. It was about a English man who was married by proxy to an American woman. And the naughty brother who set it all up. I loved this story. I saw that I had rated it three stars before but I just have been nuts. Yes there were times when the hero was a pompous jerk but when he groveled, he really groveled. The intimate scenes were steamy without being coarse and I just loved the hero by the end of the bock. There's nothing better than seeing a rake hopelessly in love with his woman. And the epilogue was sigh worthy. When I feel that at the end of the book , I know it's a keeper. Nice change of pace and no cheating. I may have to revisit the rest of the series too.
I loved this book. It was about a English man who was married by proxy to an American woman. And the naughty brother who set it all up. I loved this story. I saw that I had rated it three stars before but I just have been nuts. Yes there were times when the hero was a pompous jerk but when he groveled, he really groveled. The intimate scenes were steamy without being coarse and I just loved the hero by the end of the bock. There's nothing better than seeing a rake hopelessly in love with his woman. And the epilogue was sigh worthy. When I feel that at the end of the book , I know it's a keeper. Nice change of pace and no cheating. I may have to revisit the rest of the series too.
August 23, 2023
What a waste of a book. Oh man, the hero was downright mean and rude and just unacceptable. He was horrible over and over again with the poor heroine and his reasons for his actions were not strong enough to make up for his attitude .
I sincerely don't know why I finished the book. Maybe I was trying to see if he would improve but nope, I didn't like him at all. What. A. Waste.
I sincerely don't know why I finished the book. Maybe I was trying to see if he would improve but nope, I didn't like him at all. What. A. Waste.
March 21, 2013
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
Married to the Viscount is one of my favorite Sabrina Jeffries books. It is one of the few books that checks off all the things that make a historical romance a hit for me.
Spencer Law, the Viscount Ravenswood is such a stuffy, arrogant and a generally unlikable fellow when he is first introduced to readers in Dance of Seduction so finding out he was to be the hero of the next book was a little hard to believe. Would this stuffy man lower his lofty standards and harsh character long enough to attract a woman? Apparently not, he had to be forced into a marriage in order to have a chance at love. Spencer was handsome and rich of course but at the beginning of Married to the Viscount he really doesn't have much else to commend him. He's courteous of Abby, the woman who claims to be his wife, but when he finds himself becoming attracted to her, he lets his insecurities and his secrets rule his verbal responses to her. At times he's cold and cruel to her and other times he's caring and sweet. It's enough to make a woman's head spin!
Abigail is a lovely heroine. When reading historical romances set in Regency England, it's always nice to have at least one American (preferably a woman) thrown into the mix to turn things upside down and Abby doesn't disappoint! She's definitely kind but she's also forthright, intelligent and sarcastic. She tries so hard to please her stranger husband, whom she's desperately attracted to but she doesn't cross the line into "wimpdom" by letting him walk all over her. That's so important in a heroine, just because she cares for the hero, she shouldn't let him do or say what he wants to her. Of course, she isn't made of stone and Spencer's objections to their marriage hurt her, but she doesn't shrivel up and whine, she gets up and fights dirty. She isn't afraid to tease him or to face him head on in an argument.
There's plenty of sexual tension between Spencer and Abby, almost from the beginning and it builds slowly and passionately. Mixed in with that passion is such angst from both characters, each one wanting the other and thinking it isn't possible. The longing adds such an appeal in the story that when I first read it, I just could not put it down until I finished it! Years later, upon reading it again on my Kindle, I found that I still loved Married to the Viscount as much as I did when I bought it in print.
Spencer and Abby's road to a happy ending was well written and perfectly timed. They got to know themselves and each other better through their forced circumstances, and Spencer had to choose between confronting his fears or losing Abby forever. Married to the Viscount is the last book of the Swanlea series but in my opinion can be read alone since the previous characters don't do much but play supportive roles.
Married to the Viscount is one of my favorite Sabrina Jeffries books. It is one of the few books that checks off all the things that make a historical romance a hit for me.
Spencer Law, the Viscount Ravenswood is such a stuffy, arrogant and a generally unlikable fellow when he is first introduced to readers in Dance of Seduction so finding out he was to be the hero of the next book was a little hard to believe. Would this stuffy man lower his lofty standards and harsh character long enough to attract a woman? Apparently not, he had to be forced into a marriage in order to have a chance at love. Spencer was handsome and rich of course but at the beginning of Married to the Viscount he really doesn't have much else to commend him. He's courteous of Abby, the woman who claims to be his wife, but when he finds himself becoming attracted to her, he lets his insecurities and his secrets rule his verbal responses to her. At times he's cold and cruel to her and other times he's caring and sweet. It's enough to make a woman's head spin!
Abigail is a lovely heroine. When reading historical romances set in Regency England, it's always nice to have at least one American (preferably a woman) thrown into the mix to turn things upside down and Abby doesn't disappoint! She's definitely kind but she's also forthright, intelligent and sarcastic. She tries so hard to please her stranger husband, whom she's desperately attracted to but she doesn't cross the line into "wimpdom" by letting him walk all over her. That's so important in a heroine, just because she cares for the hero, she shouldn't let him do or say what he wants to her. Of course, she isn't made of stone and Spencer's objections to their marriage hurt her, but she doesn't shrivel up and whine, she gets up and fights dirty. She isn't afraid to tease him or to face him head on in an argument.
There's plenty of sexual tension between Spencer and Abby, almost from the beginning and it builds slowly and passionately. Mixed in with that passion is such angst from both characters, each one wanting the other and thinking it isn't possible. The longing adds such an appeal in the story that when I first read it, I just could not put it down until I finished it! Years later, upon reading it again on my Kindle, I found that I still loved Married to the Viscount as much as I did when I bought it in print.
Spencer and Abby's road to a happy ending was well written and perfectly timed. They got to know themselves and each other better through their forced circumstances, and Spencer had to choose between confronting his fears or losing Abby forever. Married to the Viscount is the last book of the Swanlea series but in my opinion can be read alone since the previous characters don't do much but play supportive roles.
November 20, 2017
Several things about this book really irritated me. I admit I am not in a good mood. Haven't been for days. A book like this is too happy for me ATM. The set up for this didn't do it for me. Abby and Spencer were married by proxy. Abby thought the marriage was real. Spencer had no clue it was happening. His brother forced them into the situation by forging Spencer's signature on the marriage documents. Instead of saying the marriage was false from the start, Spencer thought it would be best if they pretended the marriage were real for a while. His reasoning for this didn't make much sense. Yeah he liked her, but it didn't seem like he liked her enough to deal with the hassle of a pretend marriage.
I couldn't stand Abby. Both in conversation and her thoughts all she did was express how everyone looked down on her for being American, when in fact not one person judged her for her nationality. She needed to get over herself. Not everything Spencer did was because he didn't like her. I don't even get why she liked the guy. She spent almost the entire book not understanding what made him tick.
Spencer was a viscount who was used to getting his way. He was thwarted at every turn in this. Nothing worked out the way he planned. He was described as arrogant often. He was but compared to other books I've read with arrogant men, he was nice in comparison. The constant Spencer bashing by every single character got old fast. A lot of the bickering with Abby could have been avoided if he had been honest with her about his predicament.
I couldn't stand Abby. Both in conversation and her thoughts all she did was express how everyone looked down on her for being American, when in fact not one person judged her for her nationality. She needed to get over herself. Not everything Spencer did was because he didn't like her. I don't even get why she liked the guy. She spent almost the entire book not understanding what made him tick.
Spencer was a viscount who was used to getting his way. He was thwarted at every turn in this. Nothing worked out the way he planned. He was described as arrogant often. He was but compared to other books I've read with arrogant men, he was nice in comparison. The constant Spencer bashing by every single character got old fast. A lot of the bickering with Abby could have been avoided if he had been honest with her about his predicament.
September 20, 2017
3.25 stars
October 17, 2017
3 e 1/2
"L’abisso era di fronte a lui. Poteva superarlo con lei, oppure, come un codardo, poteva rimanere lì a guardare mentre lei lo oltrepassava e si allontanava, da sola, sull’altro lato.
Spencer si rifiutava di essere codardo"
Dopo aver letto e apprezzato il primo (seppur con qualche riserva) ho deciso bene di buttarmi...sul quinto XD Nonostante questo scivolone (ormai abituale sigh) ho potuto leggere tranquillamente la storia di Abby e Spencer e del loro più grande tormento....i figli! La trama come spesso accade svela fin da subito il motivo della reticenza del nostro lui che, ben lungi dall'essere scontento della sposa scelta dal fratello, rimpiange solo sta benedetta prole mancata XD Inutile dire che ci vorrà tutta la testardaggine di Abby (e una marea di pazienza!) per convincere il nostro rigido lord a dare una possibilità a lei e al loro matrimonio.... Ammetto di aver apprezzato quasi più il fratello di Spencer, Nat, del protagonista stesso XD Lui ed Evelina formano una coppia ben affiatata e sebbene a prima vista sembrino superficiali, un po' sciocchi e fin troppo "farfalline" alla fine lei si rivelerà un'amica sincera per Abby e molto fedele con il suo lui fuggiasco, mentre Nat mostrerà una perspicacia (e un'onniscenza aggiungerei XD) degni di un vero cupido! Diciamolo: se non fosse per lui il fratello sarebbe morto solo e disperato!
"L’abisso era di fronte a lui. Poteva superarlo con lei, oppure, come un codardo, poteva rimanere lì a guardare mentre lei lo oltrepassava e si allontanava, da sola, sull’altro lato.
Spencer si rifiutava di essere codardo"
Dopo aver letto e apprezzato il primo (seppur con qualche riserva) ho deciso bene di buttarmi...sul quinto XD Nonostante questo scivolone (ormai abituale sigh) ho potuto leggere tranquillamente la storia di Abby e Spencer e del loro più grande tormento....i figli! La trama come spesso accade svela fin da subito il motivo della reticenza del nostro lui che, ben lungi dall'essere scontento della sposa scelta dal fratello, rimpiange solo sta benedetta prole mancata XD Inutile dire che ci vorrà tutta la testardaggine di Abby (e una marea di pazienza!) per convincere il nostro rigido lord a dare una possibilità a lei e al loro matrimonio.... Ammetto di aver apprezzato quasi più il fratello di Spencer, Nat, del protagonista stesso XD Lui ed Evelina formano una coppia ben affiatata e sebbene a prima vista sembrino superficiali, un po' sciocchi e fin troppo "farfalline" alla fine lei si rivelerà un'amica sincera per Abby e molto fedele con il suo lui fuggiasco, mentre Nat mostrerà una perspicacia (e un'onniscenza aggiungerei XD) degni di un vero cupido! Diciamolo: se non fosse per lui il fratello sarebbe morto solo e disperato!
February 2, 2013
Oh boy. I really wanted to like this book but no matter how many chances I gave it (second and third and even fourth chances), I finally had to admit defeat.
I love "fish-out-of-water" stories so the idea of a headstrong American woman sailing to England to live with her husband-by-proxy stuffy English Viscount was right up my alley. Sadly, though, the execution of this premise falls flat, opportunities are missed, and the main characters are all over the map in their thoughts and actions.
I knew I was in trouble when, by Chapter Five, the husband-by-proxy explanation and plot set up is still taking place. It isn't a complicated enough plot to require that many pages.
Things continue downhill from there. Abigail and Spencer are completely schizophrenic in their reactions to each other. They ping-pong wildly back and forth between "he/she is wonderful and I must have him/her" to "I need out of this marriage as soon as possible." I'm all for a little bit of the push-pull of attraction but this crap goes on right up until the epilogue. It was exhausting and frustrating. As a result, I didn't like either him or her. The side characters are plentiful and not particularly interesting or likable either.
I love "fish-out-of-water" stories so the idea of a headstrong American woman sailing to England to live with her husband-by-proxy stuffy English Viscount was right up my alley. Sadly, though, the execution of this premise falls flat, opportunities are missed, and the main characters are all over the map in their thoughts and actions.
I knew I was in trouble when, by Chapter Five, the husband-by-proxy explanation and plot set up is still taking place. It isn't a complicated enough plot to require that many pages.
Things continue downhill from there. Abigail and Spencer are completely schizophrenic in their reactions to each other. They ping-pong wildly back and forth between "he/she is wonderful and I must have him/her" to "I need out of this marriage as soon as possible." I'm all for a little bit of the push-pull of attraction but this crap goes on right up until the epilogue. It was exhausting and frustrating. As a result, I didn't like either him or her. The side characters are plentiful and not particularly interesting or likable either.
February 6, 2021
2.50 / pushed to 3 Stars by the skin of its teeth.
HOOPLA audio - Married to the Viscount is the last in the Swanlea Spinsters series, and my ratings for all of them averaged to 3 Stars.
It's a good thing I've read Sabrina Jeffries' newer books and that she's a good writer, because this series had a lot of eye rolling moments. Why did I continue the series then? Well, annoyed as I was with some of the antics I still wanted to see how the stories wrapped up.
In this book I grew tired of Abby (Abigail) constantly saying how average and unattractive she was. I can understand her feeling different from the other English women because her mother was American Indian, but different isn't unattractive.
Also, Spencer not telling Abby he can't have kids until after he's bedded her just solidified my dislike for this "hero"....who is no hero at all to me. He wasn't a very likable character. He was controlling, condescending, arrogant, self-centered, manipulative and hurtful to Abby in so many ways. A hero with some of those qualities is fine, one with all of them is counter productive in a romance. JMHO
My thoughts will not discourage me from reading more of SJ's books....
HOOPLA audio - Married to the Viscount is the last in the Swanlea Spinsters series, and my ratings for all of them averaged to 3 Stars.
It's a good thing I've read Sabrina Jeffries' newer books and that she's a good writer, because this series had a lot of eye rolling moments. Why did I continue the series then? Well, annoyed as I was with some of the antics I still wanted to see how the stories wrapped up.
In this book I grew tired of Abby (Abigail) constantly saying how average and unattractive she was. I can understand her feeling different from the other English women because her mother was American Indian, but different isn't unattractive.
Also, Spencer not telling Abby he can't have kids until after he's bedded her just solidified my dislike for this "hero"....who is no hero at all to me. He wasn't a very likable character. He was controlling, condescending, arrogant, self-centered, manipulative and hurtful to Abby in so many ways. A hero with some of those qualities is fine, one with all of them is counter productive in a romance. JMHO
My thoughts will not discourage me from reading more of SJ's books....
December 30, 2020
Trying to write on my phone.
Abigail was married by proxy to a viscount. She remembers Spencer fondly and is looking forward to a new life.
She is half native American. She can make potions. Her father left their company to her new husband. She is opinionated . She is American *gasps*
While Spencer has a stick up his butt. He loves his work at the Home office. He doesn't want kids. He doesn't want a wife. He was very gruff. But he had that goodness inside that he didn't let out.
Until they meet. And argue cos wtf I didn't marry you?! And argue. And are upset and lust after each other
I enjoyed it cos he had his silly reasons that sure I understood but let it go man!
Good narrator. Nice American and English accent. Very good with Spencer's voice. Enjoyable narrator
Abigail was married by proxy to a viscount. She remembers Spencer fondly and is looking forward to a new life.
She is half native American. She can make potions. Her father left their company to her new husband. She is opinionated . She is American *gasps*
While Spencer has a stick up his butt. He loves his work at the Home office. He doesn't want kids. He doesn't want a wife. He was very gruff. But he had that goodness inside that he didn't let out.
Until they meet. And argue cos wtf I didn't marry you?! And argue. And are upset and lust after each other
I enjoyed it cos he had his silly reasons that sure I understood but let it go man!
Good narrator. Nice American and English accent. Very good with Spencer's voice. Enjoyable narrator
May 18, 2010
Dumbest.cover.ever.
March 21, 2016
5 Stars...!!
Everything I expected and more....!! Loved IT...!!
Everything I expected and more....!! Loved IT...!!
March 29, 2017
This is the final book in the Swanlea Spinsters series (even though books 4 & 5 aren't about the sisters). Viscount Ravenswood was an important character in book 4, especially, and absolutely deserved his comeuppance own HEA.
During a trip to America with his younger brother, Nathaniel, Spencer Law, Viscount Ravenswood, met a beautiful half-Indian girl, Abigail Mercer. He liked her very much and was attracted to her but years ago decided he would never marry. So he said goodbye to Abby and America and that was that.
Until Abby showed up unexpectedly at his London home, claiming that she is his Viscountess, that is. It seems that Nat had convinced Abby that Spencer wanted to marry him and had married her to Spencer by proxy. (Marriage by proxy was a common trope in Old School HR, but it's rare these days.)
Quite a bit of the book involves Spencer dancing around his feelings for Abby and his reason for not marrying. Like in the previous book, the reason is a real "thing" and not just because his stepmother ran off with her lover (although that's part of it).
Abby is a great heroine. She's brave, she's funny, she's out-spoken. I love her speech to Spencer about equality and then gets completely flustered about meeting the King. (We Americans are simultaneously proud that we threw off the shackles of monarchy AND completely obsessed by royalty.)
One thing I really liked about the resolution. The "thing" didn't just miraculously go away or become irrelevant as soon as the H/h declared their love. And yet we aren't left forever wondering, either.
4 stars.
During a trip to America with his younger brother, Nathaniel, Spencer Law, Viscount Ravenswood, met a beautiful half-Indian girl, Abigail Mercer. He liked her very much and was attracted to her but years ago decided he would never marry. So he said goodbye to Abby and America and that was that.
Until Abby showed up unexpectedly at his London home, claiming that she is his Viscountess, that is. It seems that Nat had convinced Abby that Spencer wanted to marry him and had married her to Spencer by proxy. (Marriage by proxy was a common trope in Old School HR, but it's rare these days.)
Quite a bit of the book involves Spencer dancing around his feelings for Abby and his reason for not marrying. Like in the previous book, the reason is a real "thing" and not just because his stepmother ran off with her lover (although that's part of it).
Abby is a great heroine. She's brave, she's funny, she's out-spoken. I love her speech to Spencer about equality and then gets completely flustered about meeting the King. (We Americans are simultaneously proud that we threw off the shackles of monarchy AND completely obsessed by royalty.)
One thing I really liked about the resolution. The "thing" didn't just miraculously go away or become irrelevant as soon as the H/h declared their love. And yet we aren't left forever wondering, either.
4 stars.
June 23, 2023
I love when a stoic and straight laced MMC who has no idea what emotions are and how to process them is brought to his knees by love and this book was so satisfying in that regard. I also loved the personality dynamic between them as a free spirited American woman and a stuffy British man. Even the annoying parts of this book were still entertaining. While it took the MMC too many tries to learn his lesson when it came to his feelings, it was fun watching him struggle to sort himself out over and over again.
December 13, 2018
What an amazing book to end this series on. It definitely managed to make me forget about the disappointment which was the fourth installment in this one. I very much enjoyed the main heroes' banter (which also took me back a bit to the first book which had me hooked into the series, so that's always a good thing, too) and their story.
Overall, this series was not as good as Jeffries' more recent ones like Hellions of halstead hall or The Duke's men, but I still enjoyed parts of it very, very much, and I'm glad I decided to "revisit" some of Jeffries' earlier work, even if it's bound to have some kinks.
Overall, this series was not as good as Jeffries' more recent ones like Hellions of halstead hall or The Duke's men, but I still enjoyed parts of it very, very much, and I'm glad I decided to "revisit" some of Jeffries' earlier work, even if it's bound to have some kinks.
April 5, 2019
Sweet marriage of convenience story
This is a nice romance, and pleasant read. The characters are all a bit too perfect (or perfectly imperfect) and relationships and attachments form instantaneously. None of them seem like real people, and none of the situations have any ring of reality, but they’re engaging and fun to read anyways.
This is a nice romance, and pleasant read. The characters are all a bit too perfect (or perfectly imperfect) and relationships and attachments form instantaneously. None of them seem like real people, and none of the situations have any ring of reality, but they’re engaging and fun to read anyways.
March 30, 2022
Loved this one! Loved the American Vs English traits in this, and Went from hating Spencer to absolutely loving him.
April 1, 2025
3.3.
A woman of character stands by her choices.
A woman of character stands by her choices.
November 25, 2014
Another wonderful novel by Sabrina Jeffries. In this this story we are introduced to Abigail Mercer and Spencer Law.
Abigail met Spencer when he accompanied his brother on a business trip to the States. Immediately taken in by the dashing Viscount that treats her as an equal and respects her opinion, even though she is a female, how can she help but fall in love with him. When she is approached by his brother after Spencer's departure professing a deep affection and offering to marry her by proxy, she jumps at the offer. Little does she know that Spencer has no clue what his brother has done.
Spencer thinks that Miss Mercer is everything he would want in a wife. She is intelligent, smart, and beautiful. If he had any intentions of marrying ever, he would hope to marry someone like her. He has decided he will never marry and that any heirs to be produced will come from his brother. So while he still thinks about Abigail once he has returned to England he knows that he will not see her again. Or will he?
When Abigail shows up on his doorstep with papers in hand proving they have been wed by proxy, Spencer must figure out how he can solve his dilemma. He does not wish to be married and yet how can he resist Abigail now that she is his wife. And where has his brother disappeared to, as he is the one with all the answers and Miss Mercer's dowry?
Meanwhile, can Abigail convince Spencer that a marriage between them is what they both need and desire? She has a hard time seeing the caring gentleman in Spencer as he is now the unfeeling Viscount. As they both fall deeper in love, can Spencer give himself the opportunity to find happiness with Abigail? She will accept no less and deserves no less than his full commitment. And will Abigail be able to be the wife that Spencer needs?
A wonderful tale of two individuals who are perfect for each other. They both need to accept themselves for great individuals they are to truly be happy with one another.
Abigail met Spencer when he accompanied his brother on a business trip to the States. Immediately taken in by the dashing Viscount that treats her as an equal and respects her opinion, even though she is a female, how can she help but fall in love with him. When she is approached by his brother after Spencer's departure professing a deep affection and offering to marry her by proxy, she jumps at the offer. Little does she know that Spencer has no clue what his brother has done.
Spencer thinks that Miss Mercer is everything he would want in a wife. She is intelligent, smart, and beautiful. If he had any intentions of marrying ever, he would hope to marry someone like her. He has decided he will never marry and that any heirs to be produced will come from his brother. So while he still thinks about Abigail once he has returned to England he knows that he will not see her again. Or will he?
When Abigail shows up on his doorstep with papers in hand proving they have been wed by proxy, Spencer must figure out how he can solve his dilemma. He does not wish to be married and yet how can he resist Abigail now that she is his wife. And where has his brother disappeared to, as he is the one with all the answers and Miss Mercer's dowry?
Meanwhile, can Abigail convince Spencer that a marriage between them is what they both need and desire? She has a hard time seeing the caring gentleman in Spencer as he is now the unfeeling Viscount. As they both fall deeper in love, can Spencer give himself the opportunity to find happiness with Abigail? She will accept no less and deserves no less than his full commitment. And will Abigail be able to be the wife that Spencer needs?
A wonderful tale of two individuals who are perfect for each other. They both need to accept themselves for great individuals they are to truly be happy with one another.
October 14, 2016
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
3,5 - Da un lato, vi sono numerose scene divertenti: dalla scollattura dell’abito da ballo coperta da orrida sciarpetta perché milord è geloso, ai siparietti con il maggiordomo McFee, sino all’adorabile tranello teso a lord Ravenswood, alle prese con gli orfanelli.
Per il resto un romanzo molto di maniera, con scene di baci chiesti per scommessa o rubati nell’impeto della passione.
Lord Ravenswood è il cinico politico che deve destreggiarsi tra un fratello un po’ scapestrato, una futura giovane cognata (lady Evelina), e una moglie imposta, arrivata dagli States, molto americana e con origini addirittura da una tribù pellerossa (da parte di madre). Quindi l'autrice s'inventa un po’ di tutto per condurre l'azzimato visconte, che ha già deciso di non sposarsi e di non aver figli, sull’orlo di una crisi di nervi.
Magari non è una storia che fa proprio così sognare, magari Spencer e Abby non sono la tipica coppia indimenticabile, però si tratta comunque di un romanzo leggero e gradevole, che riesce ad offrire qualche ora di svago.
Mezza stellina per le impareggiabili regole del perfetto domestico, poste all'inizio di ogni capitolo.
3,5 - Da un lato, vi sono numerose scene divertenti: dalla scollattura dell’abito da ballo coperta da orrida sciarpetta perché milord è geloso, ai siparietti con il maggiordomo McFee, sino all’adorabile tranello teso a lord Ravenswood, alle prese con gli orfanelli.
Per il resto un romanzo molto di maniera, con scene di baci chiesti per scommessa o rubati nell’impeto della passione.
Lord Ravenswood è il cinico politico che deve destreggiarsi tra un fratello un po’ scapestrato, una futura giovane cognata (lady Evelina), e una moglie imposta, arrivata dagli States, molto americana e con origini addirittura da una tribù pellerossa (da parte di madre). Quindi l'autrice s'inventa un po’ di tutto per condurre l'azzimato visconte, che ha già deciso di non sposarsi e di non aver figli, sull’orlo di una crisi di nervi.
Magari non è una storia che fa proprio così sognare, magari Spencer e Abby non sono la tipica coppia indimenticabile, però si tratta comunque di un romanzo leggero e gradevole, che riesce ad offrire qualche ora di svago.
Mezza stellina per le impareggiabili regole del perfetto domestico, poste all'inizio di ogni capitolo.
November 18, 2012
PARAH!
ini rame banget, menurutku.
--------------------------------
Spance sudah tertarik pada Abby dari pertama ia melihat gadis Amerika itu di dapur rumahnya, dengan kepangan dan kelompak-kelopak bunga yang bertebaran di sekitarnya dan di celemeknya.
sebuah muslihat yang dilakukan oleh adiknya Spance, Nat, membuat ia menikah dengan Abby. dengan tanggungjawab--atau kebiasaannya untuk memperbaiki segala kesalahan Nat--membuat Abby untuk menyetujui pernikahan pura-pura sampai mereka menemukan Nat dan menghindari skandal.
waktu terus berjalan dan Abby menjadi menginginkan Spance untuk menjadi suami sungguhannya. namun ketika harapan itu benar-benar dimusnahkan oleh Spance dengan suatu alasan yang membuatnya memutuskan untuk membujang seumur hidup, apakah Abby bersedia untuk memaafkan Spance dan dapat menerima Spance apa adanya?
--------------------------------------------
ini--well bukan pertama kalinya juga sih (perasaan), kedua tokoh utama sudah mengungkapkan perasaan mereka namun konflik belum benar-benar selesai, baik di luar maupun di dalam hubungan mereka sendiri.
ini rame banget, menurutku.
--------------------------------
Spance sudah tertarik pada Abby dari pertama ia melihat gadis Amerika itu di dapur rumahnya, dengan kepangan dan kelompak-kelopak bunga yang bertebaran di sekitarnya dan di celemeknya.
sebuah muslihat yang dilakukan oleh adiknya Spance, Nat, membuat ia menikah dengan Abby. dengan tanggungjawab--atau kebiasaannya untuk memperbaiki segala kesalahan Nat--membuat Abby untuk menyetujui pernikahan pura-pura sampai mereka menemukan Nat dan menghindari skandal.
waktu terus berjalan dan Abby menjadi menginginkan Spance untuk menjadi suami sungguhannya. namun ketika harapan itu benar-benar dimusnahkan oleh Spance dengan suatu alasan yang membuatnya memutuskan untuk membujang seumur hidup, apakah Abby bersedia untuk memaafkan Spance dan dapat menerima Spance apa adanya?
--------------------------------------------
ini--well bukan pertama kalinya juga sih (perasaan), kedua tokoh utama sudah mengungkapkan perasaan mereka namun konflik belum benar-benar selesai, baik di luar maupun di dalam hubungan mereka sendiri.
July 18, 2013
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed how strong and sweet both hero/heroine are. Impetuous behavior did not appear too silly or childish thanks to the author allowing the characters enough pages to carefully think things over and have the readers learn what they're thinking. (This may be a con to some readers.)
The misunderstandings were also addressed well just by the characters owning up to the mistake.
As for the story itself, I quite enjoyed an original story that really examines what a "certain imperfection" can lead to; the consequences of it, how it's viewed in society, and how it changes a person.
And I definitely like Ravenswood drunk.
The misunderstandings were also addressed well just by the characters owning up to the mistake.
As for the story itself, I quite enjoyed an original story that really examines what a "certain imperfection" can lead to; the consequences of it, how it's viewed in society, and how it changes a person.
And I definitely like Ravenswood drunk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2016
Spencer is the Viscount of jerks. He's hot and he's cold, he's in love with her, and then he treats her worse than dirt. I hated him the whole story. He's got the "Better than thou" attitude going and that just makes him more of a jerk. Abigail tries so hard to please him, and he does not appreciate her enough. She could do better!
September 4, 2012
This was just okay. The hero was a jerk. I mean yeah, he had a fairly significant reason not to marry, but he just went about things all backwards, upside-down wrong, to such a degree that I couldn't buy his redemption scenes. I wasn't terribly impressed with the heroine either.
May 16, 2017
O.k. this one was actually kind of trash. I mean I finished it and I think there were interesting aspects but there also was some fairly dubious consent and also some using sexual acts as punishment/negatively that was really not o.k. so...
Perhaps a more through review later?
Perhaps a more through review later?
August 20, 2015
Loved it!
June 22, 2018
Generally, predictable with a jerk hero and a vaguely weak heroine. This one didn't capture my attention, but was well written.
March 17, 2022
Heroine: Abigail Mercer, 26. Nickname: Abby. Daughter of a physician. Half American and half Seneca.
Hero: Spencer Law, 37. Viscount Ravenswood. Nickname: Spence. Holds an important position in the government.
Date: 1822 (prologue = 1821)
How they meet: Spence travels to America with his brother, who wants to go into business with Abby’s father selling a medicinal tonic. Spence ends up spending time with Abby while his brother negotiates with her ailing father. While Spence is attracted to Abby, he has vowed not to marry and she wouldn’t be a suitable wife for someone of his station anyway.
What happens: After returning to England, Spence is hosting a dinner party when Abby and her servant unexpectedly show up at his house. Her servant makes it known to anyone who will listen that Abby is Spence’s wife, which is a complete surprise to him.
Verdict: Previous to this book, I’ve really been struggling to like this series (after adoring 2 other series from this author). The description of this one sounded interesting, so I decided to go ahead and finish the series. I’m glad I did because this book is much more fun and gets away from the crime-themed plots of the others in the series. It could absolutely be read as a standalone book (there is just a small amount of carry over from the previous book, but it is a minor part of the story). There was good chemistry and banter between the main characters and there is a playfulness to many of their interactions. I enjoyed the presence of the servants who were more visible in the story. It was an interesting set up, which was an unusual arranged marriage that morphed into a marriage of convenience that morphed into a passionate love match. I did think there was a little too much hot and cold with Spence and he was a bit mean to Abby and overly controlling at times in trying to preserve control over his own emotions, but the humor and creative intimate scenes made up for that.
Steam-level: Very steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Spencer Law, 37. Viscount Ravenswood. Nickname: Spence. Holds an important position in the government.
Date: 1822 (prologue = 1821)
How they meet: Spence travels to America with his brother, who wants to go into business with Abby’s father selling a medicinal tonic. Spence ends up spending time with Abby while his brother negotiates with her ailing father. While Spence is attracted to Abby, he has vowed not to marry and she wouldn’t be a suitable wife for someone of his station anyway.
What happens: After returning to England, Spence is hosting a dinner party when Abby and her servant unexpectedly show up at his house. Her servant makes it known to anyone who will listen that Abby is Spence’s wife, which is a complete surprise to him.
Verdict: Previous to this book, I’ve really been struggling to like this series (after adoring 2 other series from this author). The description of this one sounded interesting, so I decided to go ahead and finish the series. I’m glad I did because this book is much more fun and gets away from the crime-themed plots of the others in the series. It could absolutely be read as a standalone book (there is just a small amount of carry over from the previous book, but it is a minor part of the story). There was good chemistry and banter between the main characters and there is a playfulness to many of their interactions. I enjoyed the presence of the servants who were more visible in the story. It was an interesting set up, which was an unusual arranged marriage that morphed into a marriage of convenience that morphed into a passionate love match. I did think there was a little too much hot and cold with Spence and he was a bit mean to Abby and overly controlling at times in trying to preserve control over his own emotions, but the humor and creative intimate scenes made up for that.
Steam-level: Very steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
September 23, 2021
REALLY A 3.5 READ FOR ME
Spencer is an important man in England. He is serious and well aware of his value to the government. He traveled to America and met Abigail. She is half Seneca. Abigail is also the daughter of a doctor who is near death. Her father developed a medical formula that they call The Mead. Spencer’s brother, Nat, wants to buy the company and make his fortune.
Nat is engaged to a wonderful girl. And Nat wants to help his brother become a happier man.
Spencer and Abigail became friendly while he was in America. They were both attracted to one another. But, he was surprised when she arrives at his home with evidence of a proxy marriage. Spencer and Abby are husband and wife.
This is a story with slow spots. I felt that things dragged at times.
Abby is a strong woman who does not fit into the mold of a proper English lady. She is certainly not the kind of woman Spencer would have chosen as his wife. Abby is intelligent, kind and open and direct with everyone she meets. She is American and the English upper class find her quite amusing. She is neither sophisticated nor superior.
Spencer is sophisticated and superior enough for both of them. Underneath everything he has a kind heart, but it is very far underneath everything. He is kind to his servants so that does count for something.
The marriage is supposed to be all pretend. Spencer wants to get things squared away in order to avoid any kind of scandal. So, he makes many rules in order to keep Abby from being a spectacle. Every rule he creates makes things much worse.
The secondary characters vary. Once people get to know Abby, they like her. Generally she feels like a fish out of water. But, Abby is a strong woman who can overcome difficulties.
I am a fan of Ms Jeffries writing For me, this is not her best work.
I wanted to become more emotionally connected to Abby and Spencer. I seemed to be unable to feel much involvement.
There is a happily ever after. And love conquers all. Which is why we read romance novels.
Spencer is an important man in England. He is serious and well aware of his value to the government. He traveled to America and met Abigail. She is half Seneca. Abigail is also the daughter of a doctor who is near death. Her father developed a medical formula that they call The Mead. Spencer’s brother, Nat, wants to buy the company and make his fortune.
Nat is engaged to a wonderful girl. And Nat wants to help his brother become a happier man.
Spencer and Abigail became friendly while he was in America. They were both attracted to one another. But, he was surprised when she arrives at his home with evidence of a proxy marriage. Spencer and Abby are husband and wife.
This is a story with slow spots. I felt that things dragged at times.
Abby is a strong woman who does not fit into the mold of a proper English lady. She is certainly not the kind of woman Spencer would have chosen as his wife. Abby is intelligent, kind and open and direct with everyone she meets. She is American and the English upper class find her quite amusing. She is neither sophisticated nor superior.
Spencer is sophisticated and superior enough for both of them. Underneath everything he has a kind heart, but it is very far underneath everything. He is kind to his servants so that does count for something.
The marriage is supposed to be all pretend. Spencer wants to get things squared away in order to avoid any kind of scandal. So, he makes many rules in order to keep Abby from being a spectacle. Every rule he creates makes things much worse.
The secondary characters vary. Once people get to know Abby, they like her. Generally she feels like a fish out of water. But, Abby is a strong woman who can overcome difficulties.
I am a fan of Ms Jeffries writing For me, this is not her best work.
I wanted to become more emotionally connected to Abby and Spencer. I seemed to be unable to feel much involvement.
There is a happily ever after. And love conquers all. Which is why we read romance novels.
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