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The Bad Boys #3 (Mischief and the Marquess)
The Arrangement
#1 international bestselling author Sylvia Day, hailed as "one of the most successful romance writers in the world," is joined by powerhouses Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden for a trio of sizzling historical romances that prove passion is timeless in...The Arrangement.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day - Available for the first time since 2007!
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel...
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer - First time in print!
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down...
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden - First time in print!
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day - Available for the first time since 2007!
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel...
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer - First time in print!
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down...
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden - First time in print!
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
311 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2020
1152 people are currently reading
10061 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Day
121 books122k followersAcclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
January 8, 2023
To be fair I am rating this book on "The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer" only. I may go back and read the other short stories, but I am such a HUGE fan of Spencer I read it out of order. I so enjoyed the storyline of actually talking to each other...not the usual trope of misunderstanding or holding information back. It was a fantastic way to write a short story.
December 25, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have requested many books on Netgally and had my fair share of rejection. I was expecting a rejection on this one because I was never very lucky when it comes to book with well known author. But lo and behold, I got a pleasant email notifying me that my request is approved and the next thing I knew, I was up on my bed, with my Aldiko on my iPad and pretty much wallop this entire anthology in one seating like a good girl.
Time. Well. Spent.
All three stories were great, but of course, my favorite has got to be my Queen, Sylvia Day. Ms. Day knows how to built good chemistry in her story. I am surprised how she can pack intense chemistry between the two leads almost effortlessly, considering how short the story is.
You cannot helped but be charmed and mesmerized with all of the stories and the characters. And for me, as someone who has stopped reading historical romance for many years, The Arrangement reminds me why I fell in love with the genre.
I have requested many books on Netgally and had my fair share of rejection. I was expecting a rejection on this one because I was never very lucky when it comes to book with well known author. But lo and behold, I got a pleasant email notifying me that my request is approved and the next thing I knew, I was up on my bed, with my Aldiko on my iPad and pretty much wallop this entire anthology in one seating like a good girl.
Time. Well. Spent.
All three stories were great, but of course, my favorite has got to be my Queen, Sylvia Day. Ms. Day knows how to built good chemistry in her story. I am surprised how she can pack intense chemistry between the two leads almost effortlessly, considering how short the story is.
You cannot helped but be charmed and mesmerized with all of the stories and the characters. And for me, as someone who has stopped reading historical romance for many years, The Arrangement reminds me why I fell in love with the genre.
January 7, 2020
With an exception here or there, I found this anthology to be filled with far too much sex, gaping areas of the plot left unexplored, and important pieces of the stories left unresolved. I am sure that others will enjoy these stories much better than I did, but in order to be fair, here is my review of the individual stories.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
2/5 Stars
REVIEW: Based on just this novella alone, I am hesitant to continue on.
On one hand, the writing was strong, and the characters were interesting. But honestly? This story focused entirely way too much on these characters having sex than it did actually giving the reader a solid story.
We are given to believe that these two had a history together, so why not show us a bit more of that? We are told her husband died, but yet her son is called a bastard, why? What happened to her husband? There is a dinner party in which she becomes an "eccentric collector", and yet instead of watching this unfold, we are merely told before, and after the fact. Somehow, Justin manages to win over Sophie's son Thomas, but other than one little glimpse into their first meeting, we see none of this. Nor do we learn of any potential scandal or questions that they were so worried would come about when they married. There was so much potential here for a strong story, but sadly, I don't feel like we got out of the bedroom long enough to see any of it.
I'm sure there are those that will enjoy this story, but for me? I need a little plot to go with my sex, thanks.
*********
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
3/5 Stars
REVIEW: Much like with the first novel, this one focuses too much on the sex between the characters instead of building up their relationship and tying up loose ends. Yes, I get it, they are sexually compatible, but that shouldn't be the focus on the relationship. How did he win over his wife? As a matter of fact, it's not until the epilogue that we even learn that he in fact not only fell in love with her, but told her as much. These are the little details I enjoy reading about.
Victoria was an easy character to dislike, but even that seemed to be a wasted opportunity. With the exception of a couple of encounters, she wasn't used to build the relationship, she wasn't even there to cast doubt on their marriage, or to cause trouble (although she tried, it was all easily brushed aside). It would have been more believable (especially with what Josie knew about Victora's prior relationship with her husband), if the woman managed to cast doubt in her mind, leading to more of a confrontation than just Beau saying "Oh that don't worry about that", and them tumbling back into bed.
Also, what was the point of Josie and Beau's visit to her dying father? It started as a tragically beautiful encounter, and we are later told that was the moment that Beau started to realize his feelings for his wife, but it just stops in mid-sentence and then picks up again at the epilogue. Again, missing an opportunity to make more of this novel.
Perhaps it is simply because this story, as the other was, and the next will be are novellas the authors have been trying to cram as much into a short span as they can? Whatever the reason, the writing itself was strong and flowed well, so I would read a full-length novel of this author's in the future to see how it compares.
*********
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
4/5 Stars
REVIEW: Finally. A novella in this anthology that manages to balance just the right amount of story-line with the sex AND tie up all the loose ends as well. This was by far, my favorite of the three stories. I enjoyed watching this two interact with each other. Diana offers Brook something he has never before been given - true friendship. Without strings or expectations.
This was the one story that I could not put down, curious as I was to see how things would play out. Even when the "villain" of this story shows his true colors, it added to the plot instead of coming across as drama just for the sake of having it (although THANK YOU to this author for actually telling us how this one was resolved).
Sadly, I think this novella would have done better as a stand-alone instead of being the last in an anthology, but I am also just as sure that more people will enjoy the other stories more than I did. I would definitely read more from this author, however (and I hope to see more of these characters, her sisters perhaps? In other novels if they are not already published).
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
2/5 Stars
REVIEW: Based on just this novella alone, I am hesitant to continue on.
On one hand, the writing was strong, and the characters were interesting. But honestly? This story focused entirely way too much on these characters having sex than it did actually giving the reader a solid story.
We are given to believe that these two had a history together, so why not show us a bit more of that? We are told her husband died, but yet her son is called a bastard, why? What happened to her husband? There is a dinner party in which she becomes an "eccentric collector", and yet instead of watching this unfold, we are merely told before, and after the fact. Somehow, Justin manages to win over Sophie's son Thomas, but other than one little glimpse into their first meeting, we see none of this. Nor do we learn of any potential scandal or questions that they were so worried would come about when they married. There was so much potential here for a strong story, but sadly, I don't feel like we got out of the bedroom long enough to see any of it.
I'm sure there are those that will enjoy this story, but for me? I need a little plot to go with my sex, thanks.
*********
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
3/5 Stars
REVIEW: Much like with the first novel, this one focuses too much on the sex between the characters instead of building up their relationship and tying up loose ends. Yes, I get it, they are sexually compatible, but that shouldn't be the focus on the relationship. How did he win over his wife? As a matter of fact, it's not until the epilogue that we even learn that he in fact not only fell in love with her, but told her as much. These are the little details I enjoy reading about.
Victoria was an easy character to dislike, but even that seemed to be a wasted opportunity. With the exception of a couple of encounters, she wasn't used to build the relationship, she wasn't even there to cast doubt on their marriage, or to cause trouble (although she tried, it was all easily brushed aside). It would have been more believable (especially with what Josie knew about Victora's prior relationship with her husband), if the woman managed to cast doubt in her mind, leading to more of a confrontation than just Beau saying "Oh that don't worry about that", and them tumbling back into bed.
Also, what was the point of Josie and Beau's visit to her dying father? It started as a tragically beautiful encounter, and we are later told that was the moment that Beau started to realize his feelings for his wife, but it just stops in mid-sentence and then picks up again at the epilogue. Again, missing an opportunity to make more of this novel.
Perhaps it is simply because this story, as the other was, and the next will be are novellas the authors have been trying to cram as much into a short span as they can? Whatever the reason, the writing itself was strong and flowed well, so I would read a full-length novel of this author's in the future to see how it compares.
*********
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
4/5 Stars
REVIEW: Finally. A novella in this anthology that manages to balance just the right amount of story-line with the sex AND tie up all the loose ends as well. This was by far, my favorite of the three stories. I enjoyed watching this two interact with each other. Diana offers Brook something he has never before been given - true friendship. Without strings or expectations.
This was the one story that I could not put down, curious as I was to see how things would play out. Even when the "villain" of this story shows his true colors, it added to the plot instead of coming across as drama just for the sake of having it (although THANK YOU to this author for actually telling us how this one was resolved).
Sadly, I think this novella would have done better as a stand-alone instead of being the last in an anthology, but I am also just as sure that more people will enjoy the other stories more than I did. I would definitely read more from this author, however (and I hope to see more of these characters, her sisters perhaps? In other novels if they are not already published).
December 29, 2019
The Arrangement
Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, Kristin Vayden
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher Kensington
#1 international bestselling author Sylvia Day, hailed as "one of the most successful romance writers in the world," is joined by powerhouses Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden for a trio of sizzling historical romances that prove passion is timeless in...The Arrangement.
My Review in short : a set of three sensual tales, some with laughter and mischiefs, others with trust and faith tested, but all with wondrous heroes and heroines, each completing the other.
MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS
Sylvia Day
BLURB : Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel . . .
MY REVIEW : Is there still a future possible for two childhood friends when circumstances and life have come between them ...
This is my first read by Sylvia Day, and I must say for such a short read, what a master of words she is, painting the many emotions the heroes went through. This novella is a rainbow of the senses, I smiled, laughed, cried, was sad, had hope.
Sophie was a wild creature but life made her more cautious, yet Justin still stirs strong sentiments she thought buried.
Justin is an awesome man, he made mistakes as a younger man but who did not. But now he has one chance to right what he should have done, he jumps in and for once, takes risks.
A special mention to the two sweet dowagers.
A poignant 5 stars story.
THE DUKE’S TREASURE
Minerva Spencer
BLURB : Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down . . .
MY REVIEW : When circumstances bring them to the altar, can two persons that everything opposes find a way toward one another ...
I wanted to read this book because of Mrs Minerva Spencer novella, and oh my ... she didn’t disappoint.
At first, I was afraid I will read a very angsty tale, the wedding part was so full of anger and frustration. Then there is a shift and the true colors of the characters were brought up. From this point, it was a delight to read Beau’s and Josephine’s journey to one another.
Josephine while she appeared bitter at first light, is just longing for someone to care for her and herself only, not the amount of wealth she brings into her marriage bed. Yet, she wanted Beau and got him, even if it was not under the best of omen to begin an union.
Beau has every right to feel trapped as it is truly how he is. He is marrying under duress, to save his nearly destitute dynasty. Stil, he is more than an honorable man. Despite his wedding’s context, he is determined to make it work. And he aims in that regard.
I loved to see them interacting, once they get past their initial resentment, Beau’s rule to bring no fight in the bedroom will help them settle their burgeoning relationship on its right course.
5 stars for this heartwarming and touching tale.
THE INCONVENIENT COUNTESS
Kristin Vayden
BLURB : As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
MY REVIEW : When in need of a wife for a more proper image than his profligate way relays, can a rake find what he was truly looking for ...
This is my first read by Mrs Kristin Vayden, a very different tale from the two previous.
The hero is a philanthropist rather egotistical looking for his satisfaction and pleasure first. But now there is a dent on his road to success, he is ready to bend a bit his way, but only to reach his goal, nothing more is to be expected.
But he never expected his wife, she might be destitute and a country mouse but she is no damsel in distress, as she enters their marriage with few expectations except to have saved her family from poverty.
Diana is in appearance an obedient wife, yes even if she had few demands for her new husband, she hopes for a bit more, like friendship. It is her openness that intrigues and unsettled him. It makes him see her under a different light. But will it be enough for a man who was never contented with only one lover.
4 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, Kristin Vayden
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher Kensington
#1 international bestselling author Sylvia Day, hailed as "one of the most successful romance writers in the world," is joined by powerhouses Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden for a trio of sizzling historical romances that prove passion is timeless in...The Arrangement.
My Review in short : a set of three sensual tales, some with laughter and mischiefs, others with trust and faith tested, but all with wondrous heroes and heroines, each completing the other.
MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS
Sylvia Day
BLURB : Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel . . .
MY REVIEW : Is there still a future possible for two childhood friends when circumstances and life have come between them ...
This is my first read by Sylvia Day, and I must say for such a short read, what a master of words she is, painting the many emotions the heroes went through. This novella is a rainbow of the senses, I smiled, laughed, cried, was sad, had hope.
Sophie was a wild creature but life made her more cautious, yet Justin still stirs strong sentiments she thought buried.
Justin is an awesome man, he made mistakes as a younger man but who did not. But now he has one chance to right what he should have done, he jumps in and for once, takes risks.
A special mention to the two sweet dowagers.
A poignant 5 stars story.
THE DUKE’S TREASURE
Minerva Spencer
BLURB : Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down . . .
MY REVIEW : When circumstances bring them to the altar, can two persons that everything opposes find a way toward one another ...
I wanted to read this book because of Mrs Minerva Spencer novella, and oh my ... she didn’t disappoint.
At first, I was afraid I will read a very angsty tale, the wedding part was so full of anger and frustration. Then there is a shift and the true colors of the characters were brought up. From this point, it was a delight to read Beau’s and Josephine’s journey to one another.
Josephine while she appeared bitter at first light, is just longing for someone to care for her and herself only, not the amount of wealth she brings into her marriage bed. Yet, she wanted Beau and got him, even if it was not under the best of omen to begin an union.
Beau has every right to feel trapped as it is truly how he is. He is marrying under duress, to save his nearly destitute dynasty. Stil, he is more than an honorable man. Despite his wedding’s context, he is determined to make it work. And he aims in that regard.
I loved to see them interacting, once they get past their initial resentment, Beau’s rule to bring no fight in the bedroom will help them settle their burgeoning relationship on its right course.
5 stars for this heartwarming and touching tale.
THE INCONVENIENT COUNTESS
Kristin Vayden
BLURB : As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
MY REVIEW : When in need of a wife for a more proper image than his profligate way relays, can a rake find what he was truly looking for ...
This is my first read by Mrs Kristin Vayden, a very different tale from the two previous.
The hero is a philanthropist rather egotistical looking for his satisfaction and pleasure first. But now there is a dent on his road to success, he is ready to bend a bit his way, but only to reach his goal, nothing more is to be expected.
But he never expected his wife, she might be destitute and a country mouse but she is no damsel in distress, as she enters their marriage with few expectations except to have saved her family from poverty.
Diana is in appearance an obedient wife, yes even if she had few demands for her new husband, she hopes for a bit more, like friendship. It is her openness that intrigues and unsettled him. It makes him see her under a different light. But will it be enough for a man who was never contented with only one lover.
4 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
January 1, 2020
The Arrangement.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day is a refreshing, fun, and scorching read all in one! 5 Stars
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, had known each other when they were younger. Both Justin and Sophie, now widowed, knew their reintroduction after so many years, was a matchmaking scheme in the making. Justin’s outward demeanor was always serious but under all of that was someone deeply in love with the reckless and vivacious Sophie. Sophie’s impulsive, daring, and mischievous behavior always got her into trouble and ultimately cost her her reputation, but it gave her a son. Now that she knew what her grandmother and best friend were up to, she knew she had to save the Justin she remembered and cared so much about, from a life of ruin and ostracism by the ton by association.
This is a deliciously steamy “second chance at love” story that is guaranteed to set off the smoke detectors! It’s a great story that grabs and holds your attention with a witty dialogue, some humor, great characters, and a five alarm romance that leaves nothing to the imagination. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m a fan.
Happy Reading♥️
Content Note: Adult Rated
Some reader’s may be offended by the steamy and strong explicit sex scene descriptions and words.
5 out of 5 flames! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Arrangement
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer. 5 Stars!
I Loved, Loved, Loved it!Jo and Beau’s story is an exciting and beautifully written steamy treasure... What some might presumptuously expect to be “just another typical Historical Romance” will be surprised and delighted to find this story to be anything but!
Jo and Beau are the most unlikely couple but with the Dukedom in desperate need of money along with the pressure to honor the broken marriage contract from Beau’s brother, the prior Duke 5 years ago, doesn’t leave him a choice other than to marry the unremarkable but wealthy merchant’s daughter. The cleverly plotted storyline is charming, sassy, heartbreaking, witty, and humorous, with great attention to detail, great character development, and a smoking hot romance, with a HEA. This is everything I look for in great historical romance.
The writing and the characters are so engaging and descriptive that I found myself riveted and happily lost within the scorching hot love story.
I recommend this story to everyone who loves a well written historical romance, and is not afraid of a red hot romance that can leave you with a tantalizing sunburn! This is my third story read by this author and I’m a big fan, and excited to read more of her work!
Happy Reading♥️
Content Note: Adult Rated
Some reader’s may be offended by the very steamy and strong explicit sex scene descriptions and words.
5 out of 5 flames! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day is a refreshing, fun, and scorching read all in one! 5 Stars
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, had known each other when they were younger. Both Justin and Sophie, now widowed, knew their reintroduction after so many years, was a matchmaking scheme in the making. Justin’s outward demeanor was always serious but under all of that was someone deeply in love with the reckless and vivacious Sophie. Sophie’s impulsive, daring, and mischievous behavior always got her into trouble and ultimately cost her her reputation, but it gave her a son. Now that she knew what her grandmother and best friend were up to, she knew she had to save the Justin she remembered and cared so much about, from a life of ruin and ostracism by the ton by association.
This is a deliciously steamy “second chance at love” story that is guaranteed to set off the smoke detectors! It’s a great story that grabs and holds your attention with a witty dialogue, some humor, great characters, and a five alarm romance that leaves nothing to the imagination. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m a fan.
Happy Reading♥️
Content Note: Adult Rated
Some reader’s may be offended by the steamy and strong explicit sex scene descriptions and words.
5 out of 5 flames! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Arrangement
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer. 5 Stars!
I Loved, Loved, Loved it!Jo and Beau’s story is an exciting and beautifully written steamy treasure... What some might presumptuously expect to be “just another typical Historical Romance” will be surprised and delighted to find this story to be anything but!
Jo and Beau are the most unlikely couple but with the Dukedom in desperate need of money along with the pressure to honor the broken marriage contract from Beau’s brother, the prior Duke 5 years ago, doesn’t leave him a choice other than to marry the unremarkable but wealthy merchant’s daughter. The cleverly plotted storyline is charming, sassy, heartbreaking, witty, and humorous, with great attention to detail, great character development, and a smoking hot romance, with a HEA. This is everything I look for in great historical romance.
The writing and the characters are so engaging and descriptive that I found myself riveted and happily lost within the scorching hot love story.
I recommend this story to everyone who loves a well written historical romance, and is not afraid of a red hot romance that can leave you with a tantalizing sunburn! This is my third story read by this author and I’m a big fan, and excited to read more of her work!
Happy Reading♥️
Content Note: Adult Rated
Some reader’s may be offended by the very steamy and strong explicit sex scene descriptions and words.
5 out of 5 flames! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
September 29, 2025
Mischief and the Marquess, Sylvia Day
Justen, Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley have been invited to the same house party (?) so their families (?) can set them up with each other (?). Except Justin has always been hot for Sophie, and Sophie is a widowed mother of a bastard and clearly this can never work, except it does! The end.
Yeah, I didn't like this one. For starters, my collection included this review in the blurb: " romances [...] investigating the unexpected twists of arranged marriages.", which: duh I'm in. But then the first story is this one which isn't even remotely an arranged marriage: these two are old childhood friends and their families think it would be neat if they got married. And eventually they too think it would be neat if they got married. I don't even think the marriage happens on page!
On top of just the trope complaints: the actual story in this was muddled af: I wasn't able to follow why Sophie is both the mother of a bastard and a widow? And why Justin went from "I can't marry her but I won't ask her to be my mistress" to "OF COURSE I'm proposing what are you a dummy?"—motivations and "facts" were all over the place which created a mushy, murky novelette. 1 star.
The Duke's Treasure, Minerva Spencer
Josephine Loman once watched Beaumont Halliwell, Duke of Wroxton, go to town on his girlfriend/lover Victoria and Jo liked it. So when the opportunity to marry Beau 5 years later presents itself, she's ALL IN. One (1) sex later and it's love! True love!
I think my enjoyment of this one was directly impacted by the fact that it was an actual marriage contracted by outside parties that resulted in Jo and Beau (......oh god no) discovering they liked each other very much! Because upon reflection, the actual development of feelings in this one was set to HYPERDRIVE. These two spend most of their wedding day bickering and angry and disappointed in one another; they then apologize and get to boning. That turn, from very mean-spirited thoughts / words to the burgeoning like and affection for one another was just a little too abrupt. Perhaps that's a shortcoming of the novelette format? Overall, the best of the bunch. 3 stars.
The Inconvenient Countess, Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, wants to buy the neighboring estate but gets a wife (Miss Diana Lambson) in the bargain. Once married, he attempts to negotiate the additional purchase of a plantation by proving he's a family man! But when the sale almost falls through, he decides he loves his new wife most of all.
Between Brook being a "romance alpha" and Diana being "romance spunky" this was pretty annoying. Every chapter restates the "thesis" which circles around them agreeing to a marriage with a stranger but how nice it would be to have a friend and how dangerous that friendship is to the understood dynamics. It's just very clunky narration that annoyed me.
Also the fact that Vayden has no problems with her hero buying up a plantation in the Caribbean to "ensure his legacy" (YUCK), the fact that the secondary villain is named HARRINGTON???, and the general vibe of the thing: nope. 1.25 stars.
Justen, Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley have been invited to the same house party (?) so their families (?) can set them up with each other (?). Except Justin has always been hot for Sophie, and Sophie is a widowed mother of a bastard and clearly this can never work, except it does! The end.
Yeah, I didn't like this one. For starters, my collection included this review in the blurb: " romances [...] investigating the unexpected twists of arranged marriages.", which: duh I'm in. But then the first story is this one which isn't even remotely an arranged marriage: these two are old childhood friends and their families think it would be neat if they got married. And eventually they too think it would be neat if they got married. I don't even think the marriage happens on page!
On top of just the trope complaints: the actual story in this was muddled af: I wasn't able to follow why Sophie is both the mother of a bastard and a widow? And why Justin went from "I can't marry her but I won't ask her to be my mistress" to "OF COURSE I'm proposing what are you a dummy?"—motivations and "facts" were all over the place which created a mushy, murky novelette. 1 star.
The Duke's Treasure, Minerva Spencer
Josephine Loman once watched Beaumont Halliwell, Duke of Wroxton, go to town on his girlfriend/lover Victoria and Jo liked it. So when the opportunity to marry Beau 5 years later presents itself, she's ALL IN. One (1) sex later and it's love! True love!
I think my enjoyment of this one was directly impacted by the fact that it was an actual marriage contracted by outside parties that resulted in Jo and Beau (......oh god no) discovering they liked each other very much! Because upon reflection, the actual development of feelings in this one was set to HYPERDRIVE. These two spend most of their wedding day bickering and angry and disappointed in one another; they then apologize and get to boning. That turn, from very mean-spirited thoughts / words to the burgeoning like and affection for one another was just a little too abrupt. Perhaps that's a shortcoming of the novelette format? Overall, the best of the bunch. 3 stars.
The Inconvenient Countess, Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, wants to buy the neighboring estate but gets a wife (Miss Diana Lambson) in the bargain. Once married, he attempts to negotiate the additional purchase of a plantation by proving he's a family man! But when the sale almost falls through, he decides he loves his new wife most of all.
Between Brook being a "romance alpha" and Diana being "romance spunky" this was pretty annoying. Every chapter restates the "thesis" which circles around them agreeing to a marriage with a stranger but how nice it would be to have a friend and how dangerous that friendship is to the understood dynamics. It's just very clunky narration that annoyed me.
Also the fact that Vayden has no problems with her hero buying up a plantation in the Caribbean to "ensure his legacy" (YUCK), the fact that the secondary villain is named HARRINGTON???, and the general vibe of the thing: nope. 1.25 stars.
March 30, 2020
Warning: A Hippity-dippity alert.
It’s been awhile since I have read a Romanceland book from the Erotica/Romantica/Whatever genre, but The Arrangement had some author’s in it I’ve been meaning to read: Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden. So, I thought I’d give it a try. I don’t like to put authors into categories, however I know that Sylvia Day usually has a little bit more hot dippity-do in her books than, oh, let’s say Wanda Brunstetter. In fact, if one does any lurking at Fantastic Fiction, one also knows that Sylvia Day has an Adults Only designation on her page. So when I selected The Arrangement to read this month, I suspected that because Sylvia Day was the head-liner on the book cover, the other two author’s writing styles were probably similar to her. A random thought: wouldn’t it be interesting if publishing houses mixed genre categories in compilation/anthologies/novella’s? Say for instance, if Ms. Day and Ms. Brunstetter were in the same anthology book. That would be kind of amusing, or not. Anyway, back to The Arrangement.
As I said, I selected The Arrangement knowing that it was probably an E-rot-i-ca. On top of that, the three stories in this book were novella/short stories. What does that mean? Well it means that there might be a chance the characters and/or the story-line would not be fully developed. However, since I am always on the look-out for a new author I took the plunge. It didn’t take me too long to discover that I was getting about what I expected.
Sylvia Day is first with Mischief and the Marquess. A word of warning: if hot, hot, moist dippity-do is what you want in a story, then this one is for you. Ms. Day has constructed the story rather well, but I did have an issue with it. What might that be, you ask. My issue with this story is the copious amount of mind-numbing sex, and hardly any character development. Oh sure, there are a hero and heroine. They have a history. There are secondary characters, and matchmaking mothers. There is even an illegitimate child. But there is no story connecting them! It isn’t long before the couple are forced together, and then they begin peeling the banana allll over the place. I have nothing against a hot book, but there has to be a good narrative to go with the extracurricular activity, or it alllll becomes just meaningless cucumber stuffing.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Numbing
C-
The second story is Minerva Spencer’s, The Duke’s Treasure. I could probably just do a copy/paste of my thoughts about the Sylvia Day story. Once again, this short story has an abundance of dippity-do scenes, and no narrative. But this one also throws in the “let me tie you up so you can trust me” scene. I’m not a big fan of ropes.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Find Another Way to Trust
C-
The third story in this group is The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden, and at last we have a short tale that balances the wall-banging with the storytelling. This one is about Diana and Brook. There are actually words that do character building. We are presented with sentences that allow us to care about the people on the pages. Do not worry; there is plenty of carrot-top trimming to satisfy our needs. Ms. Vayden was able to achieve in her short story what the other two were not: a balance.
Time/Place Regency England
Sensuality: Warm/Hot
B
Overall: for me, there was only one short story in this book which left me satisfied, and that was Kristin Vayden’s, The Inconvenient Countess. Her writing was fully-developed, and I was interested in what was happening with the characters. I will also probably take a look at Ms. Vayden’s other books.
PS: I think I might have been hungry when I wrote this review.
It’s been awhile since I have read a Romanceland book from the Erotica/Romantica/Whatever genre, but The Arrangement had some author’s in it I’ve been meaning to read: Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden. So, I thought I’d give it a try. I don’t like to put authors into categories, however I know that Sylvia Day usually has a little bit more hot dippity-do in her books than, oh, let’s say Wanda Brunstetter. In fact, if one does any lurking at Fantastic Fiction, one also knows that Sylvia Day has an Adults Only designation on her page. So when I selected The Arrangement to read this month, I suspected that because Sylvia Day was the head-liner on the book cover, the other two author’s writing styles were probably similar to her. A random thought: wouldn’t it be interesting if publishing houses mixed genre categories in compilation/anthologies/novella’s? Say for instance, if Ms. Day and Ms. Brunstetter were in the same anthology book. That would be kind of amusing, or not. Anyway, back to The Arrangement.
As I said, I selected The Arrangement knowing that it was probably an E-rot-i-ca. On top of that, the three stories in this book were novella/short stories. What does that mean? Well it means that there might be a chance the characters and/or the story-line would not be fully developed. However, since I am always on the look-out for a new author I took the plunge. It didn’t take me too long to discover that I was getting about what I expected.
Sylvia Day is first with Mischief and the Marquess. A word of warning: if hot, hot, moist dippity-do is what you want in a story, then this one is for you. Ms. Day has constructed the story rather well, but I did have an issue with it. What might that be, you ask. My issue with this story is the copious amount of mind-numbing sex, and hardly any character development. Oh sure, there are a hero and heroine. They have a history. There are secondary characters, and matchmaking mothers. There is even an illegitimate child. But there is no story connecting them! It isn’t long before the couple are forced together, and then they begin peeling the banana allll over the place. I have nothing against a hot book, but there has to be a good narrative to go with the extracurricular activity, or it alllll becomes just meaningless cucumber stuffing.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Numbing
C-
The second story is Minerva Spencer’s, The Duke’s Treasure. I could probably just do a copy/paste of my thoughts about the Sylvia Day story. Once again, this short story has an abundance of dippity-do scenes, and no narrative. But this one also throws in the “let me tie you up so you can trust me” scene. I’m not a big fan of ropes.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Find Another Way to Trust
C-
The third story in this group is The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden, and at last we have a short tale that balances the wall-banging with the storytelling. This one is about Diana and Brook. There are actually words that do character building. We are presented with sentences that allow us to care about the people on the pages. Do not worry; there is plenty of carrot-top trimming to satisfy our needs. Ms. Vayden was able to achieve in her short story what the other two were not: a balance.
Time/Place Regency England
Sensuality: Warm/Hot
B
Overall: for me, there was only one short story in this book which left me satisfied, and that was Kristin Vayden’s, The Inconvenient Countess. Her writing was fully-developed, and I was interested in what was happening with the characters. I will also probably take a look at Ms. Vayden’s other books.
PS: I think I might have been hungry when I wrote this review.
January 5, 2020
This is an engaging collection of three stories.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day 5*
Lady Sarah is at the home of The Marquess is Fontaine (Justin). They had known each other as children. Sarah has always had a sense of mischief and liked being able to shock Justin, as she felt he was too serious. Justin’s mother and Sarah’s grandmother are attempting to play matchmaker. There was some amusing chat between Justin and his mother, the latter not being shy to discuss sexual matters. However, as much as they are attracted to each other, there is a scandal that will prevent their marriage. A very entertaining tale with hot passionate scenes.
The Duke’s Treasure 5*
I think this was my favourite. This was a marriage of convenience for money. Beau, the Duke of Wroxton needs the money that Josephine Loman would bring to their marriage. Jo had always liked Beau but he had never noticed her. This was such a good read, I liked the honesty that Jo and Beau brought to their marriage. A vindictive ex comes to stir up trouble between the newly weds.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristen Vayden 4*
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington needs to marry for business reasons. Miss Diana Lambson also has financial problems, due to her father’s death and she is left to care for her mother and sisters. They enter a marriage of convenience to help each other. They become friends but could it develop into more? An entertaining read.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day 5*
Lady Sarah is at the home of The Marquess is Fontaine (Justin). They had known each other as children. Sarah has always had a sense of mischief and liked being able to shock Justin, as she felt he was too serious. Justin’s mother and Sarah’s grandmother are attempting to play matchmaker. There was some amusing chat between Justin and his mother, the latter not being shy to discuss sexual matters. However, as much as they are attracted to each other, there is a scandal that will prevent their marriage. A very entertaining tale with hot passionate scenes.
The Duke’s Treasure 5*
I think this was my favourite. This was a marriage of convenience for money. Beau, the Duke of Wroxton needs the money that Josephine Loman would bring to their marriage. Jo had always liked Beau but he had never noticed her. This was such a good read, I liked the honesty that Jo and Beau brought to their marriage. A vindictive ex comes to stir up trouble between the newly weds.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristen Vayden 4*
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington needs to marry for business reasons. Miss Diana Lambson also has financial problems, due to her father’s death and she is left to care for her mother and sisters. They enter a marriage of convenience to help each other. They become friends but could it develop into more? An entertaining read.
January 28, 2020
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Justin, the Marquis of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. A hot short story that I read in a sitting
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him five years ago. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend Victoria, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down. Oh my this novella packs a punch, very well written, strong characters, I found it to be a page turner & read it in a sitting. My Only quibble was that I wished it had been longer
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. Different from the other two novellas but still a well written engaging read with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly.
Three well written novellas from authors who I love & these short stories didn’t disappoint.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Justin, the Marquis of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers' insistence that they should marry. A hot short story that I read in a sitting
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him five years ago. But the most beautiful man she's ever met had eyes only for Jo's erstwhile friend Victoria, who betrayed Beau's trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn't been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down. Oh my this novella packs a punch, very well written, strong characters, I found it to be a page turner & read it in a sitting. My Only quibble was that I wished it had been longer
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson's only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. Different from the other two novellas but still a well written engaging read with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly.
Three well written novellas from authors who I love & these short stories didn’t disappoint.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 26, 2020
The Arrangement is three stories from three authors with one connecting theme, and marriage of convenience is a very favorite trope of mine.I think my favorite story was An Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden.
Charles Brook, the Earl of Barrington, also known as the Devil’s Bachelor, is ready to turn over a new leaf and needs a wife and an image makeover.
“It was strange how he had been searching for a wife, never once expecting to find something vastly more important.
A friend.”
His neighbor, Miss Diana Lambson, needs to find a way to help her family out of financial trouble so Brook suggests a mutually advantageous agreement.
“He should have known that this marriage of convenience was going to be bloody inconvenient.”
I really enjoyed these three easy to read and entertaining stories.
-4.5 Stars!-
Charles Brook, the Earl of Barrington, also known as the Devil’s Bachelor, is ready to turn over a new leaf and needs a wife and an image makeover.
“It was strange how he had been searching for a wife, never once expecting to find something vastly more important.
A friend.”
His neighbor, Miss Diana Lambson, needs to find a way to help her family out of financial trouble so Brook suggests a mutually advantageous agreement.
“He should have known that this marriage of convenience was going to be bloody inconvenient.”
I really enjoyed these three easy to read and entertaining stories.
-4.5 Stars!-
January 5, 2020
One of my favorite tropes is the marriage of convenience. Two individuals thrust into the wonders of marriage. It’s a weighty decision and both the hero and heroine need to have their own benefits of teaming up. With marriage comes sharing a home and often a bed. That can make for some pretty delectable tension. One of the reasons I love this trope is because the couples often enter the bargain with something completely different in mind than what actually happens. I love watching their relationship change and grow. All the discoveries they make about each other. The Arrangement gives us not one but three such journeys to falling in love.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Beaumont Hallewell, Duke of Wroxton has left his life as a soldier to become the new head of a large, demanding, and impoverished family. So impoverished, in fact, that he must marry. And so he finds himself marrying Josephine Loman sight unseen. Well, sight unseen for Beau. Jo has been enamored of Beau for five years. Ever since seeing him at countless balls and a week at a country house. Beau at the time was too enamored with someone else to even notice Jo. He may have overlooked her five years ago but there’s no overlooking her once they’re wed and he discovers there’s much more to Jo than meets the eye.
You can’t go wrong with a Minerva Spencer story and this one was my favorite of the three. Watching Beau and Jo’s relationship develop was absolutely sigh worthy. What a lovely well-developed short story. I loved the dialogues, the characters, and the chemistry between them.
An Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington was known as the Devil’s Bachelor for his rakish behavior. He never minded the moniker. Embraced it even. But if he wants to secure a much desired deal, he needs to find a wife. A respectable wife. Which was unlike what he usually spent time with. Neighbor Diana Lambson had 5 sisters, 1 mother, and a dying estate. Her father was gone and there was no money. She knew of Brook’s reputation but what he offered was hard to refuse. She might be buying her family’s freedom at the price of her own but Brook wasn’t expecting love and she wasn’t willing to give it. What they found was surprising. They actually liked each other. And the more they were together, the more that friendship grew.
A fabulous story by a new-to-me author. I adored Charles and Diana’s personalities. Yes, Charles was a rake but he was a genuinely kind person. And I love Diana’s strength. Both thought they had it all figured out as far as how their relationship would go. I loved every minute of the surprises that awaited them. I’m eager to read more by this author.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
In youth, Justin had been enamored with Sophie but pride and caution had kept him from declaring his feelings outright. Sophie had mistaken his concern as chastisement and had felt intimidated by Justin. Now they are together again. Pawns in the matchmaking machinations of Justin’s mother and Sophie’s grandmother. They need to extricate themselves from their relatives’ schemes but that’s easier said than done when faced with the growing sensual awareness between them.
This story was a sizzling second chance romance rather than marriage of convenience. Lots of heat and humor in this one. I liked the second chance at love story but never understood what “scandal” of Sophie’s stood in their way. None of that was made clear. While I loved the heat in this story, I would have gladly sacrificed that for more plot.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of The Arrangement. I enjoyed this anthology because I not only got to read two of my tried and true authors but I got to sample a new author as well. If you are a fan of steamy novellas, you won’t be disappointed with this one.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Beaumont Hallewell, Duke of Wroxton has left his life as a soldier to become the new head of a large, demanding, and impoverished family. So impoverished, in fact, that he must marry. And so he finds himself marrying Josephine Loman sight unseen. Well, sight unseen for Beau. Jo has been enamored of Beau for five years. Ever since seeing him at countless balls and a week at a country house. Beau at the time was too enamored with someone else to even notice Jo. He may have overlooked her five years ago but there’s no overlooking her once they’re wed and he discovers there’s much more to Jo than meets the eye.
You can’t go wrong with a Minerva Spencer story and this one was my favorite of the three. Watching Beau and Jo’s relationship develop was absolutely sigh worthy. What a lovely well-developed short story. I loved the dialogues, the characters, and the chemistry between them.
An Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington was known as the Devil’s Bachelor for his rakish behavior. He never minded the moniker. Embraced it even. But if he wants to secure a much desired deal, he needs to find a wife. A respectable wife. Which was unlike what he usually spent time with. Neighbor Diana Lambson had 5 sisters, 1 mother, and a dying estate. Her father was gone and there was no money. She knew of Brook’s reputation but what he offered was hard to refuse. She might be buying her family’s freedom at the price of her own but Brook wasn’t expecting love and she wasn’t willing to give it. What they found was surprising. They actually liked each other. And the more they were together, the more that friendship grew.
A fabulous story by a new-to-me author. I adored Charles and Diana’s personalities. Yes, Charles was a rake but he was a genuinely kind person. And I love Diana’s strength. Both thought they had it all figured out as far as how their relationship would go. I loved every minute of the surprises that awaited them. I’m eager to read more by this author.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
In youth, Justin had been enamored with Sophie but pride and caution had kept him from declaring his feelings outright. Sophie had mistaken his concern as chastisement and had felt intimidated by Justin. Now they are together again. Pawns in the matchmaking machinations of Justin’s mother and Sophie’s grandmother. They need to extricate themselves from their relatives’ schemes but that’s easier said than done when faced with the growing sensual awareness between them.
This story was a sizzling second chance romance rather than marriage of convenience. Lots of heat and humor in this one. I liked the second chance at love story but never understood what “scandal” of Sophie’s stood in their way. None of that was made clear. While I loved the heat in this story, I would have gladly sacrificed that for more plot.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of The Arrangement. I enjoyed this anthology because I not only got to read two of my tried and true authors but I got to sample a new author as well. If you are a fan of steamy novellas, you won’t be disappointed with this one.
January 31, 2020
Great collection of three stories that will keep you reading until the end!
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
This is the first I have read by this author and this second chance romance was full of humor and a sizzling attraction. Justin had been so attracted to Sophie when they were younger but misunderstandings had kept them apart. Years later they meet up again and they are in the sights of a matchmaker. Will they find love this time? Fun story.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Love Minerva Spencer and knew I would enjoy this story! Wonderful story of marriage of convenience for money! Beau must marry since coming back from war and finding the Dukedom in financial ruin. He decides to marry Jo, the daughter of a merchant and make the best of it. What he doesn't know is that Jo has had a tendre' for him for many years as she saw him out and about! This was such a wonderful story with great characters, a sizzling romance and a great journey to an HEA. Such a great storyline with excellent writing and I could not put it down!
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristen Vayden
A marriage of convenience between Charles, Earl of Barrington and Diana who was desperate to have help with taking care of her family since their estate was almost destitute since the death of her father. Charles was rake and had lived as such which left his reputation well known. Unfortunately there is a business deal he is counting on and he needs a wife to give him the air of respectability and having given up his wicked ways! As the two come together, something wonderful happens as they become attracted to each other and find that their marriage may not be so bad after all!
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
This is the first I have read by this author and this second chance romance was full of humor and a sizzling attraction. Justin had been so attracted to Sophie when they were younger but misunderstandings had kept them apart. Years later they meet up again and they are in the sights of a matchmaker. Will they find love this time? Fun story.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Love Minerva Spencer and knew I would enjoy this story! Wonderful story of marriage of convenience for money! Beau must marry since coming back from war and finding the Dukedom in financial ruin. He decides to marry Jo, the daughter of a merchant and make the best of it. What he doesn't know is that Jo has had a tendre' for him for many years as she saw him out and about! This was such a wonderful story with great characters, a sizzling romance and a great journey to an HEA. Such a great storyline with excellent writing and I could not put it down!
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristen Vayden
A marriage of convenience between Charles, Earl of Barrington and Diana who was desperate to have help with taking care of her family since their estate was almost destitute since the death of her father. Charles was rake and had lived as such which left his reputation well known. Unfortunately there is a business deal he is counting on and he needs a wife to give him the air of respectability and having given up his wicked ways! As the two come together, something wonderful happens as they become attracted to each other and find that their marriage may not be so bad after all!
January 26, 2020
Supply and demand--marriage by chance or choice?
Three stories joined together by the 'marriage of convenience' trope. Each story is very different from the normal take in most instances. Of course some racey scenes present, as do those of friendship, acceptance and understanding. After all when passion takes a hand a viewpoint can skew.
I really enjoyed how each author tackled the joining thread.
Well written novellas that come together to produce a heartily appreciated read!
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
“Who knew such mischief could hide beneath the exterior of an angel?”
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley are subjected to attempts by their mothers to reunite them. Misunderstandings and a checkered past are amongst the things these two must overcome if they so choose. Humor plays a part, as does re-examining the past to move forward into the future.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Well this was rather more a raunchy read than racey. When Beaumont Halliwell, the impoverished Fifth Duke of Wroxton, needs an heiress, Josephine Loman becomes his bride. Jo has always been attracted to Beau but he had eyes only for her friend. A history exists between Beau, his new Duchess and his brother's widow, now the Dowager Duchess. And then there's his mother! As Beau so aptly ponders, "What man deserved to be stuck with three ... duchesses?" But stuck Beau is and its up to him and Jo to overcome any hurdles to their marriage of convenience. And Jo? She has her own reasons for choosing marriage.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, "realized a sobering truth. He was in danger. Danger of actually liking his wife", Diana Katherine Lambson, the eldest daughter of a poverty stricken family who chose this marriage of convenience. But what are the chances for something more?
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Three stories joined together by the 'marriage of convenience' trope. Each story is very different from the normal take in most instances. Of course some racey scenes present, as do those of friendship, acceptance and understanding. After all when passion takes a hand a viewpoint can skew.
I really enjoyed how each author tackled the joining thread.
Well written novellas that come together to produce a heartily appreciated read!
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
“Who knew such mischief could hide beneath the exterior of an angel?”
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley are subjected to attempts by their mothers to reunite them. Misunderstandings and a checkered past are amongst the things these two must overcome if they so choose. Humor plays a part, as does re-examining the past to move forward into the future.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Well this was rather more a raunchy read than racey. When Beaumont Halliwell, the impoverished Fifth Duke of Wroxton, needs an heiress, Josephine Loman becomes his bride. Jo has always been attracted to Beau but he had eyes only for her friend. A history exists between Beau, his new Duchess and his brother's widow, now the Dowager Duchess. And then there's his mother! As Beau so aptly ponders, "What man deserved to be stuck with three ... duchesses?" But stuck Beau is and its up to him and Jo to overcome any hurdles to their marriage of convenience. And Jo? She has her own reasons for choosing marriage.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, "realized a sobering truth. He was in danger. Danger of actually liking his wife", Diana Katherine Lambson, the eldest daughter of a poverty stricken family who chose this marriage of convenience. But what are the chances for something more?
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
July 7, 2023
Mischief and the Marquess-
Couldn't get into
The Duke's Treasure-
Beau has to marry for wealth to save his family and the dukedom. Josephine has had a major crush on Beau since she met him for the first time several years ago. He doesn't remember her. She is used to being overlooked; she is of average looks and while rich, she is not titled.
Beau and Jo embark on a marriage of convenience. They start out as enemies and then quickly move to friendship and love. Jo is outspoken and used to getting her way. So is Beau. I have to admit the speed of the change in feelings towards each other is quick and I could understand hers, but not his.
Decently paced for the length, I did like the writing style.
The Inconvenient Countess-
This is another marriage of convenience. Diana is the eldest in an impoverished formally well-to-do family. Brook needs a wife, stat, for his business deal to go through. But he has a reputation. In exchange for her family's well being, she agrees to marry Brook.
Both are surprised at how easy it is to talk to each other. They quickly find comfort in each other and this takes them by surprise. They are quick to develop feelings, but I could see it more in this one then the previous.
Decently paced and I did like the writing style.
Using this for RBSB: Relationship of convenience square
Couldn't get into
The Duke's Treasure-
Beau has to marry for wealth to save his family and the dukedom. Josephine has had a major crush on Beau since she met him for the first time several years ago. He doesn't remember her. She is used to being overlooked; she is of average looks and while rich, she is not titled.
Beau and Jo embark on a marriage of convenience. They start out as enemies and then quickly move to friendship and love. Jo is outspoken and used to getting her way. So is Beau. I have to admit the speed of the change in feelings towards each other is quick and I could understand hers, but not his.
Decently paced for the length, I did like the writing style.
The Inconvenient Countess-
This is another marriage of convenience. Diana is the eldest in an impoverished formally well-to-do family. Brook needs a wife, stat, for his business deal to go through. But he has a reputation. In exchange for her family's well being, she agrees to marry Brook.
Both are surprised at how easy it is to talk to each other. They quickly find comfort in each other and this takes them by surprise. They are quick to develop feelings, but I could see it more in this one then the previous.
Decently paced and I did like the writing style.
Using this for RBSB: Relationship of convenience square
January 7, 2023
Review for Dukes Treasure. Minerva Spencer is on my to read list now. Oh the angst, the delicious angst. Classic rich cit father buys his daughter a duke, but she knows and wants him anyway. Usually I cannot stand girls who whine about situations they put themselves in, but my heart went out to the heroine who couldn't stop herself from wanting him for years. Hero was arrogance incarnate but I really enjoyed how he would sit down with her and honestly talk about anything that went wrong or clear up misunderstandings [then he'd throw her on the bed 🔥]. OW tried to start drama but their communication undercut all her power, amazing how that happens! I wish this was a full fleshed story, loved the little bit with toddler Sarah.
If I read other two before returning I'll edit my review!
If I read other two before returning I'll edit my review!
August 19, 2024
Pros and cons. Pros: entertaining novellas, and the short format limits common meaningless Regency romance filler (teatime chats, opera box banter, etc). Unfortunately, the short format also limits character development. And the third novellas is the only one of the three with some originality to it.
June 7, 2022
3.5 stars for this one.
The cover is gorgeous on this one. It's 3 short stories, each unrelated to the next. The last one was my favorite and I would honestly read that one again, those characters had good chemistry and I liked how their relationship progressed. 4.5 stars for that one. The middle story was my second favorite and was pretty good but had a couple parts that were not my cup of tea, 4 stars. And then the first story....this one was hard to get through and I didn't like the characters, but I really wanted to get to the other two stories so I suffered through lol. 2 stars for that one. So overall, 3.5 stars. If you like Regency Era romance then give this one a try!
The cover is gorgeous on this one. It's 3 short stories, each unrelated to the next. The last one was my favorite and I would honestly read that one again, those characters had good chemistry and I liked how their relationship progressed. 4.5 stars for that one. The middle story was my second favorite and was pretty good but had a couple parts that were not my cup of tea, 4 stars. And then the first story....this one was hard to get through and I didn't like the characters, but I really wanted to get to the other two stories so I suffered through lol. 2 stars for that one. So overall, 3.5 stars. If you like Regency Era romance then give this one a try!
March 8, 2020
2.5 STARS
All three novellas were fine, but nothing that will stick with me or make me want to reread. I mainly checked this out because of the Sylvia Day story, and I'm still annoyed that whatever "ruined" Sophie was never fully explained.
All three novellas were fine, but nothing that will stick with me or make me want to reread. I mainly checked this out because of the Sylvia Day story, and I'm still annoyed that whatever "ruined" Sophie was never fully explained.
January 22, 2020
The Arrangement by
Sylvia Day
Minerva Spencer
Kristin Vayden
#review #preorder #outJan28th #historicalromance
⭐⭐⭐
I am a massive fan of Sylvia Day’s writing, she manages to bring about such intensity within her characters, passion, rage, heartbreak, whatever emotion it is, the feeling practically emanates off the page and into the reader’s heart. But, in Mischief and the Marquess, I feel like we missed out on something big, something that could have turned a good love story into a great one. I really liked the second chance romance aspect of it, or rather the first time around missed opportunity love story, it added angst and longing and connection. It certainly still had Sylvia Day’s signature heat when it came to the more intimate scenes but for me there was just something missing. I did absolutely adore getting to see Remington again, whom you might remember from one of Sylvia Day’s other fantastic full-length historical romance novels.
‘“You overwhelm me. I cannot think or breathe.”
“And I am undone.” His mouth was moving over her bared skin. Nipping, licking, biting. “This is passion, Sophie. Need and hunger.”
Minerva Spencer’s story was a fun and quirky romance. I do love a good marriage of convenience plot and this one did it very well indeed. It managed to be humorous, deeply romantic, well-paced, with a dose of sadness and heartbreak and scenes just full of heat and heart, which is precisely how a romance should be. However, author Minerva Spencer also added in a little kink and jealousy to spice up the already stellar storyline.
‘His nostrils flared. “Did you like what you saw, Josephine?”
She gasped, her face blazing. “Of course not.”
“We really must cure you of this disturbing propensity to lie,” he said, his eyes narrowed as he easily pulled her onto his hard, hot body. “I’m going to check and see if you really are as repulsed as you say.”’
Finally we come to Kristin Vayden’s marriage of convenience story. This one was probably my least favourite of the three and that was mainly due to the hero. I just could not connect to him at all and his “Devil’s bachelor” moniker. Even though he redeems himself and falls irrevocably in love with our wonderful and truly selfless heroine, Diana, I felt that Brooks just fell short on being an admirable hero. It was a nice read and I detest using the word nice, it sounds so tepid, but unfortunately for me, it was only an okay love story.
‘Sex didn’t require love. It didn’t even require like. But she was indeed afraid for the first time since they started their lovemaking. Because while sex didn’t require those things...she had the sinking sensation that it led to them. And falling for her husband was out of the question. Wasn’t it?’
Now, I’m going to tell you that this collection was a fun way to pass the time, but it in no way is worth the Pre-order of £9.11 on ebook, this is just way too steep in price for three historical romances that aren’t even full length books. Especially when you might come out like myself, enjoying one out of the three stories.
Sylvia Day
Minerva Spencer
Kristin Vayden
#review #preorder #outJan28th #historicalromance
⭐⭐⭐
I am a massive fan of Sylvia Day’s writing, she manages to bring about such intensity within her characters, passion, rage, heartbreak, whatever emotion it is, the feeling practically emanates off the page and into the reader’s heart. But, in Mischief and the Marquess, I feel like we missed out on something big, something that could have turned a good love story into a great one. I really liked the second chance romance aspect of it, or rather the first time around missed opportunity love story, it added angst and longing and connection. It certainly still had Sylvia Day’s signature heat when it came to the more intimate scenes but for me there was just something missing. I did absolutely adore getting to see Remington again, whom you might remember from one of Sylvia Day’s other fantastic full-length historical romance novels.
‘“You overwhelm me. I cannot think or breathe.”
“And I am undone.” His mouth was moving over her bared skin. Nipping, licking, biting. “This is passion, Sophie. Need and hunger.”
Minerva Spencer’s story was a fun and quirky romance. I do love a good marriage of convenience plot and this one did it very well indeed. It managed to be humorous, deeply romantic, well-paced, with a dose of sadness and heartbreak and scenes just full of heat and heart, which is precisely how a romance should be. However, author Minerva Spencer also added in a little kink and jealousy to spice up the already stellar storyline.
‘His nostrils flared. “Did you like what you saw, Josephine?”
She gasped, her face blazing. “Of course not.”
“We really must cure you of this disturbing propensity to lie,” he said, his eyes narrowed as he easily pulled her onto his hard, hot body. “I’m going to check and see if you really are as repulsed as you say.”’
Finally we come to Kristin Vayden’s marriage of convenience story. This one was probably my least favourite of the three and that was mainly due to the hero. I just could not connect to him at all and his “Devil’s bachelor” moniker. Even though he redeems himself and falls irrevocably in love with our wonderful and truly selfless heroine, Diana, I felt that Brooks just fell short on being an admirable hero. It was a nice read and I detest using the word nice, it sounds so tepid, but unfortunately for me, it was only an okay love story.
‘Sex didn’t require love. It didn’t even require like. But she was indeed afraid for the first time since they started their lovemaking. Because while sex didn’t require those things...she had the sinking sensation that it led to them. And falling for her husband was out of the question. Wasn’t it?’
Now, I’m going to tell you that this collection was a fun way to pass the time, but it in no way is worth the Pre-order of £9.11 on ebook, this is just way too steep in price for three historical romances that aren’t even full length books. Especially when you might come out like myself, enjoying one out of the three stories.
January 21, 2020
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
It has been a wile since I have read a book by Sylvia Day. I missed this story in her historical catalog so it was fresh and new to me. Wow, for a short story I thought this one packed a huge punch and I love how Justin did not let other people’s small-mindedness keep him from declaring and pursuing his love. Justin and Sophie are destined to be together. The ending was so lovely with their growing family. My problem is I wanted more of their story.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
At the start of this story I thought “oh no, a misunderstanding that goes on way too long”. How wrong I was. Beau is very upfront with his thoughts and ideas and satisfyingly enough so is Josephine. Their discussions were always on-point and very refreshing. Thank you Ms. Spencer. This is a wonderful story of love blossoming on Beau’s part and coming to fruition on Josephine’s part. I loved this story. Once again, I wish it were longer.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Unbelievably good! WOW! Ms. Vayden really brings out all of the stops in this story. It has a marriage of convenience, a naughty hero and heroine and a wonderful story to pull it all together. Brook and Diana are perfect and their story is such a delight to read. I have read a few of Ms. Vayden’s books and this one, even short as it is, is right at the top.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
It has been a wile since I have read a book by Sylvia Day. I missed this story in her historical catalog so it was fresh and new to me. Wow, for a short story I thought this one packed a huge punch and I love how Justin did not let other people’s small-mindedness keep him from declaring and pursuing his love. Justin and Sophie are destined to be together. The ending was so lovely with their growing family. My problem is I wanted more of their story.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
At the start of this story I thought “oh no, a misunderstanding that goes on way too long”. How wrong I was. Beau is very upfront with his thoughts and ideas and satisfyingly enough so is Josephine. Their discussions were always on-point and very refreshing. Thank you Ms. Spencer. This is a wonderful story of love blossoming on Beau’s part and coming to fruition on Josephine’s part. I loved this story. Once again, I wish it were longer.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Unbelievably good! WOW! Ms. Vayden really brings out all of the stops in this story. It has a marriage of convenience, a naughty hero and heroine and a wonderful story to pull it all together. Brook and Diana are perfect and their story is such a delight to read. I have read a few of Ms. Vayden’s books and this one, even short as it is, is right at the top.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 2, 2020
The Arrangement by Sylvia Day is a small compilation of three historical romance novelettes. The stories are full of characters who you don't think would go together but somehow end up being wonderful couples. Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day, The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer and The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden are included.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day is about two characters, Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley. Their mothers are best friends and have decided that their children should be married. Justin and Sophie disagree, but mothers know best.
Josephine Loman and Beaumont Halliwell are the main characters in The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer . Jo knows she is plain and not appealing to such a beautiful man like Beau. Beau knows he needs to marry money in order to save his dukedom and Jo is the person. There is a lovely, yucky woman to hate which helps the love story.
Diana Katherine Lambson knows she has to save her family from being destitute in The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden. The only way she can come up with is to marry Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, a man that has a horrible reputation as a rake and a cad. Only the marriage turns out to be more than either expected.
All three stories in the book, The Arrangement, are fun reads. They are quick reads with fun characters and stories. The Arrangement is a good read.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day is about two characters, Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley. Their mothers are best friends and have decided that their children should be married. Justin and Sophie disagree, but mothers know best.
Josephine Loman and Beaumont Halliwell are the main characters in The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer . Jo knows she is plain and not appealing to such a beautiful man like Beau. Beau knows he needs to marry money in order to save his dukedom and Jo is the person. There is a lovely, yucky woman to hate which helps the love story.
Diana Katherine Lambson knows she has to save her family from being destitute in The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden. The only way she can come up with is to marry Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, a man that has a horrible reputation as a rake and a cad. Only the marriage turns out to be more than either expected.
All three stories in the book, The Arrangement, are fun reads. They are quick reads with fun characters and stories. The Arrangement is a good read.
January 27, 2020
The Arrangement by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer & Kristin Vayden
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of steamy historical romances!
MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS BY SYLVIA DAY
Fun romp that sees two people that were probably meant to be together earlier finally get together in spite of the choices they made earlier in life. My take on this was that the two assumed many things about one another that were not true and once those “things” were dismissed they ended up having much in common allowing themselves the HEA they so richly deserved.
THE DUKE’S TREASURE BY MINERVA SPENCER
Marrying for money is what Beau must do to fix his recently inherited dukedom. He knows he wants more from marriage than his parents and others of his class have managed so sets out on the path to a happier relationship with Jo than she was expecting. She is feisty and he has a heart of gold. Enjoyed this one.
AN INCONVENIENT COUNTESS BY KRISTIN VAYDEN
This is probably my favorite. I loved the way this couple found more than they bargained on when their marriage of convenience was arranged. The first laugh in the carriage after the nuptials was so much fun and it only got better from there. I truly enjoyed meeting Brock and Diana and felt they were well matched and would have a happy life together forever.
Did I enjoy these stories? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of steamy historical romances!
MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS BY SYLVIA DAY
Fun romp that sees two people that were probably meant to be together earlier finally get together in spite of the choices they made earlier in life. My take on this was that the two assumed many things about one another that were not true and once those “things” were dismissed they ended up having much in common allowing themselves the HEA they so richly deserved.
THE DUKE’S TREASURE BY MINERVA SPENCER
Marrying for money is what Beau must do to fix his recently inherited dukedom. He knows he wants more from marriage than his parents and others of his class have managed so sets out on the path to a happier relationship with Jo than she was expecting. She is feisty and he has a heart of gold. Enjoyed this one.
AN INCONVENIENT COUNTESS BY KRISTIN VAYDEN
This is probably my favorite. I loved the way this couple found more than they bargained on when their marriage of convenience was arranged. The first laugh in the carriage after the nuptials was so much fun and it only got better from there. I truly enjoyed meeting Brock and Diana and felt they were well matched and would have a happy life together forever.
Did I enjoy these stories? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
March 3, 2020
The Arrangement was an enjoyable mix of stories including a fantastic marriage of convenience romance.
Overall average rating — 3 Stars
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day — 2 Stars
With their mother and grandmother insisting the two should wed, Justin Marquess of Fontaine and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley join forces to prove how disastrous a marriage between them would be. Unfortunately this story did not work for me as I had a hard time believing the connection between Justin and Sophie. Don’t get me wrong, their physical chemistry was amazing with some fantastic sex scenes between the pair. However, any connection beyond that never materialized and I didn’t understand their quick declarations of love. Also, one thing that annoyed me was that it kept being mentioned that Sophie was ruined but either they never elaborated on why or it was so vague that I missed it.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer — 3 Stars
Josephine Loman has always been considered plain by society’s standards and she never expected to make a great match. But when her father arranges a match between her and the gorgeous Beaumont Halliwell Duke of Wroxton, a man Jo has loved for years, she jumps at the chance to marry him despite knowing he’s marrying her for her money. This story had its ups and downs but I still thought it was overall an enjoyable read. Both Jo and Beau go into the marriage knowing it’s not a love-match, not even a like-match, but they hope to make the best of things. The physical chemistry between the two is excellent with some great scenes between the pair. After a bit of trial and error, they eventually find their footing and form a good relationship. My biggest complaint about this story was the use of the evil other woman trope which isn’t one of my favorites. Overall a good read and I will check out more from the author.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden — 4 Stars
Miss Diana Lambson knows the only solution to her family falling on hard times is for her to enter into a marriage of convenience with the rakish Earl from the neighboring estate, Charles Brook. Going into this anthology, this is the story I was most looking forward to as I love the author’s Gentlemen of Temptation series and I am happy to say the author did not disappoint. Diana and Brook have little in common and intend to go their separate ways after they both get what they need from the marriage. Instead the two formed the most genuine friendship either has ever had and I loved everything about these two together. Plus, they have incredible chemistry with some fantastic sex scenes between the two. Overall this was a phenomenal read and I highly recommend this author.
Overall The Arrangement was a good collection with two out of the three stories being ones I liked. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for great marriage of convenience stories with Kristin Vayden’s story being the best of the bunch.
Overall average rating — 3 Stars
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day — 2 Stars
With their mother and grandmother insisting the two should wed, Justin Marquess of Fontaine and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley join forces to prove how disastrous a marriage between them would be. Unfortunately this story did not work for me as I had a hard time believing the connection between Justin and Sophie. Don’t get me wrong, their physical chemistry was amazing with some fantastic sex scenes between the pair. However, any connection beyond that never materialized and I didn’t understand their quick declarations of love. Also, one thing that annoyed me was that it kept being mentioned that Sophie was ruined but either they never elaborated on why or it was so vague that I missed it.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer — 3 Stars
Josephine Loman has always been considered plain by society’s standards and she never expected to make a great match. But when her father arranges a match between her and the gorgeous Beaumont Halliwell Duke of Wroxton, a man Jo has loved for years, she jumps at the chance to marry him despite knowing he’s marrying her for her money. This story had its ups and downs but I still thought it was overall an enjoyable read. Both Jo and Beau go into the marriage knowing it’s not a love-match, not even a like-match, but they hope to make the best of things. The physical chemistry between the two is excellent with some great scenes between the pair. After a bit of trial and error, they eventually find their footing and form a good relationship. My biggest complaint about this story was the use of the evil other woman trope which isn’t one of my favorites. Overall a good read and I will check out more from the author.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden — 4 Stars
Miss Diana Lambson knows the only solution to her family falling on hard times is for her to enter into a marriage of convenience with the rakish Earl from the neighboring estate, Charles Brook. Going into this anthology, this is the story I was most looking forward to as I love the author’s Gentlemen of Temptation series and I am happy to say the author did not disappoint. Diana and Brook have little in common and intend to go their separate ways after they both get what they need from the marriage. Instead the two formed the most genuine friendship either has ever had and I loved everything about these two together. Plus, they have incredible chemistry with some fantastic sex scenes between the two. Overall this was a phenomenal read and I highly recommend this author.
Overall The Arrangement was a good collection with two out of the three stories being ones I liked. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for great marriage of convenience stories with Kristin Vayden’s story being the best of the bunch.
February 3, 2020
The Arrangement was three steamy reads that let you escape today and travel back to a time when marriages were arranged for convenience and love was an after thought.
I love reading arranged marriage stories. Stories where the couple is matched out of need (not the nice passion kind of need), where they don't think this will be anything other than a business arrangement and then they find themselves tumbling head over heels in love. The arrangement of the each of the three marriages in this book happens for a different reason and how the couple falls in love is also unique to each story. This helped keep each story fresh and entertaining.
All three of these tales by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden captured my attention, had me breaking out a fan and left me with that great feeling of romance and love found. The Arrangement left me clamoring for more books from each of these three talented writers!
I love reading arranged marriage stories. Stories where the couple is matched out of need (not the nice passion kind of need), where they don't think this will be anything other than a business arrangement and then they find themselves tumbling head over heels in love. The arrangement of the each of the three marriages in this book happens for a different reason and how the couple falls in love is also unique to each story. This helped keep each story fresh and entertaining.
All three of these tales by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden captured my attention, had me breaking out a fan and left me with that great feeling of romance and love found. The Arrangement left me clamoring for more books from each of these three talented writers!
July 23, 2020
Mischief and The Marquess, by Sylvia Day is a steamy historical romance that you will want to cozy up to. As usual Sylvia brings her amazing ability to write an intriguing story with a lot of steamy, oh so hot scenes. Her book shares the budding romance between Justin and Sophie. These two has had eyes for each other since they where young ones. As the years go by and they grow older, the two grew apart. Welcome nosy mama’s. With the ever so conspiracy trap between the two mothers. They try to have their two children fall in love. Well Sophie is having none of it, but Justine, he has caught on to the ruse and decides to play along with the trap. Justin sets out to win the hand of Sophie with his smooth charm. This book is a short read, but a hidden pleasure read in every sense of the word.
The Duke’s Treasure, by Minerva Spencer is a sweet story that her devoted readers will enjoy. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
The Duke’s Treasure, by Minerva Spencer is a sweet story that her devoted readers will enjoy. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
February 9, 2025
The Arrangement
(A Collection of 3 short stories)
Mischief and the Marquess
Sylvia Day
R Rating
1 Star
Many sexy thoughts happening with both characters right from the get-go. The spoken, even raunchier. The overdone bedroom scenes were just eye-rolling. I liked the opposite personalities of Sophie and Justin, but the constant sexual banter overshadowed a so-so storyline.
The Duke’s Treasure
Minerva Spencer
R Rating
2 Star
Excellent writing and likeable storyline, but as with the previous story, just too much sex thrown in for a short story.
An Inconvenient Countess
Kristen Vayden
R Rating
2 Star
Not as well written as the previous two stories, but there was a little less descriptiveness to the bedroom scenes, and I liked the characters and their banter. Brook and Diana both were believable, likeable characters, and I appreciated how levelheaded and realistic they both were.
(A Collection of 3 short stories)
Mischief and the Marquess
Sylvia Day
R Rating
1 Star
Many sexy thoughts happening with both characters right from the get-go. The spoken, even raunchier. The overdone bedroom scenes were just eye-rolling. I liked the opposite personalities of Sophie and Justin, but the constant sexual banter overshadowed a so-so storyline.
The Duke’s Treasure
Minerva Spencer
R Rating
2 Star
Excellent writing and likeable storyline, but as with the previous story, just too much sex thrown in for a short story.
An Inconvenient Countess
Kristen Vayden
R Rating
2 Star
Not as well written as the previous two stories, but there was a little less descriptiveness to the bedroom scenes, and I liked the characters and their banter. Brook and Diana both were believable, likeable characters, and I appreciated how levelheaded and realistic they both were.
January 21, 2020
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
This story is my first book of Ms. Day's books.
Childhood friends. Circumstances tearing them apart and no one can say what will.come when those two will meet again and something new will start blooming.
Sensual, full.of emotions and captivating story with a few hot moments.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
At first, I didn't like Beau, but that was only at First. Later i started warming up to The Both characters and that meant the full enjoyment of the story where characters needed to clear their misunderstandings And maneuver alongside one person with a hidden agenda.
Will they manage to start something new when their marriage started as an Arrangement?
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
I liked the concept of the marrie made from convenience when two sides would be granted something they needed - status or money. Characters were rather likable and followed what I expected them to. It was just ok read, I think this one was the weakest of those three.
This story is my first book of Ms. Day's books.
Childhood friends. Circumstances tearing them apart and no one can say what will.come when those two will meet again and something new will start blooming.
Sensual, full.of emotions and captivating story with a few hot moments.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
At first, I didn't like Beau, but that was only at First. Later i started warming up to The Both characters and that meant the full enjoyment of the story where characters needed to clear their misunderstandings And maneuver alongside one person with a hidden agenda.
Will they manage to start something new when their marriage started as an Arrangement?
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
I liked the concept of the marrie made from convenience when two sides would be granted something they needed - status or money. Characters were rather likable and followed what I expected them to. It was just ok read, I think this one was the weakest of those three.
January 17, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.
An interesting collection of 3 historical romance from 3 different authors. Upon seeing Sylvia Day's name, I would have expected the hardcore kinda novella so I wasn't surprised reading it. However, the onset and the sex just didn't quite clicked for me. Minerva's was so modern that I forgot it's supposed to be historical romance. LOL! Both Sylvia's and Minerva's would sound good under modern premise. I've liked Kristin's novella best! So on point and entertaining! Loved it from the start to the end!
Overall, it has the same plot where the Duke was forced to marry the unintended bride, eventually both fell in love and lived happily ever after. All has the same epilogue where the duchess is pregnant and the duke is happily in love LOL! So if you are looking for a light read, this is the one.
You can read my full review here:
http://www.sholee.net/2020/01/mpov-ar...
An interesting collection of 3 historical romance from 3 different authors. Upon seeing Sylvia Day's name, I would have expected the hardcore kinda novella so I wasn't surprised reading it. However, the onset and the sex just didn't quite clicked for me. Minerva's was so modern that I forgot it's supposed to be historical romance. LOL! Both Sylvia's and Minerva's would sound good under modern premise. I've liked Kristin's novella best! So on point and entertaining! Loved it from the start to the end!
Overall, it has the same plot where the Duke was forced to marry the unintended bride, eventually both fell in love and lived happily ever after. All has the same epilogue where the duchess is pregnant and the duke is happily in love LOL! So if you are looking for a light read, this is the one.
You can read my full review here:
http://www.sholee.net/2020/01/mpov-ar...
January 31, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Arrangement is a trilogy of historical romance novellas that includes Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day, The Duke’s Treasure by Minirva Spencer and The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden. This was a delightful collection to read with a second chance at love and two marriage of convenience stories. I enjoyed reading this book very much as all the stories were well written and if I had a complaint it would be I wish there was more that the stories were longer. Medium Steam. Publishing Date January 28, 2020 #NetGalley #TheArrangement #KensingtonBooks #historicalromance #Sylvia Day #MinervaSpencer #KristinVayden #bookstagram
April 11, 2022
To be honest, I've only read the Minerva Spencer story so far. I thought it was amazing. Unfortunately it is only a novella but it works perfectly and checks all the boxes. There is the overbearing father, the handsome second son, the dead older brother, the evil sister-in-law, the neglected child and the heroine who is much stronger than she realized.
At the end of the story, all of the loose ends were tied up and my eyes were literally watering with happiness. I really got a kick out of the hero. He was a rake who took his marriage vows seriously. In many HR books, characters say that former rakes make the best husbands. That is definitely the case here!
The story has the typical Minerva Spencer steam levels and lots of witty conversation.
Even if the other 2 stories are awful (I'm sure they won't be), I still recommend reading this book.
At the end of the story, all of the loose ends were tied up and my eyes were literally watering with happiness. I really got a kick out of the hero. He was a rake who took his marriage vows seriously. In many HR books, characters say that former rakes make the best husbands. That is definitely the case here!
The story has the typical Minerva Spencer steam levels and lots of witty conversation.
Even if the other 2 stories are awful (I'm sure they won't be), I still recommend reading this book.
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