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The Marriage Debt
Is she a highwayman's bride...
Marrying a highwayman awaiting execution is Miss Katherine Cunningham's only hope -- for that way her crippling debts will die with him. But it turns out that her new husband, Nicholas Lydgate, is innocent -- and the son of a duke!
...or the wife of a marquis?
Katherine is determined to save his life, although this will make a temporary husband into a permanent one! Truth be known, she is attracted to Nicholas, but she won't hold him to a union made in such circumstances -- until he shows he cares for her...
Marrying a highwayman awaiting execution is Miss Katherine Cunningham's only hope -- for that way her crippling debts will die with him. But it turns out that her new husband, Nicholas Lydgate, is innocent -- and the son of a duke!
...or the wife of a marquis?
Katherine is determined to save his life, although this will make a temporary husband into a permanent one! Truth be known, she is attracted to Nicholas, but she won't hold him to a union made in such circumstances -- until he shows he cares for her...
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
38 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
424 books331 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 2, 2020
Scritto bene, scorrevole e pieno di buoni sentimenti... Ne avevo proprio bisogno!
I due protagonisti sono bellissimi insieme e non si può non fare il tifo per loro.
I due protagonisti sono bellissimi insieme e non si può non fare il tifo per loro.
October 11, 2022
2,5☆
Consigliato da un'amica che lo aveva letto in inglese (in questo periodo sono alla ricerca di letture leggerissime).
Più carino dei soliti Harmony, lettura scorrevole.
Probabilmente le sforbiciate della versione italiana ( 189 pagine contro le 350 della versione inglese) non hanno aiutato.
Consigliato da un'amica che lo aveva letto in inglese (in questo periodo sono alla ricerca di letture leggerissime).
Più carino dei soliti Harmony, lettura scorrevole.
Probabilmente le sforbiciate della versione italiana ( 189 pagine contro le 350 della versione inglese) non hanno aiutato.
April 14, 2012
Another interesting one- but when will these silly women get that their rich lover boy is actually interested in them? They're almost always thinking that they're not interested, lol. I liked the story line for this one, and I have another few books similar to this one, so I'm looking forward to reading them.
November 21, 2015
2,5 stars.
But rounded up to 3 for... let's say, for Nick's patience (lol).
But rounded up to 3 for... let's say, for Nick's patience (lol).
March 16, 2019
Awesomely romantic and well written book :)
June 13, 2024
A Londra nel 1815 Katherine rischia, a causa della sconsideratezza del fratello, di finire in prigione per debiti. Il giovane uomo ha ridotto sul lastrico la famiglia per colpa della sua sfrenata passione per il gioco. L'unico modo per tenere a bada i creditori è sposarsi e trasferire così i debiti al marito. Ma chi accetterebbe di prenderla in moglie a tali condizioni, se non un condannato a morte? Mai, neppure nei peggiori incubi, Katherine avrebbe immaginato che il suo matrimonio si sarebbe celebrato in una prigione e per giunta con uno sconosciuto! Eppure, quell'uomo lacero e sporco la fa sentire al sicuro. Che cosa succederebbe se, una volta soli, lei scoprisse che suo marito è innocente? Molto avventurosa come storia. L'amore può nascondersi ovunque.
July 2, 2024
Wonderful Regency Romance
Louise Allen is a longtime favourite of mine and this book, although a re-issue does not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this story starting with a meeting in very unusual circumstances with a brave, feisty heroine, a mysterious handsome hero, a marriage of convenience, a prodigal son and a profligate brother, all combine to give the perfect ingredients for wonderful journey around regency England. I loved it.
Louise Allen is a longtime favourite of mine and this book, although a re-issue does not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this story starting with a meeting in very unusual circumstances with a brave, feisty heroine, a mysterious handsome hero, a marriage of convenience, a prodigal son and a profligate brother, all combine to give the perfect ingredients for wonderful journey around regency England. I loved it.
October 11, 2024
Really unusual Regency plot
When I read the blurb to this novel, I wondered how it would play out, the plot was so unusual. A marriage of desperate necessity between an apparent (condemned) highwayman and a woman engulfed in debt: not easy to negotiate, but cleverly told through an endearing love story that unfolded gently. It kept me up to all hours, reading it! Brilliant.
When I read the blurb to this novel, I wondered how it would play out, the plot was so unusual. A marriage of desperate necessity between an apparent (condemned) highwayman and a woman engulfed in debt: not easy to negotiate, but cleverly told through an endearing love story that unfolded gently. It kept me up to all hours, reading it! Brilliant.
August 27, 2022
you’d think a book with this premise wouldn’t be like, boring as hell. also authors of historical novels stop writing creepy men who keep harrassing female characters with sexual comments challenge :) it’s not a form of flirting
May 29, 2024
great start
A brave heroine and equally brave and honorable hero. Start of the story was exciting and unexpected. However half way through, pride and stubbornness took over a good story.
A brave heroine and equally brave and honorable hero. Start of the story was exciting and unexpected. However half way through, pride and stubbornness took over a good story.
October 6, 2020
First, this is a "clean" romance. I didn't realize it & kept expecting more to happen. Even so, I liked the progression of the plot & how the relationship between Katherine & Nicholas developed.
August 9, 2021
Really a 2.5 at best. Too many clichés. I’m surprised she didn’t throw in the kitchen sink.
January 7, 2022
This book dragged!! There was not enough plot. The first quarter of the book was interesting and exciting, but the rest dragged on and needed help.
April 15, 2024
This was heading to be being a 5 star read, but sadly it got a little repetitive when he was trying his best to convince her not to annul the marriage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
brilliant
I could not put the book down, romance, adventure and a happy ending what more could one ask for in a book!
I could not put the book down, romance, adventure and a happy ending what more could one ask for in a book!
August 8, 2024
wonderful read
A fun read with a few twists, interesting characters, and a good story. I always enjoy books by LOUISE ALLEN.
A fun read with a few twists, interesting characters, and a good story. I always enjoy books by LOUISE ALLEN.
November 14, 2024
Desperately needed better editing.
October 2, 2025
A dnf at 50%. Katherine is an ass.
February 14, 2024
1.5 Stars
Started out good. I was interested and I liked both MCs but not only was it disappointingly chaste, it also lacked any real intimacy between the two characters. Which is entirely possible to have without sex.
Then after 35-30% once they arrived at his father's house everything just began to stagnate. The plot literally just stops. No more progression was made between the MCs. Which was only helped by the fact the heroine realized she was in love with the hero on the journey to Northumberland. That was pretty ridiculous quite frankly considering she only knew the hero for a week and change. That put me on the wary side of things once it was introduced and tbh it only made the rest of the story worse.
Because the last 50-60% of the book is filled with the heroine whining and bemoaning the fact she loves the hero but shell be leaving soon because SHE insisted they have their marriage annulled. Something the hero told her outright he didn't want but would give her if that was what she wanted. And after she learns he has a title and is the son of a Duke she was even more adamant she could not be his wife as she wasn't proper. When in reality she was just proper enough tbh but she was so willfully blind and stubborn about needing an annulment that it ruined the entire story.
I really liked the hero too! But because of the heroine he just lays down and let's her dictate how their relationship would go. And yes, fine, I was happy he didn't seduce her into being stuck in a marriage with him despite his one or two threats that he could. But it was just to much that due to this huge relationship expiration date hanging over them that literally NOTHING happens between them. The heroine never falters in her decision or second guesses it. She stubbornly held tight to proper decorum and social rules and did her best to avoid her husband to keep from being more attached or seduced. It was just plain ridiculous.
And then, about 75-80% in the hero realized he loved the heroine and decided to keep quiet about it. Decided to seduce her a little the night of the ball his father decided to throw for his return where they all acted like she was nobody and not his wife, btw. And figured his admit his love after she realized she was a capable hostess after the dinner party they had planned after the ball.
Like... seriously? Almost the entire book could have been resolved if the heroine had admitted her feelings to the hero or at the very least even admitted that she DID want to be his wife but didn't think she was the right wife for him. The hero could have also spoke up about his desire to keep her as his wife even before he realized his feelings, but he didn't. Other than a few remarks that made his stance known about the possible annulment he never said anything.
It was so frustrating! Especially because we never actually saw them have any true one-on-one time together to bond and grow feelings other than a few stolen moments with kisses. Particularly because most scenes that occured where they were alone we saw the heroine actively trying to get away from him or stubbornly forcing the discussion of the annulment or her eventual departure into the convo to keep him at a distance. There was truly no foundation for any deep feelings, especially as early as the heroine claimed to have them.
FYI: I read the republished version of this book.
Started out good. I was interested and I liked both MCs but not only was it disappointingly chaste, it also lacked any real intimacy between the two characters. Which is entirely possible to have without sex.
Then after 35-30% once they arrived at his father's house everything just began to stagnate. The plot literally just stops. No more progression was made between the MCs. Which was only helped by the fact the heroine realized she was in love with the hero on the journey to Northumberland. That was pretty ridiculous quite frankly considering she only knew the hero for a week and change. That put me on the wary side of things once it was introduced and tbh it only made the rest of the story worse.
Because the last 50-60% of the book is filled with the heroine whining and bemoaning the fact she loves the hero but shell be leaving soon because SHE insisted they have their marriage annulled. Something the hero told her outright he didn't want but would give her if that was what she wanted. And after she learns he has a title and is the son of a Duke she was even more adamant she could not be his wife as she wasn't proper. When in reality she was just proper enough tbh but she was so willfully blind and stubborn about needing an annulment that it ruined the entire story.
I really liked the hero too! But because of the heroine he just lays down and let's her dictate how their relationship would go. And yes, fine, I was happy he didn't seduce her into being stuck in a marriage with him despite his one or two threats that he could. But it was just to much that due to this huge relationship expiration date hanging over them that literally NOTHING happens between them. The heroine never falters in her decision or second guesses it. She stubbornly held tight to proper decorum and social rules and did her best to avoid her husband to keep from being more attached or seduced. It was just plain ridiculous.
And then, about 75-80% in the hero realized he loved the heroine and decided to keep quiet about it. Decided to seduce her a little the night of the ball his father decided to throw for his return where they all acted like she was nobody and not his wife, btw. And figured his admit his love after she realized she was a capable hostess after the dinner party they had planned after the ball.
Like... seriously? Almost the entire book could have been resolved if the heroine had admitted her feelings to the hero or at the very least even admitted that she DID want to be his wife but didn't think she was the right wife for him. The hero could have also spoke up about his desire to keep her as his wife even before he realized his feelings, but he didn't. Other than a few remarks that made his stance known about the possible annulment he never said anything.
It was so frustrating! Especially because we never actually saw them have any true one-on-one time together to bond and grow feelings other than a few stolen moments with kisses. Particularly because most scenes that occured where they were alone we saw the heroine actively trying to get away from him or stubbornly forcing the discussion of the annulment or her eventual departure into the convo to keep him at a distance. There was truly no foundation for any deep feelings, especially as early as the heroine claimed to have them.
FYI: I read the republished version of this book.
July 15, 2016
I decided to read this book because of the Harlequin Manga that I had read.
Because of her little brother's gambling addiction, young Catherine now finds herself shouldering a five-thousand-pound debt. Arthur advises her that if she were to marry a death-row inmate the debt would be absolved, and that it would be better than becoming the mistress of an old nobleman. With no other options left, she goes to the prison. She actually follows through and ends up marrying an unshaven, scary-looking man named Jack. Jack's infamous in town because he's a known boss in the criminal underworld. During their wedding night, Jack's freed from his shackles and allowed some freedom to tidy himself up. He suddenly transforms into an impeccably mannered and handsome young man! Not exactly what Catherine was expecting...
This story was a very fun read for me and because I had read the manga first I kind of know what will happen but it was fun reading the novel version. The reason I didn't give this book a full 5 star because I felt the story got drag on too much in the middle of the story.
Still, I do love the beginning of the story.
There was an action in the beginning and I actually like Catherine's character. I love how she tried to prove her husband's innocence. Still, I do think her idea is kind of off.
There was also a carriage malfunction.
I also wish she had punched his brother. What a brother!
Nick did the favor so I guess it was okay. I'm not really sure that her brother would change because of that. All in all it was a nice read.
Because of her little brother's gambling addiction, young Catherine now finds herself shouldering a five-thousand-pound debt. Arthur advises her that if she were to marry a death-row inmate the debt would be absolved, and that it would be better than becoming the mistress of an old nobleman. With no other options left, she goes to the prison. She actually follows through and ends up marrying an unshaven, scary-looking man named Jack. Jack's infamous in town because he's a known boss in the criminal underworld. During their wedding night, Jack's freed from his shackles and allowed some freedom to tidy himself up. He suddenly transforms into an impeccably mannered and handsome young man! Not exactly what Catherine was expecting...
This story was a very fun read for me and because I had read the manga first I kind of know what will happen but it was fun reading the novel version. The reason I didn't give this book a full 5 star because I felt the story got drag on too much in the middle of the story.
Still, I do love the beginning of the story.
There was an action in the beginning and I actually like Catherine's character. I love how she tried to prove her husband's innocence. Still, I do think her idea is kind of off.
There was also a carriage malfunction.
I also wish she had punched his brother. What a brother!
Nick did the favor so I guess it was okay. I'm not really sure that her brother would change because of that. All in all it was a nice read.
April 12, 2013
I was having a fairly quiet and can't-get-out-of-bed day and this book was a good companion. It was entertaining and light-hearted, a very easy read. Yes, Kat definitely needed to get over her enormous sense of pride, and I enjoyed the Duke quietly calling her on it. I enjoyed seeing Nick slowly woo her. They made a delightful couple and I found it a fun read.
April 20, 2011
GOOD READ!
May 12, 2024
Revised second edition published 2024
September 8, 2024
This trope has been done in other books, but I liked this one.
February 15, 2024
such a determined woman. loved it
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews