The Inconvenient Marriage

by Carolyn Faulkner

She doesn't want a man, and he doesn't need a woman. So, a marriage of convenience should be perfect, shouldn't it?

Mina has come for the summer to help her friend plan her wedding. After suffering through a trauma years ago, she has made a vow to keep her distance from all men. However, that was before she met Crystal's older, widowed brother.

Rad likes his sister's friend. The fact that she gets along with his two small daughters is an added plus, and these two reasons prompt him to propose a marriage of convenience to her. He makes it clear that there will be separate bedrooms, and she agrees. After all, she doesn't want a man in her bed, and he was hurt deeply by his first wife, so it just makes sense.

But when her new friend, Gemma, gives birth, Mina suddenly realizes a marriage of convenience to Rad is no longer what she wants. Somehow, he has broken through the barriers of her past. Can she convince him to make their marriage real? Or will it take no convincing at all?

Publisher's This endearing romance contains elements of power exchange.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2022

About the author

Carolyn was one of you as a kid, with the intriguing seeds planted in her head of the shivering thrill-thoughts that came with words like spanking, or discipline. As with you, those kinds of words and thoughts connected the heated blush of her cheeks with feelings elsewhere, which got more and more interesting the older she got.

I bet you know just what I'm talking about.

Like some, she started writing down these thoughts, escaping into short stories of reluctant heroes willing to take someone they love in hand when it's for her own good... and more shadowy thoughts as her imagination matured.

And like some, she started sharing her writings in newsgroups once she gained some confidence.

There's nothing like the perfectly-turned phrase, the handful of words that can make a feeling wash over you. And if you're reading this, then you have within you some intense feelings that most of the world doesn't understand -- but Carolyn does, and she writes those passions with wondrous abandon. Her specialties are Spanking Romance and Adult Ageplay, so we've grouped the many examples of her work that way.

Spanking Romance Classics are sweeping love stories which dare (in a very un-PC way) to allow their heroine to feel the special love of a strong man who will take her in hand when it's best for her. Carolyn writes very real, rich characters and stories that aren't just excuses to jump from spanking scene to spanking scene. If the timeless tango of pursuing ardor touches you, and the head-rush of Adoring Discipline intrigues you, then you'll love Carolyn's stories!

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mina has come to help her friend plan her wedding and meets her older brother Rad. Neither are looking for love but a marriage of convenience between them will work just fine. What will happen when Mina discovers she wants more than just a marriage of convenience, something real? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with intense chemistry and plenty of depth and emotion. An entertaining read. I liked it.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, which is set in the late 1920's starts with a proposal and then jumps back to the beginning. I'm not normally a fan of jumping timeframes in stories, but I'm used to it with this author and it doesn't faze me much. Once back at the beginning of the relationship between Rad and Mina it is a very slow build - it's obvious early on that something has traumatised Mina in the past and Rad is super careful to not frighten her. I am surprised that I liked this story so much. Initially Mina annoyed me but as the story progressed we're given more time with Mina and while at first she seemed quite abrasive, over the course of the story it's obvious that she's just protecting herself. I loved Rad - the way he was so careful with her while at the same time encouraging and pushing her to expand her life. With the only sex scene being at the end of the story this could almost be seen as a clean romance - except for the level of steam that is generated in the conversations between the characters and the insights we're given especially to Rad. This is a gentle, considered romance that others may find too slow, but I really enjoyed.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina is visiting her good friend Crystal to help plan her wedding. Unfortunately, she has to deal with Crystal's grumpy, widowed brother, Rad. Eventually, he proposes a marriage of convenience. They both have heartbreaking stories in their pasts, making this marriage in name only a good fit for them. At some point, she begins to want more from him. At times, I almost felt like Rad was taking advantage of Mina with their marital deal. But I love Mina - she's one smart cookie, defying societal norms to retain control of her assets when she and Rad negotiate their "business arrangement". Another terrific book from Ms. Faulkner! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read with likeable characters. Mina is a main character, who due to a traumatic event on her past, is a shy and likes to keep to herself, particularly when in a crowd of people. Rad, her friend’s brother, has his standards of behaviour and is strict with those in his household who don’t adhere to them. I did enjoy the way that Rad was gentle and understanding of Mina’s insecurities and how he tried to boost her self confidence. Rad also had issues due to his past experiences
This did have a happy ending but it was a little quick. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story! Mina has come to help her best friend plan her wedding. She is staying at Crystal's brother's, Radames, house. Mina is nervous of him because of an incident in her past. But Rad is gentle with her, even while spanking her for misdeeds. Eventually they decide to marry for the sake of Rad's two daughters. Ahhh, but love creeps up on them and they have the HEA.

This is a quick story that is quite well written. I loved how Rad was both dominant and gentle with Mina. He worked to make her more comfortable with his touch. Great story!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is inconvenient when there is love.
This was a pretty good story but to be honest the old fashion discipline was not a plus to the story. I would have liked more about what occurred to her and how Rad helped to overcome it all. Mina was such a kind and loving character and I was so hoping as the story progress she would find true happiness for herself. The ending was great and I really enjoyed the book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Baygirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

Almost as if another author wrote this book. It was so TAME for a CF book. Aside from which, Mina was so incredibly TSTL. The everyday things they talked about seemed highly anachronistic for 1929, totally normal for women to be going away to college and people driving around cars and having phones in their homes. I regret buying this book and spending so much money on it.

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is patient, love is kind. Mina is a shy, introvert who shut herself off from opening her heart after a traumatic experience. Rad had the patience to scale Mina's barriers and his gentleness and firmness meant that Mina felt safe. A wonderful slow burn story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Rad and Mina's story. It was a good story line. Both characters were strong characters with hard painful pasts who come together for a purpose unrelated to love but they end up finding it in the end. I liked their friendship and how their relationship changes throughout the book.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

[Leslie Mccullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotionally charged story. I laughed, cried and simply sighed a huge relief by the end.

I got all kinds of feels from this story. It really was an emotional, beautiful story. Carolyn Faulkner did a great job on this one.

[Laura Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I love books that describe how a broken heart can be truly healed. Love and communication are so very powerful.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Rad & Mina had an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

His idea of discipline would be considered abuse these days. But if you were to take it in the context for what would be considered his right in those days, you will find the Hero is quite patient with the heroine who is suffering from PTSD even while suffering his own past trauma. The characters in this story are likeable and caring. Excellent read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.