What do you think?
Rate this book
Lester Family #1
The Reasons For Marriage
The Dashing Duke . . .
Lenore Lester was perfectly content with her quiet country life, caring for her father, and having no desire for marriage. She took steps to remain inconspicuous and tried her best to show indifference - but no avail! The irresistible Duke of Eversleigh had found her out and was quite persistent in his affections . . .
The Shy Miss!
Notoriously charming Jason, Duke of Eversleigh, could easily see behind Miss Lenore's brilliant disguise. Though the awkward lady hid behind glasses and pulled-back hair, she couldn't cover her beauty. And Jason was ever determined to loosen the hold she had on her heart.
Lenore Lester was perfectly content with her quiet country life, caring for her father, and having no desire for marriage. She took steps to remain inconspicuous and tried her best to show indifference - but no avail! The irresistible Duke of Eversleigh had found her out and was quite persistent in his affections . . .
The Shy Miss!
Notoriously charming Jason, Duke of Eversleigh, could easily see behind Miss Lenore's brilliant disguise. Though the awkward lady hid behind glasses and pulled-back hair, she couldn't cover her beauty. And Jason was ever determined to loosen the hold she had on her heart.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
363 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,586 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
August 5, 2016
The last half of the book gets 5 stars, the first half gets 4 stars. Of all the historical romances penned by Stephanie Laurens, this is my favorite. I have read it several times over the years. Because I bought the kindle book recently (some misplaced commas and other typos) the Audible version is only $2.99. I might take a listen if the narration is any good.
This romance is understated and fairly subtle, with no epic action-adventure or suspense scenes, no high drama or histrionics, and only off-camera sex (and let's not forget that sizzling scene on her desk!). It feels almost like it was written by Mary Balogh, or Joan Wolf.
The POV is in third person, altering from Jason to Lenore. Unlike others, the duke is perceptive enough to immediately see "not a diamond, but a jewel nonetheless" in Lady Lenore. (trope: hiding her beauty).
I loved watching the imperious ad arrogant Duke of Eversleigh come to terms with his love for his wife, Lenore. His predicament was a little amusing, since he had proposed by telling Lenore his businesslike "reasons for marriage" (hence the title). So, the duke was then hoist with his own petard (whatever the heck that is) -- for how can he court his own wife, when he told her in plain terms that this was not going to be a love match?
This self-possessed, aloof rake must adjust to never-before-experienced feelings of possessiveness, jealousy, fear of rejection, etc. Perhaps what made this book such a winner for me was getting so much of his POV. Laurens did a nice job portraying Jason's softer emotions, too -- his concern for her well-being, and his gentle tenderness.
Quibbles? Jason did tarnish his halo a few times, but not a big deal. Some slow spots, but not a problem.
I read the sequels, too, but they didn't leave a strong impression on me. An unrelated but fairly memorable book by this author is Four In Hand.
This romance is understated and fairly subtle, with no epic action-adventure or suspense scenes, no high drama or histrionics, and only off-camera sex (and let's not forget that sizzling scene on her desk!). It feels almost like it was written by Mary Balogh, or Joan Wolf.
The POV is in third person, altering from Jason to Lenore. Unlike others, the duke is perceptive enough to immediately see "not a diamond, but a jewel nonetheless" in Lady Lenore. (trope: hiding her beauty).
I loved watching the imperious ad arrogant Duke of Eversleigh come to terms with his love for his wife, Lenore. His predicament was a little amusing, since he had proposed by telling Lenore his businesslike "reasons for marriage" (hence the title). So, the duke was then hoist with his own petard (whatever the heck that is) -- for how can he court his own wife, when he told her in plain terms that this was not going to be a love match?
This self-possessed, aloof rake must adjust to never-before-experienced feelings of possessiveness, jealousy, fear of rejection, etc. Perhaps what made this book such a winner for me was getting so much of his POV. Laurens did a nice job portraying Jason's softer emotions, too -- his concern for her well-being, and his gentle tenderness.
Quibbles? Jason did tarnish his halo a few times, but not a big deal. Some slow spots, but not a problem.
I read the sequels, too, but they didn't leave a strong impression on me. An unrelated but fairly memorable book by this author is Four In Hand.
March 21, 2019
He's a patronizing so and so and she's a bluestocking, well entrenched in the staid backdrop of life. And why would a duke decide (sight unseen) that an older, on the shelf daughter/sister of never do well roues would suit him well? He explains but I wasn't convinced.
Although her reasons for not marrying are more understandable. A married women does seem to perch on the lowest of societal rungs, in those times. The h is happy, quietly managing her father's house for him and hostessing her brothers' house-parties, and the freedom and independence that it gives her.
But as the H points out - that's only till one of her brothers marry. (And the series tell us that they do!)
I found the H's droll behavior off-putting and his pursuit and (inadvertant) trapping of an unwilling woman offensive.
But, the post marriage connection, including the wedding night, is satisfyingly sweet and adorable. So, yes, I forgave him.
I didn't like her family and their use and neglect of her. Although the brothers and this particular house-party seem upright enough but it's alluded that such affairs were usually quite colorful in the past. And certainly not suitable for a young unmarried girl to witness and so I disliked the brothers' and father's disregard for her and her safety.
Although her reasons for not marrying are more understandable. A married women does seem to perch on the lowest of societal rungs, in those times. The h is happy, quietly managing her father's house for him and hostessing her brothers' house-parties, and the freedom and independence that it gives her.
But as the H points out - that's only till one of her brothers marry. (And the series tell us that they do!)
I found the H's droll behavior off-putting and his pursuit and (inadvertant) trapping of an unwilling woman offensive.
But, the post marriage connection, including the wedding night, is satisfyingly sweet and adorable. So, yes, I forgave him.
I didn't like her family and their use and neglect of her. Although the brothers and this particular house-party seem upright enough but it's alluded that such affairs were usually quite colorful in the past. And certainly not suitable for a young unmarried girl to witness and so I disliked the brothers' and father's disregard for her and her safety.
August 4, 2015
DNF at 40%. I've come to accept the fact that Stephanie Laurens is just not for me. After hating Devil's Bride, I was extremely reluctant to start this one, but my friend guaranteed that I would like it. Alas, that was not the case.
I don't like Laurens' heroes. Hypocritical, selfish and painfully obnoxious, they rub me the wrong way. They're not the kind of guys that I would want to associate with, if I were the heroine. Her heroines aren't strong enough to give them the set down that they deserve. Sigh. Oh well.
I don't like Laurens' heroes. Hypocritical, selfish and painfully obnoxious, they rub me the wrong way. They're not the kind of guys that I would want to associate with, if I were the heroine. Her heroines aren't strong enough to give them the set down that they deserve. Sigh. Oh well.
April 22, 2019
I expected more of it.
June 28, 2021
This came highly recommended. I am a sucker for an arranged marriage story and I could not pass it up. I enjoyed the characters and the setting a lot. Very stubborn leading man meets his match in Lenore. The whole thing just flowed well and had great tension. I had a hard time putting this down.
There is more sexual content then I normally read but only one scene that was very detailed and I would consider too much. The couple get a little to involved but stop before anything goes too far. There are sex scenes but they are not detailed and feel pg 13. This will not appeal to people who want sex often and will not appeal to people who want that one kiss at the end.
I reread this when I needed my arranged marriage fix:} It is a good story. A little over the top drama but that is sometimes fun:} 6-2021
There is more sexual content then I normally read but only one scene that was very detailed and I would consider too much. The couple get a little to involved but stop before anything goes too far. There are sex scenes but they are not detailed and feel pg 13. This will not appeal to people who want sex often and will not appeal to people who want that one kiss at the end.
I reread this when I needed my arranged marriage fix:} It is a good story. A little over the top drama but that is sometimes fun:} 6-2021
October 26, 2011
I totally enjoyed this book. The H starts out arrogant and cocky and winds up falling in love and desperate for the h in the nicest way. The h starts out kinda quiet but she stands up for herself and she never acts like a doormat. The H and h are very well matched in this story and I absolutely believed the evolution of the H's character as he goes from jerky alpha male lord to a romantic man in love with a really nice but strong h. The HEA was fantastic and I hope the other books in the series are as well done.
September 29, 2009
Probably one of the best romances I've read, which is a limited selection as things go, but this one I read 3 times! It was also the first romance novel that encouraged me to seek out others in the same Regency genre.
I think what really holds this book's head out of the water are the characters. Both the female and male lead are more interesting than type AND their relationship actually evolves over the plot! The story isn't cluttered by sub-plots to take the reader's mind of the fact that the main one can't hold up, because it does. Also there is a lot of humor and side-characters that keep bringing us along. I loaned this out to some friends in high school and haven't seen it since, it is obviously good enough to keep getting passed on.
I think what really holds this book's head out of the water are the characters. Both the female and male lead are more interesting than type AND their relationship actually evolves over the plot! The story isn't cluttered by sub-plots to take the reader's mind of the fact that the main one can't hold up, because it does. Also there is a lot of humor and side-characters that keep bringing us along. I loaned this out to some friends in high school and haven't seen it since, it is obviously good enough to keep getting passed on.
October 15, 2009
I read this story in Rogue's Reform. This is my review that I posted under Rogue's Reform:
Ms. Laurens writes very good romance with lots of chemistry between her heroes and heroines. Her heroes are strong, dominant alpha types, that are usually a bit (or a lot on the rakish side). My favorite of hers (out of Rogue's Reform and period for this author) was this story with Jason and Lenore. Lenore is the on-the-shelf sister of the other two heroes. She feels as though she has missed her chance at marriage, but Jason takes an interest in her, thinking she will make him a good wife. He expects to have a convenient marriage, get her with child, and go back to the city and continue with his rakish pursuits. He actually has to do some serious convincing to get Lenore to marry her, even engineering her to be compromised in a mild way. There is a houseparty and he arranges for them to be caught kissing in the study and promptly announces their engagement. Although Lenore's brothers are quite the acknowledged rakes, they won't allow their sister to be used and abandoned, and demand the marriage to take place. Lenore has feelings for Jason, but is realistic enough not to expect a loving husband, and has reconciled herself to being the perfect, non-demanding wife he requires. The love scenes are all off-camera, but you get the impression that they both enjoyed their babymaking endeavors, although Lenore and Jason are both trying to stay detached. When Lenore tells Jason she is expecting, he finds that he is leaving somewhat reluctantly. Now that Lenore has the heir in the making, she is free to do as she wishes, including have discreet affairs of her own. She goes off to London, not to have affairs, but to prove that she isn't pining for her husband, but Jason finds himself very jealous at the attention she gets, even though he really shouldn't care if Lenore goes her own way. He finds he does very much, and sets out to claim his wife's love and attentions for his own. I really liked this story, to a degree that surprised me. I enjoyed the other two stories as well. Stephanie Laurens isn't an author I can read all that often, but when I do read her, I enjoy her writing.
Ms. Laurens writes very good romance with lots of chemistry between her heroes and heroines. Her heroes are strong, dominant alpha types, that are usually a bit (or a lot on the rakish side). My favorite of hers (out of Rogue's Reform and period for this author) was this story with Jason and Lenore. Lenore is the on-the-shelf sister of the other two heroes. She feels as though she has missed her chance at marriage, but Jason takes an interest in her, thinking she will make him a good wife. He expects to have a convenient marriage, get her with child, and go back to the city and continue with his rakish pursuits. He actually has to do some serious convincing to get Lenore to marry her, even engineering her to be compromised in a mild way. There is a houseparty and he arranges for them to be caught kissing in the study and promptly announces their engagement. Although Lenore's brothers are quite the acknowledged rakes, they won't allow their sister to be used and abandoned, and demand the marriage to take place. Lenore has feelings for Jason, but is realistic enough not to expect a loving husband, and has reconciled herself to being the perfect, non-demanding wife he requires. The love scenes are all off-camera, but you get the impression that they both enjoyed their babymaking endeavors, although Lenore and Jason are both trying to stay detached. When Lenore tells Jason she is expecting, he finds that he is leaving somewhat reluctantly. Now that Lenore has the heir in the making, she is free to do as she wishes, including have discreet affairs of her own. She goes off to London, not to have affairs, but to prove that she isn't pining for her husband, but Jason finds himself very jealous at the attention she gets, even though he really shouldn't care if Lenore goes her own way. He finds he does very much, and sets out to claim his wife's love and attentions for his own. I really liked this story, to a degree that surprised me. I enjoyed the other two stories as well. Stephanie Laurens isn't an author I can read all that often, but when I do read her, I enjoy her writing.
April 18, 2015
The story of the hardened rake falling deeply in love has been told many times, but never better than in Stephanie Lauren's 'The Reason For Marriage'. The emotional tension of the novel escalated as the hero and heroine struggled to conceal their love behind the rational rules they established before entering into a 'marriage of convenience'. Particularly enjoyed the scenes portraying the frenetic social whirl of the ton balls where the heroine attempted to hide her debilitating morning sickness while the lovesick hero became jealously crazed with his belief she had taken a lover. A very satisfying and emotional love story that I know I will read again!
Thanks for the recommendation Kathleen!
Thanks for the recommendation Kathleen!
August 1, 2017
Arrogant duke declares Lenore a suitable bride and goes about convincing her. They get caught in flagrante delicto. They marry. Much of the plot leading up to this was somewhat boring and uneventful. Marriage brings with it some silly misunderstandings but at least a good dose of angst, which is always a good thing to break up the mundane in my opinion. The ending was cheese-overload in the way he declares his love for her. Yikes! My first Laurens book in many years and a rather tame one, this one is.
February 6, 2019
I really liked this book! I never got bored (which is a plus). Loved how Lenore hid behind glasses and heavy, baggy clothes to disguise her looks (because she was happy never having to get married) but then along comes Jason (rake, arrogant Duke...) so sure that at the snap of his fingers everything he wants he will get.... when real feelings start to emerge for Jason (panic stage left begins lol). To sum it up , I really enjoyed this book! Haven't read all of the Regency series by Stephanie Laurens ,so not sure about the rest of them. This is more a 4.5 star book.
June 5, 2022
Beyond all reason… 🥹💕
November 9, 2013
I was told today that I should be proud of my age - I'm now a bit seasoned. Who knows maybe this is the reason for feelings on this book. I LOVED this book - did I say loved? I adored it. It was a wonderful romance in ever sense of the word! I love those old soft romances where the touch of a hand or a gentle kiss on the cheek, and the expression of emotion is so overwhelming and is expressed through a gentle touch or their very words. And it is written so well, that I don't need to see it, but the feeling or emotion is there nonetheless. This was that kind of book - you know when the main characters finally come together and make love and you don't get the bedroom play by play. Sometimes I get impatient when the entire chapter is nothing but lovemaking and I end up skipping over it - ok when I younger not so much - but now... I want to hear the meat of the story, what's going to happen next.
Lenore Lester lives a very quiet, sheltered life caring for her father and their home. She has good bloodlines, will receive a good inheritance upon her marriage - but the thing is she has no intention to marry. A man would throw a wrench into everything, ruining her enjoyments in life, her quiet, her studies, and make demands of her that she has no interest in taking part in. She, in fact, is so set against the whole idea of the marriage state that she deliberately has altered her appearance to make it look as if she is a tightly wound, plain, and prudish sort of woman. But then her brothers want to throw a party...
In comes Jason, the Duke of Eversleigh, a very charming town rake. He has recently lost his brother in the war; a brother with whom he had made a pact that he would be the one to marry and bear the heir. Jason could go on living his life of dissipation with no further thought to the Duke title and all it's inherent responsibilities. After all, he and his brother both had been taught to fill that role. He finds as he goes off to visit with the Lenore brothers, who are good friends of his, that he must marry and find a wife but he has strict guidelines as to the proper sort of woman and this quest appears to be impossible, that is until he comes across the intriguingly plain Miss Lenore. He can see past the glasses, the tightly bound hair and the burqa like gowns.. he knows that she is more beautiful than she appears, she's very intelligent, she knows how to run a very large estate - she is perfect. So the dance begins - and what an exciting dance it is!
Lenore Lester lives a very quiet, sheltered life caring for her father and their home. She has good bloodlines, will receive a good inheritance upon her marriage - but the thing is she has no intention to marry. A man would throw a wrench into everything, ruining her enjoyments in life, her quiet, her studies, and make demands of her that she has no interest in taking part in. She, in fact, is so set against the whole idea of the marriage state that she deliberately has altered her appearance to make it look as if she is a tightly wound, plain, and prudish sort of woman. But then her brothers want to throw a party...
In comes Jason, the Duke of Eversleigh, a very charming town rake. He has recently lost his brother in the war; a brother with whom he had made a pact that he would be the one to marry and bear the heir. Jason could go on living his life of dissipation with no further thought to the Duke title and all it's inherent responsibilities. After all, he and his brother both had been taught to fill that role. He finds as he goes off to visit with the Lenore brothers, who are good friends of his, that he must marry and find a wife but he has strict guidelines as to the proper sort of woman and this quest appears to be impossible, that is until he comes across the intriguingly plain Miss Lenore. He can see past the glasses, the tightly bound hair and the burqa like gowns.. he knows that she is more beautiful than she appears, she's very intelligent, she knows how to run a very large estate - she is perfect. So the dance begins - and what an exciting dance it is!
March 28, 2020
This book may have convinced me I need to stop reading books when I don't like them. Also that trilogies available for $2.99 probably aren't worth it. Because I generally really like Stephanie Laurens and this was just not good. There's no plot. (The whole plot is that the hero is a jerk and then at some point he just . . . decides to stop being a jerk. Excellent choice, but not a plot.) It was too long but less than 300 pages? I don't know. I'm not reading the other two books in the trilogy, not right now at least, and woof.
September 22, 2018
Eh işte..
June 24, 2019
Elimde süründün durdun ama sonunda bitirebildim.. Çeviriden mi anlamadım ama kitabın içine giremedim. Stephanie ablaya da bayılırım hani. Bu kadar düşük yıldız vermek istemezdim.
March 4, 2019
I was in the mood for an old school regency to listen to while knitting a present for a friend and this one fit the bill perfectly.... always enjoyable to listen to a rakish duke get his comeuppance.
May 31, 2017
The overall writing was very Stephanie Laurens familiar but the lead male was too arrogant for me and bullied and stalked the female protagonist into marriage to the point that I was getting uncomfortable. There was no other plot other than the romance. I usually like Stephanie Laurens but this one is not recommended.
August 16, 2018
Cliche but in a boring way and outdated heroes and style .It was a dissappointment for me.I am not giving the lowest score because there were pages that drew me in but it was only a small portion of the book.Story could be shorter but on point,author kept it long unnecessarily. Nothing happens in this story.
January 2, 2011
I thought this was a flat plot with cliche characters.
To be fair, I read a lot of regencies and originality is not easy.
This is my first Stephanie Laurens and I'm prepared to dismiss her as a writer. Are there any recommendations before I should try before I do?
To be fair, I read a lot of regencies and originality is not easy.
This is my first Stephanie Laurens and I'm prepared to dismiss her as a writer. Are there any recommendations before I should try before I do?
May 23, 2010
I loved the first half of this book, but the second half dragged a bit as they resolved (or rather the hero worked out) their love for one another. Because of the drag - more a 3.5 rating...
August 26, 2015
Let's-just-not-talk-and-assume-all-the-worst-about-each-other kind of plot.
August 23, 2018
Ağır tempoya sahip bir kitaptı ya da şu sıra bana öyle gelmişte olabilir .
October 23, 2020
So much of this book is sooo good! But Lenore and Jason dancing around their love for each other near the end drove me mad!! As characters I enjoyed them both! And the very end was well worth the madness!
November 11, 2021
Fast read with little depth, but still fun.
January 21, 2015
More Straightforward Story Than Usual Laurens Book
"Unused to acknowledging any authority beyond his own whims, the fifth Duke of Eversleigh had lived a hedonistic existence that few, in this hedonistic age, could match."
THE STORY: Jason, Duke of Eversleigh has reluctantly admitted that he must take a wife. His criteria for a wife are about finding a woman for the rational marriage that he believes he wants and then he will return to his life in London. He decides to pursue Lenore Lester because Jason and his friend determine that she will meet all his requirements. When Jason meets Lenore for the first time, he is intrigued by this woman who has taken great pains to make herself unattractive. Lenore has no intention of marrying anyone. She is content being in charge of her family's estate. Lenore eventually decides that she might find something she needs in marriage and Jason finds out that there might be more he wants from marriage than he expected.
OPINION: This was a more conventional romance than might be expected for Laurens readers. The book, however, shows the sparkling characters and deep emotional connections emblematic of her books. Jason thinks he wants a conventional marriage, but Lenore changes that. The two spend much of the book at cross purposes. It was enjoyable to watch Jason gets exactly what he thinks he wants and then realizes that he hates it. Even better, Lenore doesn't withdraw from Jason as punishment but rather in love to give him what he wants and not impose herself upon him. The book is a straightforward read.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Lester Family series is the story of Lenore and her two brothers who are introduced in this book.
FINAL DECISION: This book is well written but more traditional romance than expected from Stephanie Laurens. This book was written in the mid 1990s and thus is an earlier book from her. The book's sex content is more sweet and less explicit than readers might expect from Laurens.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE REASONS FOR MARRIAGE is the first book of the Lester Family series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
"Unused to acknowledging any authority beyond his own whims, the fifth Duke of Eversleigh had lived a hedonistic existence that few, in this hedonistic age, could match."
THE STORY: Jason, Duke of Eversleigh has reluctantly admitted that he must take a wife. His criteria for a wife are about finding a woman for the rational marriage that he believes he wants and then he will return to his life in London. He decides to pursue Lenore Lester because Jason and his friend determine that she will meet all his requirements. When Jason meets Lenore for the first time, he is intrigued by this woman who has taken great pains to make herself unattractive. Lenore has no intention of marrying anyone. She is content being in charge of her family's estate. Lenore eventually decides that she might find something she needs in marriage and Jason finds out that there might be more he wants from marriage than he expected.
OPINION: This was a more conventional romance than might be expected for Laurens readers. The book, however, shows the sparkling characters and deep emotional connections emblematic of her books. Jason thinks he wants a conventional marriage, but Lenore changes that. The two spend much of the book at cross purposes. It was enjoyable to watch Jason gets exactly what he thinks he wants and then realizes that he hates it. Even better, Lenore doesn't withdraw from Jason as punishment but rather in love to give him what he wants and not impose herself upon him. The book is a straightforward read.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Lester Family series is the story of Lenore and her two brothers who are introduced in this book.
FINAL DECISION: This book is well written but more traditional romance than expected from Stephanie Laurens. This book was written in the mid 1990s and thus is an earlier book from her. The book's sex content is more sweet and less explicit than readers might expect from Laurens.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE REASONS FOR MARRIAGE is the first book of the Lester Family series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
January 2, 2015
Very good book. Jason decided it was time to marry and went about trying to find the most suitable one. He had a whole shopping list of the qualities he was looking for, and love was not among them. He finally decided to check out his friend Jack Lester's sister. When he arrived at Jack's for his house party, he was at first dismayed by his first sight of Lenore. She wore dowdy dresses and glasses, and showed no interest in any of the men. It didn't take him long to realize it was all a disguise, which intrigued him. Lenore had been running her father's house for several years, and playing hostess for her brothers' parties. She had decided long ago that safety lay in hiding her appeal to them. She was stunned to find out that she wasn't fooling Jason at all, and that he had decided to pursue her. I loved the way that he started out with pursuing her the way he would other women he knew, before he realized that wouldn't work with her. Then he decided to lay out his "reasons and requirements" for marriage - you can see the trouble that would cause him later. Lenore accepted his proposal, realizing she really had no choice, but resolved to try to keep her emotions safe. Having been exposed to so many unfaithful wives in London, Jason spent the weeks before the wedding spending alot of time with her, growing closing. After the wedding, their honeymoon weeks were ideal, their relationship growing stronger. I loved seeing Jason fall in love with Lenore, while not realizing that's what he was feeling. Lenore fell just as fast as she was afraid she would. When they went to London and entered society, things got rough. Lenore thought that now that she was pregnant, Jason had to reason to stay, so she pulled away emotionally to protect herself. Meanwhile, Jason came to realized how much he cared. This was definitely a story of missed opportunities. I was so happy to see that Aunt Agathe gave Jason the figurative slap upside the head, and the story after that was terrific.
July 26, 2016
I had never read Stephanie Laurens before and wonder now how I’ve managed to miss this marvelous author. I have been sick to death of the…how did a previous reviewer say it…the bodice rippers. Men so full of misplaced honor and respect that they take their object of amour anywhere they can, with language so crude it’s only fit to be called porn. Invariably in nearly every case they anticipate their vows totally disregarding the strictures of the church and society of that day, all in the name of love…really?
Most Regency Romance novels do not go into the depth that Laurens has in this study of the reasons people marry. Lord Jason, Duke of Eversleigh was ready to take a wife and had a list of requirements. And, he felt that Lenore Lester met every criteria of that list even though she tried valiantly to hide her beauty behind spectacles and wore pinafores. He did not expect to love her or for her to love him. Things changed dramatically during their early months of marriage. The journey is worth the time it takes to read of their struggles with pride, comportment and trying to not reveal too much of their feelings.
As stated before, The Reasons for Marriage was published in the mid 90’s. Has our society changed so much in the last decades? I will let the previous reviews stand and simply say this was the most unusual book I have ever read. The language was amazing, captivating, titillating, and so descriptive that I felt I was embroiled in the salacious ton and its bevy of banal activities. The reader was immersed in the feelings and emotional journey our hero and heroine traversed in finding true love in the confines of their arranged marriage. The description of London during the Small Season was interesting, captivating and slightly scandalous. Who knew?
Most Regency Romance novels do not go into the depth that Laurens has in this study of the reasons people marry. Lord Jason, Duke of Eversleigh was ready to take a wife and had a list of requirements. And, he felt that Lenore Lester met every criteria of that list even though she tried valiantly to hide her beauty behind spectacles and wore pinafores. He did not expect to love her or for her to love him. Things changed dramatically during their early months of marriage. The journey is worth the time it takes to read of their struggles with pride, comportment and trying to not reveal too much of their feelings.
As stated before, The Reasons for Marriage was published in the mid 90’s. Has our society changed so much in the last decades? I will let the previous reviews stand and simply say this was the most unusual book I have ever read. The language was amazing, captivating, titillating, and so descriptive that I felt I was embroiled in the salacious ton and its bevy of banal activities. The reader was immersed in the feelings and emotional journey our hero and heroine traversed in finding true love in the confines of their arranged marriage. The description of London during the Small Season was interesting, captivating and slightly scandalous. Who knew?
December 29, 2014
After a disappointing Cynster book, I had resolved to take a break from Laurens. The Reasons for Marriage was on hold from the library included in a romance bundle, so I caved and read it. I was glad I did because it didn't have any of the annoying things that made me put away the Cynster series for a while, but had the elements Laurens does well. Characters that hold my interest. The book started a bit slowly but the fun kicked in when Jason, Duke of Eversleigh decides he needs to marry but wants a bride who will stay in the country while he dallies in the city. She must be virtuous and presentable. But where to find such a young lady? An invitation to a party, triggers a memory. The rakes -hosting, Jack and Harry had a sister who wasn't presented. When Jason and his friend Freddy arrive they see a frump. Spectacled- with a bun, sensible shoes and a pinafore. Lenore is perturbed that Eversleigh seems to want to charm her despite her protective disguise, He sees the hidden beauty that others have dismissed. Their courtship is a challenge and enjoyable. The rest of the story gets a bit long as they try to figure out what they both want. Eversleigh's manipulativeness grates on Lenore's nerves but he charms her never the less.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews