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Brazen Brides #4
A Proposal of Marriage
The bespectacled, very bookish Miss Rebecca Peabody, who pens enlightening essays under the name P. Corpus, simply must marry. Since she abhors that disgusting “bedchamber business,” she decides Lord Aynsley is the perfect man to become her husband. At the advanced age of three and forty, he surely has gotten that repellant bedchamber business out of his system.
For reasons quite unknown to her, he accepts her bizarre marriage proposal, though he assures her a chaste marriage is NOT what he has in mind.
John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody...until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash. Thus he embarks on the adventure of his life...that of tutoring his young wife in the ways of love.
For reasons quite unknown to her, he accepts her bizarre marriage proposal, though he assures her a chaste marriage is NOT what he has in mind.
John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody...until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash. Thus he embarks on the adventure of his life...that of tutoring his young wife in the ways of love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
200 people are currently reading
1846 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
80 books1,666 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 31, 2021
Overall: ⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖
Feels: 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sensuality: 🔥
Sexual Tension: ⚡️
Romance: 💞
Sex Scene Length: 🍑
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆
Safety warning attached at end.
Rebecca is our heroine. She’s young, bookish, intelligent. She loves writing essays under a fake name. She hates disgusting bedchamber activities. But she must marry, so she decides to find an old fogey not interested in those horrendous thoughts anymore. She decides to propose to her older sister’s refusal from years before, the very elderly (he IS 43) Earl of Aynsley.
John needs a wife to help oversee his 7 children, run his house, get his servants in order. He isn’t interested in robbing the cradle with Rebecca, but finds himself drawn to her anyway.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
- Age difference – I believe its about 23 years difference with the hero being older (hero 43, heroine 20)
- Marriage of convenience
- Secret identity/secret writer – heroine pens essays under a pseudonym, though this isn’t a large part of the story
- You like a large rambunctious family. Rebecca marries and becomes stepmother to 7 children of various ages
- Low steam – a handful of kisses and 1 love scene, all very very short and not descriptive. (kisses are about 1 sentence, the love scene is a few paragraphs then fades to black for the act. (Actually, just looking back through the book I realized the hero had an after the fact sex scene with a mistress too)
- You prefer a religious, Christian inspired story. Forgiveness abounds, mention of God and church briefly. The overall feel of the book is Christian fiction.
This book was not for me for a variety of reasons. Of course I love my steam, but a really engaging story can make it up to me. I didn’t find that here. I didn’t have a lot from John’s perspective and unfortunately I didn’t really like Rebecca. However I am happy to have read it and be able to recommend it for those that would enjoy this story.
Safety warning: hero is sexually with his mistress after meeting Rebecca (one time and there is no understanding between them at this point)
With that, below are my thoughts about the story (they are critical and spoiler filled, read at your own risk. Also, it’s a lot of ranting. A lot. You should probably just stop here)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖
Feels: 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sensuality: 🔥
Sexual Tension: ⚡️
Romance: 💞
Sex Scene Length: 🍑
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆
Safety warning attached at end.
Rebecca is our heroine. She’s young, bookish, intelligent. She loves writing essays under a fake name. She hates disgusting bedchamber activities. But she must marry, so she decides to find an old fogey not interested in those horrendous thoughts anymore. She decides to propose to her older sister’s refusal from years before, the very elderly (he IS 43) Earl of Aynsley.
John needs a wife to help oversee his 7 children, run his house, get his servants in order. He isn’t interested in robbing the cradle with Rebecca, but finds himself drawn to her anyway.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
- Age difference – I believe its about 23 years difference with the hero being older (hero 43, heroine 20)
- Marriage of convenience
- Secret identity/secret writer – heroine pens essays under a pseudonym, though this isn’t a large part of the story
- You like a large rambunctious family. Rebecca marries and becomes stepmother to 7 children of various ages
- Low steam – a handful of kisses and 1 love scene, all very very short and not descriptive. (kisses are about 1 sentence, the love scene is a few paragraphs then fades to black for the act. (Actually, just looking back through the book I realized the hero had an after the fact sex scene with a mistress too)
- You prefer a religious, Christian inspired story. Forgiveness abounds, mention of God and church briefly. The overall feel of the book is Christian fiction.
This book was not for me for a variety of reasons. Of course I love my steam, but a really engaging story can make it up to me. I didn’t find that here. I didn’t have a lot from John’s perspective and unfortunately I didn’t really like Rebecca. However I am happy to have read it and be able to recommend it for those that would enjoy this story.
Safety warning: hero is sexually with his mistress after meeting Rebecca (one time and there is no understanding between them at this point)
With that, below are my thoughts about the story (they are critical and spoiler filled, read at your own risk. Also, it’s a lot of ranting. A lot. You should probably just stop here)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
October 28, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.
This cover is so pretty I love all the read color’s. I wish I could of given
A Proposal of Marriage more star’s. It was an okay read really nothing special stand’s out a 2 1/2 star read for me
Happy Reading
Lisa
This cover is so pretty I love all the read color’s. I wish I could of given
A Proposal of Marriage more star’s. It was an okay read really nothing special stand’s out a 2 1/2 star read for me
Happy Reading
Lisa
January 17, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Miss Rebecca Peabody has never had any real intention to marry, and the whole idea of what occurs in the bedroom is abhorrent to her, but after living with her married sister, and her children, Rebecca wants a family. The widowed Earl of Aynsley is in his forties, and has seven children, and to Rebecca he seems perfect. He should be old enough that he doesn't care for bed sport any longer, is in no need for children, and had proposed marriage to her sister a few years ago, who she looks remarkably like. Initially, John's against the marriage, what with him being 23 years her senior, but when he learns she's actually the intelligence essayist P. Corpus, and she may be perfect to help parent his tearaway children, he agrees. Will they be happy in their marriage, or will their differences be too much to overcome?
I read this book in just a few hours, so it is a quick read. I liked aspects of it, such as the family dynamic at Dunton, and how much both John and Rebecca cared about the children - even with Emily causing mayhem in her jealousy. However, there was a lot of scenes that just had me shaking my head. Personally, I'm not a fan of big age differences like that between 20 year old Rebecca and 43 year old John - especially when his eldest son was only a few months younger than Rebecca herself. Secondly, Rebecca was all about her maturity, and that she was older than she seemed, but within pages of the book starting, she was stomping her feet when she didn't get her way, and acted like a petulant child at times. Her jealousy over John's previous marriage was ridiculous too. She was actually jealous that John had shared Dorothy's bed, even when she herself refused to sleep with him, and knew that with seven children from the marriage, obviously they'd been together at least as many times. It picked up towards the end, but all in all, I found it a read I was glad to be done with. Just 2 stars from me for A Proposal of Marriage.
Miss Rebecca Peabody has never had any real intention to marry, and the whole idea of what occurs in the bedroom is abhorrent to her, but after living with her married sister, and her children, Rebecca wants a family. The widowed Earl of Aynsley is in his forties, and has seven children, and to Rebecca he seems perfect. He should be old enough that he doesn't care for bed sport any longer, is in no need for children, and had proposed marriage to her sister a few years ago, who she looks remarkably like. Initially, John's against the marriage, what with him being 23 years her senior, but when he learns she's actually the intelligence essayist P. Corpus, and she may be perfect to help parent his tearaway children, he agrees. Will they be happy in their marriage, or will their differences be too much to overcome?
I read this book in just a few hours, so it is a quick read. I liked aspects of it, such as the family dynamic at Dunton, and how much both John and Rebecca cared about the children - even with Emily causing mayhem in her jealousy. However, there was a lot of scenes that just had me shaking my head. Personally, I'm not a fan of big age differences like that between 20 year old Rebecca and 43 year old John - especially when his eldest son was only a few months younger than Rebecca herself. Secondly, Rebecca was all about her maturity, and that she was older than she seemed, but within pages of the book starting, she was stomping her feet when she didn't get her way, and acted like a petulant child at times. Her jealousy over John's previous marriage was ridiculous too. She was actually jealous that John had shared Dorothy's bed, even when she herself refused to sleep with him, and knew that with seven children from the marriage, obviously they'd been together at least as many times. It picked up towards the end, but all in all, I found it a read I was glad to be done with. Just 2 stars from me for A Proposal of Marriage.
November 23, 2014
Didn't really like this book.
Didn't like how the heroine was an American come to reform England when the Americas at the time were rife in social injustice. Someone once told me never to discuss politics and religion at the dinner table - that should go for lighthearted fiction novels too.
Didn't like how 'perfect' the heroine was. No one is that saintly! The fact that by her late twenties her biggest sin was concealing a self-righteous alter ego did not sit right.
Didn't like what a spoilt brat the hero's daughter was. She was not made accountable for creating serious problems for her father's career and for the country's politics.
And I didn't like how religion was introduced to the book. The prayers seemed superficial, moreso when God grants the characters what they pray for. It diminishes the fact that life is unfair and hard and people don't always get what they want.
I did like the premise of a woman marrying into a family that's already set up and dealing the struggles that were presented.
Didn't like how the heroine was an American come to reform England when the Americas at the time were rife in social injustice. Someone once told me never to discuss politics and religion at the dinner table - that should go for lighthearted fiction novels too.
Didn't like how 'perfect' the heroine was. No one is that saintly! The fact that by her late twenties her biggest sin was concealing a self-righteous alter ego did not sit right.
Didn't like what a spoilt brat the hero's daughter was. She was not made accountable for creating serious problems for her father's career and for the country's politics.
And I didn't like how religion was introduced to the book. The prayers seemed superficial, moreso when God grants the characters what they pray for. It diminishes the fact that life is unfair and hard and people don't always get what they want.
I did like the premise of a woman marrying into a family that's already set up and dealing the struggles that were presented.
November 23, 2020
Miss Rebecca Peabody was unlike most girls of her age. She had a great interest in politics and the reforms of the day. Rebecca decided to marry so she would be able have the freedom to continue with her writing. Rebecca chose John Compton, Earl of Aynsley, a man involved in reform and also 23 years older than her. Rebecca was mature in some ways but very naive in the relationship between a man and a woman. At Lord Aynsley’s home, not everything is easy, there are a number of problems with his children, particularly his daughter and will Rebecca get over her reluctance to have a complete marriage. This was as a very enjoyable read with likeable characters. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2020
A Proposal of Marriage is the fourth book in the Brazen Brides series by Cheryl Bolen. It can easily be read as a standalone novel.
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author and this book is no exception. In fact, I think this can safely be added to one of my absolute favourites that she has written!
Miss Rebecca Peabody lives with her Tory brother, and as she believes the absolute opposite to him politically she feels suffocated. She also writes political essays for publishing secretly under the name P. Corpus. If she was ever discovered it could look very bad for her brother and his wife. It is in all their interests that she moves out. Rebecca wants her own home and family, although detests the idea of making love. When she hears that John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley is in need of a wife she decides she must be the one he chooses.
John is widowed and has 7 children, 4 of them still live at home. They are quite the handful and have scared off many governesses and housekeepers. As he is in his 40s and has 7 children Jessica assumes that he won't be interested in the bedroom side of marriage. If she were to marry him she could have her family and not have to deal with 'that'. All she has to do is convince him that he needs her and that at only 20 years old she is mature enough to take on running his home and taking care of his children.
John is surprised when she propositions him and isn't at all keen to have such a young woman as his wife. But, he loves her straightforwardness, and her political leanings, then when he realises that she must be P. Corpus, a person whose essays have astounded him, the thought of marrying her becomes very palatable. He agrees to marry her and what follows makes for a delightful read.
I don't want to go into details because I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice to say that John and Rebecca's relationship changes over time, as does her relationship with the children and reading all about it had me smiling, laughing or feeling vexed and sad. John's uncle is a hoot and brought some very lighthearted moments to the book too.
I really enjoyed this story and am sure it will be one that I read again and again.
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author and this book is no exception. In fact, I think this can safely be added to one of my absolute favourites that she has written!
Miss Rebecca Peabody lives with her Tory brother, and as she believes the absolute opposite to him politically she feels suffocated. She also writes political essays for publishing secretly under the name P. Corpus. If she was ever discovered it could look very bad for her brother and his wife. It is in all their interests that she moves out. Rebecca wants her own home and family, although detests the idea of making love. When she hears that John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley is in need of a wife she decides she must be the one he chooses.
John is widowed and has 7 children, 4 of them still live at home. They are quite the handful and have scared off many governesses and housekeepers. As he is in his 40s and has 7 children Jessica assumes that he won't be interested in the bedroom side of marriage. If she were to marry him she could have her family and not have to deal with 'that'. All she has to do is convince him that he needs her and that at only 20 years old she is mature enough to take on running his home and taking care of his children.
John is surprised when she propositions him and isn't at all keen to have such a young woman as his wife. But, he loves her straightforwardness, and her political leanings, then when he realises that she must be P. Corpus, a person whose essays have astounded him, the thought of marrying her becomes very palatable. He agrees to marry her and what follows makes for a delightful read.
I don't want to go into details because I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice to say that John and Rebecca's relationship changes over time, as does her relationship with the children and reading all about it had me smiling, laughing or feeling vexed and sad. John's uncle is a hoot and brought some very lighthearted moments to the book too.
I really enjoyed this story and am sure it will be one that I read again and again.
August 4, 2016
This book continues with the sister of one of the characters in this authors brazen brides series. I almost felt like I was reading a different author. I like clean romances but I felt that she completely changed the characters personality. In the first book that we are introduced to her Counterfeit Countess there was no hint of how religious she was. The author just went overboard in changing the character. I did not enjoy that aspect at all.
December 17, 2015
This one is okay. Not awful-- I kept on 'til the end-- but not really good either because I started kinda speed-reading about half-way through. The storyline was promising, I think. I just didn't particularly like the telling of it. Or the writing style either, I guess.
November 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
The bespectacled, very bookish Miss Rebecca Peabody, who pens enlightening essays under the name P. Corpus, simply must marry. Since she abhors that disgusting “bedchamber business,” she decides Lord Aynsley is the perfect man to become her husband after all his is forty three & already has some children. John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody . . . until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash.
I really like the author’s books but this one just didn’t captivate me. I'm not keen on such a wide age gap, his eldest child was only a year younger than Rebecca. However the characters had depth & were very likeable. The story flowed well & I did enjoy the slow burn romance, it was Rebecca who saved it for me & I finished it so that iI could complete her HEA with her
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The bespectacled, very bookish Miss Rebecca Peabody, who pens enlightening essays under the name P. Corpus, simply must marry. Since she abhors that disgusting “bedchamber business,” she decides Lord Aynsley is the perfect man to become her husband after all his is forty three & already has some children. John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody . . . until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash.
I really like the author’s books but this one just didn’t captivate me. I'm not keen on such a wide age gap, his eldest child was only a year younger than Rebecca. However the characters had depth & were very likeable. The story flowed well & I did enjoy the slow burn romance, it was Rebecca who saved it for me & I finished it so that iI could complete her HEA with her
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 25, 2024
Bolen can actually write, which is why I persevered, but the problem is that she doesn't really understand the early nineteenth century (no, the Regency does not go up to 1832). Reform politics are a mass movement; the poor aren't sitting around waiting to be helped, they are marching on the streets. And no one, I mean no-one, thinks children shouldn't work: they just argue about what age and the conditions (the navy recruits ten year olds from the middle classes! Sir Robert Oliver was a Lieutenant at the age of 10: https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/obj...).
As for religion: this is not the 1820s/30s speaking. Even given that the heroine is an American, and even then, which denomination is she because I bet she's not Anglican in the way a ritual oriented Anglican of the 1820s would be.
Then there is the racism: even given the period, Americans new damn well there had been people there before them. No one was claiming-as the heroine does--that it was empty land.
But there is something there. Bolen has the feel, so despite it all, I may well read others.
As for religion: this is not the 1820s/30s speaking. Even given that the heroine is an American, and even then, which denomination is she because I bet she's not Anglican in the way a ritual oriented Anglican of the 1820s would be.
Then there is the racism: even given the period, Americans new damn well there had been people there before them. No one was claiming-as the heroine does--that it was empty land.
But there is something there. Bolen has the feel, so despite it all, I may well read others.
October 31, 2020
A woman, Rebecca, proposes a marriage of convenience so she can be free to continue to write her political essays under an assumed name. The man, John, accepts to have a mother to his many children and to help with his eccentric uncle. I found the heroine to be a bit naïve and not very much bothered when she finds, once married, she has no time to write her essays but instead helps her husband write his speeches. John admires her for her organized and political mind. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for my honest review.
November 21, 2020
A loved this clean historical romance! I really enjoyed the non-traditional storyline. I thought Rebecca was a really interesting character, and I thought her development was well done. The relationship between Rebecca and John blossomed quite naturally. I also liked the children and their unique personalities interspersed throughout the book. I even enjoyed the political talk! Overall, a great read!
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2012
Can we truly grow to love each other over time?
Rebecca Peabody wants a marriage that would provide financial independence and some personal freedom. Rebecca is not a wild, untamed miss just a woman with a purpose that knew want she wanted to achieve in life. What Rebecca found in John Compton, the Fifth Earl Aynsley was a man who needed a mother for his children as much as a woman in his bed? Yet these two were able to realize a merger of lives and resources was a workable arrangement. If only everything were that uncomplicated.
Rebecca too soon realized mothering 7 step children was a large mountain to climb but one she was going to get a handle on. The boys may be mischievous and her stepdaughter a little troublesome but each of them brought joy to her life and accomplishing the task of winning them over was her new mission. Convincing her new husband that he should reorganize some of his business ventures was more daunting than first anticipated. Aynsley knows his wife has a hidden agenda and perhaps a secret or two but how far should he let her go in running the household show. Time will test the character of Rebecca and Aynsley both and their relationship will have a push and pull more times than not but it may be the differences that pull them together not tear them apart.
Cheryl Bolen has captured the spirit of change, the art of martial compromise, and the crazy path love takes each of us on.
Rebecca Peabody wants a marriage that would provide financial independence and some personal freedom. Rebecca is not a wild, untamed miss just a woman with a purpose that knew want she wanted to achieve in life. What Rebecca found in John Compton, the Fifth Earl Aynsley was a man who needed a mother for his children as much as a woman in his bed? Yet these two were able to realize a merger of lives and resources was a workable arrangement. If only everything were that uncomplicated.
Rebecca too soon realized mothering 7 step children was a large mountain to climb but one she was going to get a handle on. The boys may be mischievous and her stepdaughter a little troublesome but each of them brought joy to her life and accomplishing the task of winning them over was her new mission. Convincing her new husband that he should reorganize some of his business ventures was more daunting than first anticipated. Aynsley knows his wife has a hidden agenda and perhaps a secret or two but how far should he let her go in running the household show. Time will test the character of Rebecca and Aynsley both and their relationship will have a push and pull more times than not but it may be the differences that pull them together not tear them apart.
Cheryl Bolen has captured the spirit of change, the art of martial compromise, and the crazy path love takes each of us on.
November 25, 2020
A Proposal of Marriage
Brazen Brides Series #4
Cheryl Bolen
https://www.facebook.com/CherylBolenB...
Release date 11/30/2020 ebook, 10/12/2020 paperback
Publisher Harper & Appleton
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The bespectacled, very bookish Miss Rebecca Peabody, who pens enlightening essays under the name P. Corpus, simply must marry. Since she abhors that disgusting “bedchamber business,” she decides Lord Aynsley is the perfect man to become her husband. At the advanced age of three and forty, he surely has gotten that repellant bedchamber business out of his system.
For reasons quite unknown to her, he accepts her bizarre marriage proposal, though he assures her a chaste marriage is NOT what he has in mind.
John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody . . . until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash. Thus he embarks on the adventure of his life . . . that of tutoring his young wife in the ways of love.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she gain more than she expected...
I thought this story would turn a certain way when in fact it was very much more than I expected.
Rebecca is young, why her proposal is rejected. A youth Aynsley sees more like an impediment than an advantage because of their difference in years. Yet something drives him to her, and this spark ignited, he is seduced by her way of thinking and her ideas.
And once he overcame his feeling to be too old for her, he will have to reform her view of the marital bed, as she believes it is a disgusting business.
While their marriage began as a convenience, they rapidly realize they have more in commun than they expected.
Yet a new challenge await them as Rebecca must be accepted by his already made family. And winning everyone’s heart is not easy task when jealousy, doubt, fear, lies enter the game.
Rebecca is a kind and caring person, while she threw her attention to others’ plight, wishing she could do more to improve their life. But she also hopes for more from life. And Aynsley offers her his brood of children to love.
The banters between the siblings is source of a lot of fun, I just loved little Chuckie.
Aynsley is different of the usual rogue/cad/rake/scoundrel, he is older, quite contented with his actual life. Yet when a slip of a girl crash into his life, his first gesture is to reject her before he is intrigued by this unusual female.
Their story is a tale of seduction but also love in all its forms.
4.5 stars
My only complain is by the end, Rebecca surrendered to society’s rules and dictates.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Brazen Brides Series #4
Cheryl Bolen
https://www.facebook.com/CherylBolenB...
Release date 11/30/2020 ebook, 10/12/2020 paperback
Publisher Harper & Appleton
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The bespectacled, very bookish Miss Rebecca Peabody, who pens enlightening essays under the name P. Corpus, simply must marry. Since she abhors that disgusting “bedchamber business,” she decides Lord Aynsley is the perfect man to become her husband. At the advanced age of three and forty, he surely has gotten that repellant bedchamber business out of his system.
For reasons quite unknown to her, he accepts her bizarre marriage proposal, though he assures her a chaste marriage is NOT what he has in mind.
John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, needs a wife to see to his brood of seven motherless children, a wastrel ward, and an uncle with a most peculiar habit. But he’s not interested in the way-too-young Miss Rebecca Peabody . . . until he discovers she is the brilliant P. Corpus who writes political essays with such passion, a passion he vows to unleash. Thus he embarks on the adventure of his life . . . that of tutoring his young wife in the ways of love.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she gain more than she expected...
I thought this story would turn a certain way when in fact it was very much more than I expected.
Rebecca is young, why her proposal is rejected. A youth Aynsley sees more like an impediment than an advantage because of their difference in years. Yet something drives him to her, and this spark ignited, he is seduced by her way of thinking and her ideas.
And once he overcame his feeling to be too old for her, he will have to reform her view of the marital bed, as she believes it is a disgusting business.
While their marriage began as a convenience, they rapidly realize they have more in commun than they expected.
Yet a new challenge await them as Rebecca must be accepted by his already made family. And winning everyone’s heart is not easy task when jealousy, doubt, fear, lies enter the game.
Rebecca is a kind and caring person, while she threw her attention to others’ plight, wishing she could do more to improve their life. But she also hopes for more from life. And Aynsley offers her his brood of children to love.
The banters between the siblings is source of a lot of fun, I just loved little Chuckie.
Aynsley is different of the usual rogue/cad/rake/scoundrel, he is older, quite contented with his actual life. Yet when a slip of a girl crash into his life, his first gesture is to reject her before he is intrigued by this unusual female.
Their story is a tale of seduction but also love in all its forms.
4.5 stars
My only complain is by the end, Rebecca surrendered to society’s rules and dictates.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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October 25, 2020
3 stars
*contains spoilers*
This book was given to me as arc from netgalley in return for a honest review. These are my true thoughts and opinions. They're mine and mine alone.
Trope:marriage of inconvenience/age different/ different stations in life
I enjoyed this book and It was a short fun read! I loved the John and Rebecca, and their story. Good hearted characters with great personalities.
Rebecca is a smart girl and is well matured beyond her years. She's not your typical heroine. She bookish, wears glasses, craves for freedom, independence, and is a American living in london. She's interested in politics and is not interested in peoples titles or ranks in life. She is also disgusted with men her age. She finds them repulsive and could not imagine the marriage bed.
Therefore she decides to propose marriage to John because he is much older. To be exact He is 23 years her senior. She thinks that because he's much older he wouldn't be interested in carnal activities. Besides that he already had 7 children and she would enter into a marriage with a already made family.
He politely turns her offer down thinking she is too young, Until discovering the identity of one of his favorite authors and It was her.
From there on out he couldn't get his mind off her. He kept thinking about of her and decides to go meet her brother in law. He asked questions about her, and gets the right response. He decides he'll be taking up her offer, and theh he asks her for her hand in marriage. She accepts and they are married within a few days.
They agree they would not share a bed until they get to know eachother more. As the weeks past they build a wonderful strong relationship. Sadly his daughter who is two years younger than her despises her with a passion. She tries to break up her father and Rebecca by betraying her father. Making it look like Rebecca was the one who committed the crime.
Through the hurt and mistrust he realizes he cannot hate her. He sees how deeply she loves his children and how affectionate she is towards them. They fight to keep their marriage and gets through the horrible events. Then finally his daughter confesses to the lies.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought and written out. Honestly I would've given this book a higher rating but I felt it was on the lower spectrum for steam. There were kisses here and there. Out of those few kisses 2 to 3 were more intimate with open mouths/tongue, and in the 80th percentile of the book there was finally a love scene but sadly it more of a fade to black scenario. Even without the true intimacy that a couple much in love would share there were feels here and there, and good vibes.
*contains spoilers*
This book was given to me as arc from netgalley in return for a honest review. These are my true thoughts and opinions. They're mine and mine alone.
Trope:marriage of inconvenience/age different/ different stations in life
I enjoyed this book and It was a short fun read! I loved the John and Rebecca, and their story. Good hearted characters with great personalities.
Rebecca is a smart girl and is well matured beyond her years. She's not your typical heroine. She bookish, wears glasses, craves for freedom, independence, and is a American living in london. She's interested in politics and is not interested in peoples titles or ranks in life. She is also disgusted with men her age. She finds them repulsive and could not imagine the marriage bed.
Therefore she decides to propose marriage to John because he is much older. To be exact He is 23 years her senior. She thinks that because he's much older he wouldn't be interested in carnal activities. Besides that he already had 7 children and she would enter into a marriage with a already made family.
He politely turns her offer down thinking she is too young, Until discovering the identity of one of his favorite authors and It was her.
From there on out he couldn't get his mind off her. He kept thinking about of her and decides to go meet her brother in law. He asked questions about her, and gets the right response. He decides he'll be taking up her offer, and theh he asks her for her hand in marriage. She accepts and they are married within a few days.
They agree they would not share a bed until they get to know eachother more. As the weeks past they build a wonderful strong relationship. Sadly his daughter who is two years younger than her despises her with a passion. She tries to break up her father and Rebecca by betraying her father. Making it look like Rebecca was the one who committed the crime.
Through the hurt and mistrust he realizes he cannot hate her. He sees how deeply she loves his children and how affectionate she is towards them. They fight to keep their marriage and gets through the horrible events. Then finally his daughter confesses to the lies.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought and written out. Honestly I would've given this book a higher rating but I felt it was on the lower spectrum for steam. There were kisses here and there. Out of those few kisses 2 to 3 were more intimate with open mouths/tongue, and in the 80th percentile of the book there was finally a love scene but sadly it more of a fade to black scenario. Even without the true intimacy that a couple much in love would share there were feels here and there, and good vibes.
November 28, 2020
Rebecca Peabody is a woman with a mission. Bespectacled, American born, and the 20-year-old younger sister of the Countess of Warwick, she feels every restriction placed upon young unmarried women in Regency London. No one knows that she has a secret career as the essayist P. Corpus, and she means to keep it that way. How better than to marry someone who will free her from those restrictions and let her live her own life.
She sets her sights on John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, a 43-year-old widower with seven children and estates in Shropshire. Surely such a man could use a wife with organizational skills (Rebecca once cataloged the largest private library in Britain) to manage his household, without expecting much in the way of those unpleasant physical intimacies Rebecca has only heard about. And one day she marches right into his London house and proposes a marriage of convenience.
Aynsley, a good-hearted soul, lets this strange (but clearly intelligent and passionate) young woman down as gently as he can. It’s only after she leaves his house that he associates the name Peabody with P. Corpus, an essayist he reads faithfully in the Edinburgh Review and greatly admires. Intelligent indeed, and rather pretty, and so very young . . .
It doesn’t take long for Aynsley to realize this marriage might be a really good idea, and a solution to several problems. Before she can quite realize what she’s gotten herself into, Rebecca is the new Countess of Aynsley (despite her American dislike of titles), settling into Aynsley’s Shropshire estates.
Only four of Aynsley’s children remain at home, but they are indeed a handful. Spencer, age 8, Alex, age 6, and Chuckie, age 3, miss having a mother and welcome Rebecca (although that doesn’t stop some creative misbehavior), but 18-year-old Emily, losing her place as mistress of the house, is another matter entirely.
Throw in a slightly deaf uncle who likes to garden in the nude, a moon-struck cousin who won’t find steady work because he can’t bear to be away from Emily, and that portrait of the previous countess hanging over the dining room table, and Rebecca has almost more than she can deal with. And then she realizes that she’s falling in love with her husband.
A Proposal of Marriage combines humor, politics, likeable characters, and growing romance into a thoroughly enjoyable novel.
She sets her sights on John Compton, the Earl of Aynsley, a 43-year-old widower with seven children and estates in Shropshire. Surely such a man could use a wife with organizational skills (Rebecca once cataloged the largest private library in Britain) to manage his household, without expecting much in the way of those unpleasant physical intimacies Rebecca has only heard about. And one day she marches right into his London house and proposes a marriage of convenience.
Aynsley, a good-hearted soul, lets this strange (but clearly intelligent and passionate) young woman down as gently as he can. It’s only after she leaves his house that he associates the name Peabody with P. Corpus, an essayist he reads faithfully in the Edinburgh Review and greatly admires. Intelligent indeed, and rather pretty, and so very young . . .
It doesn’t take long for Aynsley to realize this marriage might be a really good idea, and a solution to several problems. Before she can quite realize what she’s gotten herself into, Rebecca is the new Countess of Aynsley (despite her American dislike of titles), settling into Aynsley’s Shropshire estates.
Only four of Aynsley’s children remain at home, but they are indeed a handful. Spencer, age 8, Alex, age 6, and Chuckie, age 3, miss having a mother and welcome Rebecca (although that doesn’t stop some creative misbehavior), but 18-year-old Emily, losing her place as mistress of the house, is another matter entirely.
Throw in a slightly deaf uncle who likes to garden in the nude, a moon-struck cousin who won’t find steady work because he can’t bear to be away from Emily, and that portrait of the previous countess hanging over the dining room table, and Rebecca has almost more than she can deal with. And then she realizes that she’s falling in love with her husband.
A Proposal of Marriage combines humor, politics, likeable characters, and growing romance into a thoroughly enjoyable novel.
November 6, 2020
I have very mixed emotions about this one. I liked it and then I didn't and then I liked it again. This is a May-December romance - John is 43 with seven children from age 19-3 and Rebecca is 20. This book is very well written and the characters are really well developed. It is a true window into their lives. But, when it comes down to the pros and cons - there were just more cons for me than pros...
Things I liked
- the honesty of how John and Rebecca's relationship developed and her interactions with his kids
- Rebecca's competence and strength of character
- John's love of his family and care for Rebecca
Things that bothered me - even though they were probably historically representative of the time:
- John's nephew by blood being in love with and marrying his daughter (e.g. cousins marrying each other)
- John's relationship with his deceased wife - whom he says he didn't love but obviously liked enough to have a lot of sex with - seven kids don't just appear out of the ether
- the way John and Rebecca got married and then got to know each other
- Rebecca feeling that she wasn't attractive when she wore her glasses - and John saying he was used to seeing her in them, but not really hammering home that she was beautiful with them or without them - especially considering Rebecca can't see without them!!
- John being unwilling to tell Rebecca about his own subversive writing persona - but being mad she wouldn't tell him about her own.
- the strongly patriarchal vibe that goes throughout the whole book
I've been reading romance for a long time and have read hundreds of historical romances - I know that this book is probably more representative of the time than a lot of books that apply a more modern lens - but as much as I liked John and his progressive views, I still had trouble with things and even now as I think about the book they continue to bother me.
I recommend it for those who like traditional regency books. This is the fourth book in a series - but is totally fine to read as a standalone!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Things I liked
- the honesty of how John and Rebecca's relationship developed and her interactions with his kids
- Rebecca's competence and strength of character
- John's love of his family and care for Rebecca
Things that bothered me - even though they were probably historically representative of the time:
- John's nephew by blood being in love with and marrying his daughter (e.g. cousins marrying each other)
- John's relationship with his deceased wife - whom he says he didn't love but obviously liked enough to have a lot of sex with - seven kids don't just appear out of the ether
- the way John and Rebecca got married and then got to know each other
- Rebecca feeling that she wasn't attractive when she wore her glasses - and John saying he was used to seeing her in them, but not really hammering home that she was beautiful with them or without them - especially considering Rebecca can't see without them!!
- John being unwilling to tell Rebecca about his own subversive writing persona - but being mad she wouldn't tell him about her own.
- the strongly patriarchal vibe that goes throughout the whole book
I've been reading romance for a long time and have read hundreds of historical romances - I know that this book is probably more representative of the time than a lot of books that apply a more modern lens - but as much as I liked John and his progressive views, I still had trouble with things and even now as I think about the book they continue to bother me.
I recommend it for those who like traditional regency books. This is the fourth book in a series - but is totally fine to read as a standalone!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
November 28, 2020
A Proposal of Marriage by Cheryl Bolen. A young woman of 20, Rebecca, arrives at the home of an older man of 43, John, to propose marriage. She does this for several reasons: he is very attractive; he is too old, she believes, to care about bedchamber activities, about which she is uninterested: and he has seven children who need a mother so he has no need for another heir. Being a married woman would insure an independence she is not privy to as an unmarried woman, not matter what the age. He, of course, turns her politely down. Then he begins to think about it. He visits her home, speaks to her brother, who is her guardian, and visits with her. She is, of course, too young, but she is very attractive, and very intelligent. He is able to carry on a conversation the likes of which he has never been able with any other woman. She agrees with him politically! After thinking on it, the age difference doesn't seem as important as it had, and her views on bedchamber activities can be changed. He determines to ask for her hand and she accepts. Introducing her to his children is the next hurdle, so they are off to his country home.
There are a great many obstacles to overcome before this can be a successful marriage. Bolen lays them before the reader and goes about solving them, one by one. John, Lord Aynsley is a good man as well as a patient one. He watches Rebecca solve the problems in his home and gets to know each of his children. He is kind, intelligent, and patient. Rebecca loves children and finds the Compton children much to her liking. She respects her husband and is astounded when that turns to more. They both of plenty to adjust to. This is a lovely story, original and romantic. Bolen deserves kudos, not only for the trope, but also for the handling of it. Wonderful story. I recommend it highly!
I was invited to read a free ARC of A Proposal of Marriage by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #aproposalofmarriage
There are a great many obstacles to overcome before this can be a successful marriage. Bolen lays them before the reader and goes about solving them, one by one. John, Lord Aynsley is a good man as well as a patient one. He watches Rebecca solve the problems in his home and gets to know each of his children. He is kind, intelligent, and patient. Rebecca loves children and finds the Compton children much to her liking. She respects her husband and is astounded when that turns to more. They both of plenty to adjust to. This is a lovely story, original and romantic. Bolen deserves kudos, not only for the trope, but also for the handling of it. Wonderful story. I recommend it highly!
I was invited to read a free ARC of A Proposal of Marriage by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #aproposalofmarriage
October 23, 2020
4.25 STARS
This was a unique story line. The h proposes to the H who is an Earl and he of course turns her down because there is a huge age difference - 23 years. I must admit, I surprised myself that it didn't turn me off. In this time period, you could have an age difference being 30-40 years age difference. In this story it worked especially to the h's advantage.
The h is very smart and at age 20 wants a ready made family. The H has 7 children so this fits her requirement to a tea. She assumes since he is OLD, he is done with that bedroom stuff - lol. I wanted to know what her ex-governess told her about the bedroom act. That isn't explained and I think it would have been useful.
The H realizes she writes a secret column under a pen name and their political beliefs are the same. But, once she marries, that goes by the way side (her writing). Also, she is a great organizer and her talent in this wasn't mentioned once she married.
Three of the H's children have left the house, so 4 remain. They will steal your heart, especially little Chuckie. The h is a natural with these children. Of course she bumps heads with the only girl in the mix. I did understand the daughter's feelings at the beginning, but when the h showed how loving she was, I felt her opinion should have changed.
Another thing I felt should have been explained, was the SECRET that was told to the newspapers. How was that handled and did it have repercussions (no spoiler's)?
The story didn't drag and you felt their relationship changing from one of business to a true marriage. Lovemaking, within marriage, behind closed doors.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, epilogue 6 months in the future, bumpy road to get to HEA and romance builds slowly (ljb)
This was a unique story line. The h proposes to the H who is an Earl and he of course turns her down because there is a huge age difference - 23 years. I must admit, I surprised myself that it didn't turn me off. In this time period, you could have an age difference being 30-40 years age difference. In this story it worked especially to the h's advantage.
The h is very smart and at age 20 wants a ready made family. The H has 7 children so this fits her requirement to a tea. She assumes since he is OLD, he is done with that bedroom stuff - lol. I wanted to know what her ex-governess told her about the bedroom act. That isn't explained and I think it would have been useful.
The H realizes she writes a secret column under a pen name and their political beliefs are the same. But, once she marries, that goes by the way side (her writing). Also, she is a great organizer and her talent in this wasn't mentioned once she married.
Three of the H's children have left the house, so 4 remain. They will steal your heart, especially little Chuckie. The h is a natural with these children. Of course she bumps heads with the only girl in the mix. I did understand the daughter's feelings at the beginning, but when the h showed how loving she was, I felt her opinion should have changed.
Another thing I felt should have been explained, was the SECRET that was told to the newspapers. How was that handled and did it have repercussions (no spoiler's)?
The story didn't drag and you felt their relationship changing from one of business to a true marriage. Lovemaking, within marriage, behind closed doors.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, epilogue 6 months in the future, bumpy road to get to HEA and romance builds slowly (ljb)
February 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Rebecca's early scenes were very funny, from her laundry-list proposal to her missing glove to her delightfully mixed ideas of propriety. ("One simply did not bring one's maid when one wished to propose marriage.") Her character later shifted into a more conventional role, but I still appreciated her gentleness and willingness to both see and help bring out the good in everyone around her.
I liked the slow and gentle romance that developed between Rebecca and Lord Aynsley and the pleasure they took in each other's society. I liked the little glimpses of the children as well and would have liked to see more of them. (Shook my head for a moment at the thought of a six-year-old reading Homer, then remembered I first read Little Women at five. Never mind. I'm with you, Alex!) I was surprised and pleased with the way the author handled Peter's character and his relationship with Emily. I also very much appreciated that Lord Aynsley's hurt over his former wife's conduct was not the result of marital infidelity.
The one thing I struggled with most about this book was that while Rebecca felt guilty at the idea of marrying a man she didn't love, she never questioned the idea of marrying a man who had admittedly turned his back on God. I appreciated the way she was able to help bring him back to faith, but it bothered me that she never even hesitated at the idea. Her only worry seemed to be that God might not approve of their marriage because she wasn't in love. For being such a strong Christian, as well as for the time they were living in, it just didn't feel right. Unfortunately, this issue ended up knocking my rating down.
I liked the slow and gentle romance that developed between Rebecca and Lord Aynsley and the pleasure they took in each other's society. I liked the little glimpses of the children as well and would have liked to see more of them. (Shook my head for a moment at the thought of a six-year-old reading Homer, then remembered I first read Little Women at five. Never mind. I'm with you, Alex!) I was surprised and pleased with the way the author handled Peter's character and his relationship with Emily. I also very much appreciated that Lord Aynsley's hurt over his former wife's conduct was not the result of marital infidelity.
The one thing I struggled with most about this book was that while Rebecca felt guilty at the idea of marrying a man she didn't love, she never questioned the idea of marrying a man who had admittedly turned his back on God. I appreciated the way she was able to help bring him back to faith, but it bothered me that she never even hesitated at the idea. Her only worry seemed to be that God might not approve of their marriage because she wasn't in love. For being such a strong Christian, as well as for the time they were living in, it just didn't feel right. Unfortunately, this issue ended up knocking my rating down.
August 25, 2025
I saw that a friend had added this book to GR and decided to try it out myself. After reading the sample, I was hooked, so I got my own copy. Truly, I could easily have read this in a couple of readings, or even in a day if I had had the time, but alas, life and other responsibilities called. Still, it was a fun and intriguing book at times. There's plenty of chaos going on with a Duke who has seven children of different ages, but it made for some interesting settings (and not all of them are prominent to the story, since only four of them were truly present throughout the book). If you love age gaps, you'll definitely enjoy this Marriage of Inconvenience since theirs is fifteen years apart (she's 28 and he's 43). To be honest, it seemed some threads were left a bit loose, the language they used didn't seem accurate for their period at times, and I didn't agree with all the theology mentioned there, but there are mentions of the Bible and prayers, and the theme of forgiveness is strong. Reading reviews of past editions, it seems this book used to be open door, but the version I read definitely wasn't (and doesn't go beyond some kisses that aren't described in detail. ).
I don't think I'll check out more of this author's books, but at least this one made for a diverting read in between ARCs. ~ 4 stars
I don't think I'll check out more of this author's books, but at least this one made for a diverting read in between ARCs. ~ 4 stars
November 23, 2020
Miss Rebecca Peabody is a very independent and opinionated young woman who anonymously writes a column on civil reform. The Earl of Aynsley is an intelligent man, a widower and the father of seven children. When Rebecca decides to confront him and brazenly suggests a marriage of convenience, he soon agrees. His estate is quite large and his children need guidance. As Rebecca seems so sensible, he realizes this is a good thing to do.
When they arrive at his home, Dunton Hall, Rebecca soon begins to take over the reins of running the house. Her biggest roadblock is Emily, the Earl's daughter who has considered herself to be the lady of the house since her mother's death. In addition, the sight of a portrait of the Earl's deceased wife in the dining room and her ostentacious decorating tastes in the house tend to make Rebecca feel uncomfortable. The reception by the children is fairly good yet Emily does not encourage them to accept Rebecca as their mother. Rebecca wants to gain the children's trust and love and does what she can to try and make friends with Emily.
Rebecca and the Earl choose to sleep in separate bedrooms and while he knows of the anonymous column she wrote, he is chagrined to find that she has not told him about it.
Will Rebecca be able to be accepted into the family and will the Earl learn to trust her? Will theirs finally become a marriage of more than in name only?
This was what I term a very "clean" novel and I liked that. Hope other readers will enjoy it as I did.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When they arrive at his home, Dunton Hall, Rebecca soon begins to take over the reins of running the house. Her biggest roadblock is Emily, the Earl's daughter who has considered herself to be the lady of the house since her mother's death. In addition, the sight of a portrait of the Earl's deceased wife in the dining room and her ostentacious decorating tastes in the house tend to make Rebecca feel uncomfortable. The reception by the children is fairly good yet Emily does not encourage them to accept Rebecca as their mother. Rebecca wants to gain the children's trust and love and does what she can to try and make friends with Emily.
Rebecca and the Earl choose to sleep in separate bedrooms and while he knows of the anonymous column she wrote, he is chagrined to find that she has not told him about it.
Will Rebecca be able to be accepted into the family and will the Earl learn to trust her? Will theirs finally become a marriage of more than in name only?
This was what I term a very "clean" novel and I liked that. Hope other readers will enjoy it as I did.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 25, 2020
A Proposal of Marriage - Cheryl Bolen (Book 4 Brazen Brides Series)
My thoughts:
An engaging tale about a young idealistic well educated woman from the colonies (America), who since arriving in Great Britain has been writing essays about political/social reform for a newspaper.
The vast life experience differences between Rebecca, who is 20 and John Compton the fifth Earl of Aynsley who is 43, a widower with 7 children, makes for interesting reading.
I would have liked Rebecca better if she would have experienced a few more seasons/life experiences and maybe put her age about 25, which would have put her in the older spinster category. That would have made her interactions with her husband's family; his 7 children aged 3 to 19 and her husband's nephew aged 21, a bit more believable for me. For Rebecca at age 20 to have such an in-depth understanding of the political climate and social injustices in a country after only 2 years of being in residence and to display such knowledge/maturity in dealing with her step children was a bit too perfect/saintly for my liking. Some characters from previous books made an appearance. This is a stand alone book with a Happy Ever After. Overall I gave it 3 and half stars.
This story was previously published as "Marriage of Inconvenience" in 2012 and has been updated/re-written and republished in Oct 2020.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thoughts:
An engaging tale about a young idealistic well educated woman from the colonies (America), who since arriving in Great Britain has been writing essays about political/social reform for a newspaper.
The vast life experience differences between Rebecca, who is 20 and John Compton the fifth Earl of Aynsley who is 43, a widower with 7 children, makes for interesting reading.
I would have liked Rebecca better if she would have experienced a few more seasons/life experiences and maybe put her age about 25, which would have put her in the older spinster category. That would have made her interactions with her husband's family; his 7 children aged 3 to 19 and her husband's nephew aged 21, a bit more believable for me. For Rebecca at age 20 to have such an in-depth understanding of the political climate and social injustices in a country after only 2 years of being in residence and to display such knowledge/maturity in dealing with her step children was a bit too perfect/saintly for my liking. Some characters from previous books made an appearance. This is a stand alone book with a Happy Ever After. Overall I gave it 3 and half stars.
This story was previously published as "Marriage of Inconvenience" in 2012 and has been updated/re-written and republished in Oct 2020.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
I loved the heroine, Rebecca. She is very strong, opinionated but not in a bad way, loving, and dedicated to her family. The hero, John, was okay. I felt the story was a little more about Rebecca and her trials and tribulations then about him or them. I am not saying there was no romance. It was definitely there and it was a slow, again in a good way, romance. Many romance books feel like the relationship is rushed and it’s boom they love each other. Not this book, which is refreshing. There is a small sexual scene were they consummated the marriage. It is a sweet and clean romance novel.
Rebecca is living off the generosity of her sister and her sister’s husband. The problem is Rebecca’s brother-in-law is on the opposite side of her political views. She can no longer live that way. She goes to John to propose marriage which he laughs at her for even thinking a marriage would work. The problem for John is the age difference. He then realizes that she is P. Corpus. His views align to her views and he likes that she an intellect. One thing I did not like is John finding out about Rebecca’s secret identity very quickly and before they married. John finding out Rebecca is P. Corpus is one reason he married her. It was a great read. I have always loved this authoress.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Rebecca is living off the generosity of her sister and her sister’s husband. The problem is Rebecca’s brother-in-law is on the opposite side of her political views. She can no longer live that way. She goes to John to propose marriage which he laughs at her for even thinking a marriage would work. The problem for John is the age difference. He then realizes that she is P. Corpus. His views align to her views and he likes that she an intellect. One thing I did not like is John finding out about Rebecca’s secret identity very quickly and before they married. John finding out Rebecca is P. Corpus is one reason he married her. It was a great read. I have always loved this authoress.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 14, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
3.5 Stars
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. I found Rebecca such a breath of fresh air in the world of historical romance heroines. I liked that she spoke her mind and went after what she wanted. I would have liked to have known a little more about why she was so against having a physical relationship with any men - what exactly was she told and/or what exactly happened to her that made it seem so repugnant to her? Her immediate attachment to Aynsley's children (especially Chuckie) made her even more endearing. Her difficult relationship with Emily was realistic and, although Emily was a bit of a brat, you understood why she acted the way she did. I thought Aynsley's anger/frustration with Rebecca over not telling him she was P. Corpus was a little hypocritical considering he hadn't told her he had also been writing political letters under a pseudonym - especially considering she hadn't written anything once they were married. That aside, I did enjoy seeing how their relationship developed and evolved over the course of the novel. Overall, a perfect read for anyone looking for a smart, entertaining read.
3.5 Stars
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. I found Rebecca such a breath of fresh air in the world of historical romance heroines. I liked that she spoke her mind and went after what she wanted. I would have liked to have known a little more about why she was so against having a physical relationship with any men - what exactly was she told and/or what exactly happened to her that made it seem so repugnant to her? Her immediate attachment to Aynsley's children (especially Chuckie) made her even more endearing. Her difficult relationship with Emily was realistic and, although Emily was a bit of a brat, you understood why she acted the way she did. I thought Aynsley's anger/frustration with Rebecca over not telling him she was P. Corpus was a little hypocritical considering he hadn't told her he had also been writing political letters under a pseudonym - especially considering she hadn't written anything once they were married. That aside, I did enjoy seeing how their relationship developed and evolved over the course of the novel. Overall, a perfect read for anyone looking for a smart, entertaining read.
November 23, 2020
A delightfully entertaining Regency romance, this novel has all the attributes of a good romantic comedy. Rebecca has had her fill with living with his sister and brother-in-law and therefore proposes marriage to the elderly Earl of Aynsley. The not-so-very-old John Compton finds her highly amusing and is also intrigued by Miss Peabody's proposal, but when he links her name to the writer of political essays in the news sheets, he finds his interest piqued. Marrying John takes all of Rebecca's courage, but being confronted by four of his seven children, taxes her resources to the full as she battles to overcome mistrust and undisciplined behaviour. Winning the boys over is an easier feat than breaking through her step-daughter's barriers but Rebecca does not know the meaning of giving up. I loved the main characters in this book, as John is thrown off balance by his bluestocking bride. Rebecca cannot help but keep falling into trouble and it takes more than a little ingenuity to win her step-children over. This novel is entertaining with wonderful characters and comes to a happy and successful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 1, 2025
This book was such a disappointment. I picked it up because the premise sounded similar to the book I just wrote: The Inconvenient Sister. When I saw that this book was written by an author who actually had degrees in English, I got excited.
Sadly, I felt the relationship difficulties were forced. Here is a man who supports almost all of her political views, but she thinks he will prohibit her from being a writer? Here is a woman who puts God first and is encouraging him to return to God, but he thinks she would lie? These are not passing issues, but the main issue throughout the book. And then to have the oldest daughter made her into a bad character. It just seemed that the longer the story went on, the more contrived it became. There were also historical inaccuracies--for example, there is no way
I felt like the author did not put everything into this book, and there were spots where I wondered if the editors did not do their job either. For example, in one place, it said something like "personally in person."
Sadly, I felt the relationship difficulties were forced. Here is a man who supports almost all of her political views, but she thinks he will prohibit her from being a writer? Here is a woman who puts God first and is encouraging him to return to God, but he thinks she would lie? These are not passing issues, but the main issue throughout the book. And then to have the oldest daughter made her into a bad character. It just seemed that the longer the story went on, the more contrived it became. There were also historical inaccuracies--for example, there is no way
I felt like the author did not put everything into this book, and there were spots where I wondered if the editors did not do their job either. For example, in one place, it said something like "personally in person."
August 15, 2022
2 1/2 stars squeaking up to 3. The premise to this book sounded great, but nothing really drew me in after the first few chapters or sustained my interest. I ended up skimming. Also, I thought the age/maturity difference too wide between the MC's. Although I know it was common then for a man to marry a woman 23 years his junior, its an iffy setup these days. The difference might not have seemed so glaring if the MFC had been wiser than her years or at least circumspect in her behavior. She's supposed to be mature, but she isn't, coming across as a 13 year old much of the time. Why not make her 24-25 and realistic in her outlook toward life? Also, the platitudes got to be a bit much. I've read books by this author before but don't remember the religious angle being so front and center. I would have appreciated if the blurb had made it more clear that this is a squeaky clean, Christian romance, instead of using the usual steamy HR hook that the MFC would be "tutored in the ways of love." The MC's had no chemistry, intellectually, emotionally, or physically.
The kids were cute, though.
The kids were cute, though.
October 27, 2020
A Proposal of Marriage by Cheryl Bolen is my first book by the author.
Very cute story about Rebecca Peabody who is only 20 years old and wants to marry someone twice her age as she thinks he’d wouldn’t want to share her bedchamber.
Lord John Aynsley is 43 years old and widowed with 7 children. His marriage to the mother of his children was not a love match, but they both adored their children. Having not thought about marriage since his attempt to find a young wife to take care of his children after their mother died, Lord Aynsley’s three younger boys seem to scare away every Governess he’s hired to take care of them.
When Ms. Peabody proposes marriage to him, because already having children and being of advanced age and probably not wanting to share his wife’s bedchamber as much, he’s intrigued by her boldness and comes to the conclusion that he’s found out her little political secret.
I enjoyed this book and the storyline very much.
I will have to check out other books by Cheryl Bolen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
Very cute story about Rebecca Peabody who is only 20 years old and wants to marry someone twice her age as she thinks he’d wouldn’t want to share her bedchamber.
Lord John Aynsley is 43 years old and widowed with 7 children. His marriage to the mother of his children was not a love match, but they both adored their children. Having not thought about marriage since his attempt to find a young wife to take care of his children after their mother died, Lord Aynsley’s three younger boys seem to scare away every Governess he’s hired to take care of them.
When Ms. Peabody proposes marriage to him, because already having children and being of advanced age and probably not wanting to share his wife’s bedchamber as much, he’s intrigued by her boldness and comes to the conclusion that he’s found out her little political secret.
I enjoyed this book and the storyline very much.
I will have to check out other books by Cheryl Bolen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
A PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE by Cheryl Bolen
Rachel has taken it upon herself to ask the man to marry her, she has a lot of things that would attract him to her.
She also has a secret and he loves listening toher views on politics and he has lost his wife and his oldest daughter has been tending to the little boys.
She only has one condition and it makes him laugh as it does her sister when she told her what she had done...
Love hearing how she fits right in with most of the people at the estate and love the idea of the farm she tends to create with help from John's nephew.
Such a great read and revealed a lot about not only that time in history but the things that made it special and how things carried on into the future.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Rachel has taken it upon herself to ask the man to marry her, she has a lot of things that would attract him to her.
She also has a secret and he loves listening toher views on politics and he has lost his wife and his oldest daughter has been tending to the little boys.
She only has one condition and it makes him laugh as it does her sister when she told her what she had done...
Love hearing how she fits right in with most of the people at the estate and love the idea of the farm she tends to create with help from John's nephew.
Such a great read and revealed a lot about not only that time in history but the things that made it special and how things carried on into the future.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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