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His Runaway Marchioness Returns
Enjoy this Victorian second chance romance
From convenient marriage...
To inconvenient attraction!
Industrialist Oliver, the new Marquess of Rashfield, has become society’s most eligible bachelor. The problem is he's already married! Honorable Oliver conveniently wed his best friend’s sister Lily years ago, and since then they’ve built separate, fulfilling lives. Now Lily has returned for a long-overdue divorce, but Oliver needs his marchioness again until he secures his inheritance. They've never shared a house… Sparks are sure to fly!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
From convenient marriage...
To inconvenient attraction!
Industrialist Oliver, the new Marquess of Rashfield, has become society’s most eligible bachelor. The problem is he's already married! Honorable Oliver conveniently wed his best friend’s sister Lily years ago, and since then they’ve built separate, fulfilling lives. Now Lily has returned for a long-overdue divorce, but Oliver needs his marchioness again until he secures his inheritance. They've never shared a house… Sparks are sure to fly!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
- GenresRomance
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 28, 2023
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
254 books346 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
Join her on Instagram
Follow her on TikTok
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 28, 2023
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author.
A marriage of convenience allowed Oliver and Lily the freedom to create their own fulfilling lives - Lily now is an independent and successful businesswoman in France, while Oliver has focused on his own philanthropic interests. But when Lily feels it is time to now quietly divorce, they discover that there is a problem. For Oliver to inherit what is rightfully his, he must marry! There's only one solution - they must announce to the world that thinks he is single, that he is now married to Lily. But as they start to play the part of man and wife to convince society, will their actions turn to true, passionate feelings? And can two fiercely independent people, find a way to craft their future together?
Compelling, romantic, and with plenty of ups and downs, HIS RUNAWAY MARCHIONESS RETURNS by Marguerite Kaye, is a romance with a difference. I loved the fact that it is a meeting of equals in this story - both Lily and Oliver respect each other and have built successful lives by themselves - so it feels like a meeting of minds when they hatch their plans. As always, the romance is heart-thumping and I love this period in time with Marguerite Kaye's wonderful descriptions bringing that world to life in my mind.
HIS RUNAWAY MARCHIONESS RETURNS by Marguerite Kaye is a must-read for historical romance and romance fans alike. I look forward to the next book from this author.
A marriage of convenience allowed Oliver and Lily the freedom to create their own fulfilling lives - Lily now is an independent and successful businesswoman in France, while Oliver has focused on his own philanthropic interests. But when Lily feels it is time to now quietly divorce, they discover that there is a problem. For Oliver to inherit what is rightfully his, he must marry! There's only one solution - they must announce to the world that thinks he is single, that he is now married to Lily. But as they start to play the part of man and wife to convince society, will their actions turn to true, passionate feelings? And can two fiercely independent people, find a way to craft their future together?
Compelling, romantic, and with plenty of ups and downs, HIS RUNAWAY MARCHIONESS RETURNS by Marguerite Kaye, is a romance with a difference. I loved the fact that it is a meeting of equals in this story - both Lily and Oliver respect each other and have built successful lives by themselves - so it feels like a meeting of minds when they hatch their plans. As always, the romance is heart-thumping and I love this period in time with Marguerite Kaye's wonderful descriptions bringing that world to life in my mind.
HIS RUNAWAY MARCHIONESS RETURNS by Marguerite Kaye is a must-read for historical romance and romance fans alike. I look forward to the next book from this author.
May 26, 2023
I've given thi s a B+ at AAR, 4.5 stars
Marguerite Kaye consistently produces well-written, well-researched historical romances featuring characters and situations that are often quite different to those found in most other books in the genre. She’s as likely to write about non-aristocratic characters as otherwise, and although His Runaway Marchioness Returns does feature a titled hero, his situation in life – coming into a title at thirty-four as a self-made man – and his progressive views align him far more closely with the ranks of the new entrepreneurs and industrialists than with the aristocracy.
Oliver Turner married Lilian Grantham twelve years earlier in order to fulfil a promise made to his best friend Anthony – Lilian’s brother – before he died. It was purely a business arrangement; they married secretly, living separately in different parts of England until Lily left the country eight years ago, her ‘abandonment’ meant eventually to provide grounds for divorce. But neither of them has been in a hurry to end the marriage, both busy with their own businesses and their own lives, so Oliver is surprised to receive a letter from Lily indicating that she wants to finalise the arrangements for their divorce. When the book begins, Oliver is preparing to meet his wife again for the first time in eight years.
Lily’s request that they now pursue their divorce couldn’t have come at a worse time for Oliver. Owing to the unexpected death of his cousin, Oliver has become the Marquess of Rashfield, and because of an unusual clause relating to the inheritance, must be married in order to be able to fully take the reins of the management of the estate and finances. Oliver is married of course – but as he has never mentioned his marriage to anyone, he is widely believed to be a bachelor and he can’t suddenly produce a wife of twelve-years standing and expect there not to be questions as to the validity of the marriage or his motivations. He is determined to honour his promise to Lily, although he requests a short delay. He has mounted a legal challenge to that condition in his cousin’s will (something that was first instigated hundreds of years earlier and has been left simply because no other marquess has bothered to change it), and hopes for a ruling hin his favour, but the delay is frustrating. The previous marquess being in poor health means there are many things around the estate that need attention and the tenants are suffering, but Oliver isn’t prepared to put Lily and her life under the spotlight, so his best option is to rely on the court’s judgment coming soon.
But Lily has a better idea. Rather than relying on the court – which could drag on for ages – they should go to France, marry again (which they can legally do), announce their whirlwind courtship and marriage on their return to England and then announce it was a mistake and divorce after a suitable time has elapsed. Oliver is reluctant – Lily has made a life for herself elsewhere and he doesn’t want her to give it up – but she won’t hear of his objections, and it’s not long before the new Marquess and Marchioness of Rashfield emerge to take society by storm.
His Runaway Marchioness Returns provides an unusual twist on the marriage of convenience trope, because the characters are already married and intent on divorce when we meet them. The author does an excellent job of showing us just how well suited they are right from the very beginning; there’s definitely attraction on both sides, but that isn’t all there is between them because theirs is a marriage of minds as much as anything else. Oliver is delighted to discover that Lily is as career and business oriented as he is himself, and I enjoyed watching them discussing their work, their plans for the future and coming up with ways to present themselves and their marriage to society. The author draws some knowing parallels between today’s obsession with celebrity culture and the way Oliver and Lily have to face down newspaper gossip and scandal sheets, coming up with schemes to confound expectations and turn the tide of any potential negativity.
Both protagonists are in their early thirties and have worked hard building their lives and businesses, so there’s a real sense of maturity to them and their romance, which I very much appreciated. Oliver is a very appealing hero – unconventional and confident in his aims but prepared to listen and take other points of view on board, he’s far more concerned with industry and his philanthropic endeavours than he is with the business of being a marquess. And Lily is an interesting and unusual heroine, having made her living – very successfully – for the past few years as a theatrical agent in Paris. The author writes their mutual attraction and eventual physical passion really well – this is one Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical that deserves its warm rating – and I liked that the couple’s attitude towards their previous sexual experiences is a non-issue. Specifically, Oliver is not surprised or horrified that Lily has had lovers. I was also pleased to note that there’s no emphasis on having children; so often marriage of convenience stories revolve around the couple having to come together in order to produce an heir, but that is quickly dispensed with here (and Oliver uses protection).
As Oliver and Lily become closer and the ending of their time together draws nearer, the subject of Lily’s return to Paris and their divorce looms large – and it’s hard to see how their HEA can be achieved without one partner giving up the life they’ve worked so hard for. Thankfully however, the author comes up with a solution that is both believable and perfectly in character.
If you’re tired of all the ahistorical romances currently flooding the market, His Runaway Marchioness Returns shows that it’s perfectly possible to do ‘unconventional and unusual’ without throwing the history out the window. I’m happy to recommend it.
Marguerite Kaye consistently produces well-written, well-researched historical romances featuring characters and situations that are often quite different to those found in most other books in the genre. She’s as likely to write about non-aristocratic characters as otherwise, and although His Runaway Marchioness Returns does feature a titled hero, his situation in life – coming into a title at thirty-four as a self-made man – and his progressive views align him far more closely with the ranks of the new entrepreneurs and industrialists than with the aristocracy.
Oliver Turner married Lilian Grantham twelve years earlier in order to fulfil a promise made to his best friend Anthony – Lilian’s brother – before he died. It was purely a business arrangement; they married secretly, living separately in different parts of England until Lily left the country eight years ago, her ‘abandonment’ meant eventually to provide grounds for divorce. But neither of them has been in a hurry to end the marriage, both busy with their own businesses and their own lives, so Oliver is surprised to receive a letter from Lily indicating that she wants to finalise the arrangements for their divorce. When the book begins, Oliver is preparing to meet his wife again for the first time in eight years.
Lily’s request that they now pursue their divorce couldn’t have come at a worse time for Oliver. Owing to the unexpected death of his cousin, Oliver has become the Marquess of Rashfield, and because of an unusual clause relating to the inheritance, must be married in order to be able to fully take the reins of the management of the estate and finances. Oliver is married of course – but as he has never mentioned his marriage to anyone, he is widely believed to be a bachelor and he can’t suddenly produce a wife of twelve-years standing and expect there not to be questions as to the validity of the marriage or his motivations. He is determined to honour his promise to Lily, although he requests a short delay. He has mounted a legal challenge to that condition in his cousin’s will (something that was first instigated hundreds of years earlier and has been left simply because no other marquess has bothered to change it), and hopes for a ruling hin his favour, but the delay is frustrating. The previous marquess being in poor health means there are many things around the estate that need attention and the tenants are suffering, but Oliver isn’t prepared to put Lily and her life under the spotlight, so his best option is to rely on the court’s judgment coming soon.
But Lily has a better idea. Rather than relying on the court – which could drag on for ages – they should go to France, marry again (which they can legally do), announce their whirlwind courtship and marriage on their return to England and then announce it was a mistake and divorce after a suitable time has elapsed. Oliver is reluctant – Lily has made a life for herself elsewhere and he doesn’t want her to give it up – but she won’t hear of his objections, and it’s not long before the new Marquess and Marchioness of Rashfield emerge to take society by storm.
His Runaway Marchioness Returns provides an unusual twist on the marriage of convenience trope, because the characters are already married and intent on divorce when we meet them. The author does an excellent job of showing us just how well suited they are right from the very beginning; there’s definitely attraction on both sides, but that isn’t all there is between them because theirs is a marriage of minds as much as anything else. Oliver is delighted to discover that Lily is as career and business oriented as he is himself, and I enjoyed watching them discussing their work, their plans for the future and coming up with ways to present themselves and their marriage to society. The author draws some knowing parallels between today’s obsession with celebrity culture and the way Oliver and Lily have to face down newspaper gossip and scandal sheets, coming up with schemes to confound expectations and turn the tide of any potential negativity.
Both protagonists are in their early thirties and have worked hard building their lives and businesses, so there’s a real sense of maturity to them and their romance, which I very much appreciated. Oliver is a very appealing hero – unconventional and confident in his aims but prepared to listen and take other points of view on board, he’s far more concerned with industry and his philanthropic endeavours than he is with the business of being a marquess. And Lily is an interesting and unusual heroine, having made her living – very successfully – for the past few years as a theatrical agent in Paris. The author writes their mutual attraction and eventual physical passion really well – this is one Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical that deserves its warm rating – and I liked that the couple’s attitude towards their previous sexual experiences is a non-issue. Specifically, Oliver is not surprised or horrified that Lily has had lovers. I was also pleased to note that there’s no emphasis on having children; so often marriage of convenience stories revolve around the couple having to come together in order to produce an heir, but that is quickly dispensed with here (and Oliver uses protection).
As Oliver and Lily become closer and the ending of their time together draws nearer, the subject of Lily’s return to Paris and their divorce looms large – and it’s hard to see how their HEA can be achieved without one partner giving up the life they’ve worked so hard for. Thankfully however, the author comes up with a solution that is both believable and perfectly in character.
If you’re tired of all the ahistorical romances currently flooding the market, His Runaway Marchioness Returns shows that it’s perfectly possible to do ‘unconventional and unusual’ without throwing the history out the window. I’m happy to recommend it.
April 2, 2023
2.5 stars
I came this book by way of positive-toned review at AAR (it was B- review). Especially reading that both the male and female MCs are over 30s (he's 34 while she's 31). I also interested with the idea of a "returned wife" because second-chance romance is my favorite trope (ever!)
Alas! This didn't work very well for me. Oliver and Lily's 'first' marriage was truly a marriage of convenience - they didn't exactly DO anything despite the husband/wife status, so when Lily came to ask for a divorce, they were practically two strangers. It doesn't exactly meet second-chance romance to me.
Second, Lily, UNFORTUNATELY, aggravated me so much. She was the one coming up with the idea of the two of them getting married again, to finally retain Oliver's inheritance (which was tangled by trustee). But at the same time, she kept pushing Oliver away.
I mean, I was supposed to believe that Lily was this independent confident woman. But she kept worrying about what London peers thought of her, she dismissed Oliver when he said that he believed in her, that he thought she was beautiful, she didn't want to talk about her past in Paris (OWN IT, GIRL! That husband of yours was PROUD of you!). And she kept insisting that they wouldn't work together, she didn't want to sacrifice things (even if Oliver also said COMPROMISE - not just sacrifice).
AAARGHHHH!!!! Sorry book (and author) but Lily ruined it for me 😤 . The extra 0.5 stars is for Oliver because I thought he really was a good husband and wanted to make things right with his wife.
I came this book by way of positive-toned review at AAR (it was B- review). Especially reading that both the male and female MCs are over 30s (he's 34 while she's 31). I also interested with the idea of a "returned wife" because second-chance romance is my favorite trope (ever!)
Alas! This didn't work very well for me. Oliver and Lily's 'first' marriage was truly a marriage of convenience - they didn't exactly DO anything despite the husband/wife status, so when Lily came to ask for a divorce, they were practically two strangers. It doesn't exactly meet second-chance romance to me.
Second, Lily, UNFORTUNATELY, aggravated me so much. She was the one coming up with the idea of the two of them getting married again, to finally retain Oliver's inheritance (which was tangled by trustee). But at the same time, she kept pushing Oliver away.
I mean, I was supposed to believe that Lily was this independent confident woman. But she kept worrying about what London peers thought of her, she dismissed Oliver when he said that he believed in her, that he thought she was beautiful, she didn't want to talk about her past in Paris (OWN IT, GIRL! That husband of yours was PROUD of you!). And she kept insisting that they wouldn't work together, she didn't want to sacrifice things (even if Oliver also said COMPROMISE - not just sacrifice).
AAARGHHHH!!!! Sorry book (and author) but Lily ruined it for me 😤 . The extra 0.5 stars is for Oliver because I thought he really was a good husband and wanted to make things right with his wife.
June 25, 2023
All very pleasant, but since there is nothing keeping these two apart, and since the flicking sparks of external aggression die down as soon as noticed, this goes on my That was a Book, That Was shelf.
October 18, 2025
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On the lookout for historical romance, one particularly set in the Victorian era? Read “His Runaway Marchioness Returns” by Marguerite Kaye.
I am extremely grateful to have received a signed copy of this book by the author herself. Not only that, but she also included a gift made by her own fair hands and I love keeping all my pens and pencils there. If you’re not familiar with Marguerite Kaye, she has written a lot of historical romances and her most recent book aside this one is her collaboration with Sarah Ferguson for the Buccleuch Family series, with “Her Heart for a Compass” and “A Most Intriguing Lady”, a book I still need to read myself.
Synopsis:
From convenient marriage…
To inconvenient attraction!
Industrialist Oliver—the new Marquess of Rashfield—has become Society’s most eligible bachelor. The problem is he’s already married! Honourable Oliver conveniently wed his best friend’s sister Lily years ago, but since then they’ve built separate, fulfilling lives. Now Lily has returned for a long-overdue divorce, but Oliver needs his Marchioness until he secures his inheritance. They’ve never shared a house… sparks are sure to fly!
Thoughts:
The story of Oliver and Lily is very tranquil and unproblematic. They have their past of already having an arranged marriage and Oliver’s situation regarding his inheritance is proving difficult, so they’ve come under the conclusion to marry again. With the new marriage comes a lot of introductions and parties, something I greatly enjoyed while reading the book. Lily’s life in Paris was an interesting change in scenery. I loved her love for theatre and fighting for the performers’ rights.
It was very well flagged, how taboo it is for a woman to be in such an industry and profession and how ill perceived it was at the time – almost always associated with a bad reputation. I liked that Oliver’s views were modern regarding this topic as well as his views on his farms and how business should be run to benefit the workers. What I fear is that this wasn’t really the case. Usually at this time workers had to protest to get their say and it wasn’t always down to a good Marquess that changed the status quo.
I enjoyed Lily and Oliver’s romance. It was a slow burner at first, and then a case of not letting their true feelings show. Both tropes that I quite enjoy in a romance. It’s certainly one of those books you take with you to escape reality for a moment. My only reason for marking it a bit lower is that it’s not as memorable as other similar books I’ve read and I fear it will soon get lost with the other historical romances.
On the lookout for historical romance, one particularly set in the Victorian era? Read “His Runaway Marchioness Returns” by Marguerite Kaye.
I am extremely grateful to have received a signed copy of this book by the author herself. Not only that, but she also included a gift made by her own fair hands and I love keeping all my pens and pencils there. If you’re not familiar with Marguerite Kaye, she has written a lot of historical romances and her most recent book aside this one is her collaboration with Sarah Ferguson for the Buccleuch Family series, with “Her Heart for a Compass” and “A Most Intriguing Lady”, a book I still need to read myself.
Synopsis:
From convenient marriage…
To inconvenient attraction!
Industrialist Oliver—the new Marquess of Rashfield—has become Society’s most eligible bachelor. The problem is he’s already married! Honourable Oliver conveniently wed his best friend’s sister Lily years ago, but since then they’ve built separate, fulfilling lives. Now Lily has returned for a long-overdue divorce, but Oliver needs his Marchioness until he secures his inheritance. They’ve never shared a house… sparks are sure to fly!
Thoughts:
The story of Oliver and Lily is very tranquil and unproblematic. They have their past of already having an arranged marriage and Oliver’s situation regarding his inheritance is proving difficult, so they’ve come under the conclusion to marry again. With the new marriage comes a lot of introductions and parties, something I greatly enjoyed while reading the book. Lily’s life in Paris was an interesting change in scenery. I loved her love for theatre and fighting for the performers’ rights.
It was very well flagged, how taboo it is for a woman to be in such an industry and profession and how ill perceived it was at the time – almost always associated with a bad reputation. I liked that Oliver’s views were modern regarding this topic as well as his views on his farms and how business should be run to benefit the workers. What I fear is that this wasn’t really the case. Usually at this time workers had to protest to get their say and it wasn’t always down to a good Marquess that changed the status quo.
I enjoyed Lily and Oliver’s romance. It was a slow burner at first, and then a case of not letting their true feelings show. Both tropes that I quite enjoy in a romance. It’s certainly one of those books you take with you to escape reality for a moment. My only reason for marking it a bit lower is that it’s not as memorable as other similar books I’ve read and I fear it will soon get lost with the other historical romances.
March 2, 2023
Industrialist Oliver the new Marquis of Rashfield has become Society’s most eligible bachelor. The problem is he’s already married! Honourable Oliver conveniently wed his best friend’s sister Lily a decade ago, but since then they’ve built separate, fulfilling lives. Now Lily has returned for a long-overdue divorce, but Oliver needs his Marchioness until he secures his inheritance.
A well written entertaining romance & I liked the author’s take on a marriage of convenience. I really liked both Oliver & Lily & was drawn into their story from the start & loved their journey to a HEA. Their verbal banter was a joy & the chemistry between them just grew & grew. I also liked that they were both mature.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written entertaining romance & I liked the author’s take on a marriage of convenience. I really liked both Oliver & Lily & was drawn into their story from the start & loved their journey to a HEA. Their verbal banter was a joy & the chemistry between them just grew & grew. I also liked that they were both mature.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review via the author.
Overall I'd rate this book between three and four stars as I didn't feel that I connected with the heroine as much as I would have liked. The hero however was very much a sweetie to my mind (despite being self-confessed rough and ready!)
The title of the book doesn't give the reader much insight into the story as our heroine Lily disappears to live out her life in France but she and our hero Oliver made a marriage pact several years earlier that protected them both with neither having any intention of making the marriage real or living together in any way. She had no liking for being incarcerated in the house by the sea forever and wanted to make a life for herself.
But in romance-land of course there is always a snag and in this case Oliver has very unexpectedly inherited a Marquessate. Not only that in order to fully gain control of his new estates he must marry - which is awkward to say the least! Lily thinks she's back in Britain to gain a divorce at last and finally become the independent woman she has been living as for so long.
The pleasant surprise is how well they both get on, and how well they are both doing in business in the Victorian period. While they work out a way for Oliver to gain full control of his inheritance they finally become man and wife...in all the ways...and I particularly enjoyed how they went about arranging a party in London using all of Lily's talents in the entertainment world. Their fun at the theatre was also very much the reader's too.
I think I felt Lily's slight aloofness which is why I didn't give the book a full four stars as the rest of the story warranted. Oliver felt more fully present to me particularly when we see him in his natural habitat as an industrialist and his frustration at being elevated to the aristocracy was palpable. Lily's frustrations were of course completely understandable too though her job was certainly something of a curve! It was also very grown up how when the attraction between them became all consuming both hero and heroine acknowledged that each had a past. I do like maturity in characters like this.
I was uncomfortable with what happened to Oliver's estate. While I appreciate others having the opportunity to own and run farms etc among other things I don't like the breaking up of estates and the use of the house as some form of hotel is like my idea of hell! But then I'm a bit of a country house purist though not of course that they should only be for the rich. I felt a little disappointed that as an industrialist Oliver didn't have more ideas. Especially since I loved his works/model village set up which put me in mind of Robert Owen and New Lanark.
This was a good read as part of Marguerite Kaye's more recent Victorian books. If you like a marriage of convenience story or mature couples you might also like her Regency: The Inconvenient Elmswood Marriage (2019) or a mature professional couple in A Forbidden Liaison with Miss Grant (2020).
Overall I'd rate this book between three and four stars as I didn't feel that I connected with the heroine as much as I would have liked. The hero however was very much a sweetie to my mind (despite being self-confessed rough and ready!)
The title of the book doesn't give the reader much insight into the story as our heroine Lily disappears to live out her life in France but she and our hero Oliver made a marriage pact several years earlier that protected them both with neither having any intention of making the marriage real or living together in any way. She had no liking for being incarcerated in the house by the sea forever and wanted to make a life for herself.
But in romance-land of course there is always a snag and in this case Oliver has very unexpectedly inherited a Marquessate. Not only that in order to fully gain control of his new estates he must marry - which is awkward to say the least! Lily thinks she's back in Britain to gain a divorce at last and finally become the independent woman she has been living as for so long.
The pleasant surprise is how well they both get on, and how well they are both doing in business in the Victorian period. While they work out a way for Oliver to gain full control of his inheritance they finally become man and wife...in all the ways...and I particularly enjoyed how they went about arranging a party in London using all of Lily's talents in the entertainment world. Their fun at the theatre was also very much the reader's too.
I think I felt Lily's slight aloofness which is why I didn't give the book a full four stars as the rest of the story warranted. Oliver felt more fully present to me particularly when we see him in his natural habitat as an industrialist and his frustration at being elevated to the aristocracy was palpable. Lily's frustrations were of course completely understandable too though her job was certainly something of a curve! It was also very grown up how when the attraction between them became all consuming both hero and heroine acknowledged that each had a past. I do like maturity in characters like this.
I was uncomfortable with what happened to Oliver's estate. While I appreciate others having the opportunity to own and run farms etc among other things I don't like the breaking up of estates and the use of the house as some form of hotel is like my idea of hell! But then I'm a bit of a country house purist though not of course that they should only be for the rich. I felt a little disappointed that as an industrialist Oliver didn't have more ideas. Especially since I loved his works/model village set up which put me in mind of Robert Owen and New Lanark.
This was a good read as part of Marguerite Kaye's more recent Victorian books. If you like a marriage of convenience story or mature couples you might also like her Regency: The Inconvenient Elmswood Marriage (2019) or a mature professional couple in A Forbidden Liaison with Miss Grant (2020).
February 28, 2023
What a delightful story. This was so original - a marriage of convenience tale which is really given a new twist by the author.
Oliver married Lily for purely altruistic reasons and they immediately separated and went on to live separate lives. Now Lily is back to give Oliver a divorce so he can remarry and have an heir. Oliver doesn’t want that but he does need to be married to break the Trustees control of the land he’s inherited.
I loved how MK provided Lily with the chance to come up with the solution for Oliver, and explained why Lily would be happy to help Oliver by joining in the ‘fake marriage with a twist’.
From that point on we just sit back and enjoy the couple’s journey to a happy ending.
The author touched on some important issues in the book but as always, in a deft way which underpinned the story rather than overwhelming it.
I loved Lily and Oliver and I really enjoyed the adult way they behaved with each other. The dialogue was beautifully done and very real.
I would highly recommend this enjoyable and emotionally satisfying historical romance. 5 stars.
Oliver married Lily for purely altruistic reasons and they immediately separated and went on to live separate lives. Now Lily is back to give Oliver a divorce so he can remarry and have an heir. Oliver doesn’t want that but he does need to be married to break the Trustees control of the land he’s inherited.
I loved how MK provided Lily with the chance to come up with the solution for Oliver, and explained why Lily would be happy to help Oliver by joining in the ‘fake marriage with a twist’.
From that point on we just sit back and enjoy the couple’s journey to a happy ending.
The author touched on some important issues in the book but as always, in a deft way which underpinned the story rather than overwhelming it.
I loved Lily and Oliver and I really enjoyed the adult way they behaved with each other. The dialogue was beautifully done and very real.
I would highly recommend this enjoyable and emotionally satisfying historical romance. 5 stars.
May 19, 2026
The May 2026 #TBRChallenge is "New Beginnings." I logically decided to choose a second chance romance, LOL. Happily, the plot more than fits the auspices of the prompt.
As the story opens, Lily Grantham is on her way to meet with her long-estranged husband, Oliver Turner, who has unexpectedly inherited a title, an estate, and all of the responsibilities that go along with that. Seeing as how they haven't seen each other in eight years, she figures it's high time to put an end to their marriage so that he can move on with his life. She has set herself up in business as a theatrical agent in Paris, and is spectacularly successful at her chosen venture.
Oliver himself is an industrialist, who has set up a salt works in the north of England and with it, a model town for his workers. He is interested in doing things to the best of his ability, and has ambitions to expand his enterprises into canning and beyond. Unfortunately, his silly cousin managed to off himself and leave him with a much-unwanted estate and title, which is of course in ruins.
It's ironic that Lily chose this moment to discuss the end of their marriage, because what he actually needs more than anything else is a wife. A clause has passed down the generations of his forefathers' wills that requires the heir to be married before he can take on the estate. Until then, it's in the hands of a pack of his grandfather's hand-chosen trustees, one of which is still digging in his heels at age 90. His marriage to Lily was kept quiet, as it was basically her brother's dying wish, and nobody cared when he was a mere mister. Now, however, he's at a loss - with one court case to break the will winding leisurely through the courts, a divorce is the last thing he needs to come to light. The scandal!
Lily puts her brain to it and realizes that the only way she can magically appear as his wife is if they play at being newlyweds. She is very hesitant to do this; she values her independence above all else, and does not want or need a husband. She is self-sufficient; she also feels guilty by the way her brother basically -made- his BFF Oliver marry her before said brother died; it was either Oliver or a distant widowed parson cousin who was champing at the bit to add to his brood.
Oliver is just as obstinate as Lily, but concedes her plan is just bizarre enough to work. They will retreat to France for a second marriage ceremony and have an auspicious return to England, where Oliver can throw off the yokes of the estate trustees and move forward with his plans to modernize the estate and let the title die out.
The two do indeed cause a stir in the gossip rags, especially as Lily is extremely Parisian in fashion, carriage, and attitude. Tongues wag at the idea of the ultra-sophisticated nobody bowling over the industrialist basically from out of nowhere. However, Oliver and Lily are very carefully stage-managing their public personas, moving as strategically through Society as either moves in their respective business worlds. Lily is terrified that someone will connect her to La Mugette, her agency business, and thus ruin Oliver's social standing.
Oliver and Lily are determined to play through the charade long enough to see Oliver settled in his work. Lily wants to return to Paris before the spring theatre season begins, so they basically have six months to create a whirlwind the world will not soon forget.
These two spend the majority of the book circling each other, at turns denying and indulging in their magnetic attraction, each conceding to themselves that if they'd met as strangers at their point in their lives, they would've happily embarked upon a love affair with each other. But each respect the other's determination for an independent life, where they can make their own decisions and be beholden to no one. Catching feelings and fabulous sex were decidedly not part of their deal, and the longer they work together, the harder and messier it becomes to extract themselves from their tangled web.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's fairly low drama - there are no external pressures being exerted on our pairing; all of the angst is conjured by their conflicting feelings. The two get to know each other as grownups, and are genuinely supportive of each other's choices in life. Both want to see the other succeed. Oliver is the first one to confess his feelings, and he tries to convince Lily that he loves her because she is so independent and confident. All of Lily's life, the concept of love has meant transaction, with herself as a girl and then a woman always on the short end of the stick. She had to give up her schooling to nurse her parents; then became dependent on her brother, and then nursed him through his illness. Marrying Oliver the first time around made her feel dependent on him and like she had a debt to discharge. It takes her a long time to square these things in her own mind, and to accept the love Oliver so desperately wants to give her. There's no major third act breakup; their reconciliation is between two mature, authentic adults.
I have only two minor quibbles, which can probably be put down to the category length. First, we don't really get a clear picture of their original marriage. Apparently Lily lived with him for 3 years before absconding to France? Or maybe she lived by herself in the home he bought her in Kent? I wasn't terribly clear on that part, and I think a bit more of their history would've deepened their connection. The end was also a bit of a letdown, as we don't actually see how they decide to reconcile their totally different lives. They spend most of the book feeling very out of place in each other's worlds, and neither has any desire to succumb to Society's strictures. I was really interested in how they solved this quandary - maybe they are among the first who love each other but live apart?
But these are tiny niggles. This was definitely a hit for me, and I will continue to count the author as one of my auto-buy, auto-read favorites. I hope she lands softly when the HH line closes next year.
As the story opens, Lily Grantham is on her way to meet with her long-estranged husband, Oliver Turner, who has unexpectedly inherited a title, an estate, and all of the responsibilities that go along with that. Seeing as how they haven't seen each other in eight years, she figures it's high time to put an end to their marriage so that he can move on with his life. She has set herself up in business as a theatrical agent in Paris, and is spectacularly successful at her chosen venture.
Oliver himself is an industrialist, who has set up a salt works in the north of England and with it, a model town for his workers. He is interested in doing things to the best of his ability, and has ambitions to expand his enterprises into canning and beyond. Unfortunately, his silly cousin managed to off himself and leave him with a much-unwanted estate and title, which is of course in ruins.
It's ironic that Lily chose this moment to discuss the end of their marriage, because what he actually needs more than anything else is a wife. A clause has passed down the generations of his forefathers' wills that requires the heir to be married before he can take on the estate. Until then, it's in the hands of a pack of his grandfather's hand-chosen trustees, one of which is still digging in his heels at age 90. His marriage to Lily was kept quiet, as it was basically her brother's dying wish, and nobody cared when he was a mere mister. Now, however, he's at a loss - with one court case to break the will winding leisurely through the courts, a divorce is the last thing he needs to come to light. The scandal!
Lily puts her brain to it and realizes that the only way she can magically appear as his wife is if they play at being newlyweds. She is very hesitant to do this; she values her independence above all else, and does not want or need a husband. She is self-sufficient; she also feels guilty by the way her brother basically -made- his BFF Oliver marry her before said brother died; it was either Oliver or a distant widowed parson cousin who was champing at the bit to add to his brood.
Oliver is just as obstinate as Lily, but concedes her plan is just bizarre enough to work. They will retreat to France for a second marriage ceremony and have an auspicious return to England, where Oliver can throw off the yokes of the estate trustees and move forward with his plans to modernize the estate and let the title die out.
The two do indeed cause a stir in the gossip rags, especially as Lily is extremely Parisian in fashion, carriage, and attitude. Tongues wag at the idea of the ultra-sophisticated nobody bowling over the industrialist basically from out of nowhere. However, Oliver and Lily are very carefully stage-managing their public personas, moving as strategically through Society as either moves in their respective business worlds. Lily is terrified that someone will connect her to La Mugette, her agency business, and thus ruin Oliver's social standing.
Oliver and Lily are determined to play through the charade long enough to see Oliver settled in his work. Lily wants to return to Paris before the spring theatre season begins, so they basically have six months to create a whirlwind the world will not soon forget.
These two spend the majority of the book circling each other, at turns denying and indulging in their magnetic attraction, each conceding to themselves that if they'd met as strangers at their point in their lives, they would've happily embarked upon a love affair with each other. But each respect the other's determination for an independent life, where they can make their own decisions and be beholden to no one. Catching feelings and fabulous sex were decidedly not part of their deal, and the longer they work together, the harder and messier it becomes to extract themselves from their tangled web.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's fairly low drama - there are no external pressures being exerted on our pairing; all of the angst is conjured by their conflicting feelings. The two get to know each other as grownups, and are genuinely supportive of each other's choices in life. Both want to see the other succeed. Oliver is the first one to confess his feelings, and he tries to convince Lily that he loves her because she is so independent and confident. All of Lily's life, the concept of love has meant transaction, with herself as a girl and then a woman always on the short end of the stick. She had to give up her schooling to nurse her parents; then became dependent on her brother, and then nursed him through his illness. Marrying Oliver the first time around made her feel dependent on him and like she had a debt to discharge. It takes her a long time to square these things in her own mind, and to accept the love Oliver so desperately wants to give her. There's no major third act breakup; their reconciliation is between two mature, authentic adults.
I have only two minor quibbles, which can probably be put down to the category length. First, we don't really get a clear picture of their original marriage. Apparently Lily lived with him for 3 years before absconding to France? Or maybe she lived by herself in the home he bought her in Kent? I wasn't terribly clear on that part, and I think a bit more of their history would've deepened their connection. The end was also a bit of a letdown, as we don't actually see how they decide to reconcile their totally different lives. They spend most of the book feeling very out of place in each other's worlds, and neither has any desire to succumb to Society's strictures. I was really interested in how they solved this quandary - maybe they are among the first who love each other but live apart?
But these are tiny niggles. This was definitely a hit for me, and I will continue to count the author as one of my auto-buy, auto-read favorites. I hope she lands softly when the HH line closes next year.
January 29, 2024
Bland. Tried to enjoy this but there was no antagonistic factors.
March 18, 2023
Absolutely loved Oliver and Lily's story. As ever, Marguerite has created a strong, interesting female lead and her historical detail is exceptional adding interest and depth to the book. Highly recommend.
February 28, 2023
4,5 stars
I liked this story The front cover looks very authentic for the time but I personally am not so keen on beards. Oliver is an industrialist and philanthropist, think Cadbury, Fry or as Marguerite says Sir Titus Salt. Oliver was Lily's brother's friend. Anthony wasn't a very good business man but as was the case in those times, reluctant to allow Lily to help manage. On his death bed, Anthony asks Oliver to look after Lily. Lily has ideas about a career of her own but agrees to a marriage of convenience, which they keep secret. They go their separate ways. After about 10 years Lily, who is now a successful theatrical agent, thinks it's about time they sorted out a divorce and returns from Paris to the south coast. At the same time Oliver has inherited and become a marquis. He's got problems with the trustees of the estate who won't let hm manage the inheritance properly until he is married, they think he's single. It's an entertaining plot and there is plenty of passion. I suppose some people might baulk at the fact that both have had lovers whilst in this marriage of convenient but again I think perceptive of the victorian double standards. The characters are mature business orientated, philanthropic and there's no emphasis on child production. Marguerite gives us great descriptions of the clothes especially disrobing from crinolines!
I enjoyed this work and recommend it to you :)
The author gifted me an advance copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked this story The front cover looks very authentic for the time but I personally am not so keen on beards. Oliver is an industrialist and philanthropist, think Cadbury, Fry or as Marguerite says Sir Titus Salt. Oliver was Lily's brother's friend. Anthony wasn't a very good business man but as was the case in those times, reluctant to allow Lily to help manage. On his death bed, Anthony asks Oliver to look after Lily. Lily has ideas about a career of her own but agrees to a marriage of convenience, which they keep secret. They go their separate ways. After about 10 years Lily, who is now a successful theatrical agent, thinks it's about time they sorted out a divorce and returns from Paris to the south coast. At the same time Oliver has inherited and become a marquis. He's got problems with the trustees of the estate who won't let hm manage the inheritance properly until he is married, they think he's single. It's an entertaining plot and there is plenty of passion. I suppose some people might baulk at the fact that both have had lovers whilst in this marriage of convenient but again I think perceptive of the victorian double standards. The characters are mature business orientated, philanthropic and there's no emphasis on child production. Marguerite gives us great descriptions of the clothes especially disrobing from crinolines!
I enjoyed this work and recommend it to you :)
The author gifted me an advance copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
Oliver, the brand new Marquess of Rashfield is surprised when his estranged wife returns to Kent in order to seek a divorce from him. It's also a rather inconvenient time, as Oliver has just received his title, with conditions: he must be married. But Oliver is already married to Lily, something most people don't know and which was arranged by Lily's dying brother some years before, to make sure she would have the means to be cared for.
Lily had run away to Paris eight years before, after spending three years in the same household with Oliver, her husband. She wasn't happy and didn't want Oliver to feel obligated to her, much less did she want to feel indebted to him. The life she has made for herself in Paris as a theater laiason for actors, has become a successful one, and is independent from her husband's support.
When Lily learns of Oliver's legal predicament, however, she agrees to stay with him for a short time in order for him to get full control of his title and estates from an overzealous man or two.
This was not really a romance in the sense that Oliver and Lily merely felt lust for each other until the last part of the book. Lily had full intentions of returning to Paris and her life as it had been, without Oliver, and his idea of their relationship was the same. I had a hard time getting through this book, so have only rated it three stars. The work the author put into writing it is commendable, but the romance was not compelling. Although Lily and Oliver's three years together previously as husband and wife was mentioned, nothing about those three years together was talked about, nor did their current time together bring out any emotion in them that probably should have been portrayed, if they found at the end that they loved each other and wanted to stay together.
Lily had run away to Paris eight years before, after spending three years in the same household with Oliver, her husband. She wasn't happy and didn't want Oliver to feel obligated to her, much less did she want to feel indebted to him. The life she has made for herself in Paris as a theater laiason for actors, has become a successful one, and is independent from her husband's support.
When Lily learns of Oliver's legal predicament, however, she agrees to stay with him for a short time in order for him to get full control of his title and estates from an overzealous man or two.
This was not really a romance in the sense that Oliver and Lily merely felt lust for each other until the last part of the book. Lily had full intentions of returning to Paris and her life as it had been, without Oliver, and his idea of their relationship was the same. I had a hard time getting through this book, so have only rated it three stars. The work the author put into writing it is commendable, but the romance was not compelling. Although Lily and Oliver's three years together previously as husband and wife was mentioned, nothing about those three years together was talked about, nor did their current time together bring out any emotion in them that probably should have been portrayed, if they found at the end that they loved each other and wanted to stay together.
March 3, 2023
If you enjoy a marriage of convenience story, then you will love this one. It is a marriage of convenience story, but with a twist. Rather than seeing a couple marry and then immediately live together, in this book, our couple's marriage takes place 10 years ago and it's only now that they must spend time together. Previously to this, they lived independent lives with Lily in Paris and Oliver in England.
I loved their story, it captivated me from start to finish. I couldn't see how Oliver and Lily could have their happy ever after considering Lily was determined to carry on her life in Paris after helping Oliver gain control of his inheritance. The way the author gave them that wonderful ending was fabulous and believable, and I loved it. Their relationship was believable and their passionate encounters were written beautifully.
There were wonderful scenes in the story, but I won't talk about them because of spoilers, suffice it to say that this book had moments that I honestly haven't read in any other historical romances. Once again I can't help but say that I loved it.
The attention to detail in the time and places shows the amount of research that went into the book. Any artistic licence is explained in an author's note at the end of the book.
This is a really fabulous story and I definitely recommend it!
I loved their story, it captivated me from start to finish. I couldn't see how Oliver and Lily could have their happy ever after considering Lily was determined to carry on her life in Paris after helping Oliver gain control of his inheritance. The way the author gave them that wonderful ending was fabulous and believable, and I loved it. Their relationship was believable and their passionate encounters were written beautifully.
There were wonderful scenes in the story, but I won't talk about them because of spoilers, suffice it to say that this book had moments that I honestly haven't read in any other historical romances. Once again I can't help but say that I loved it.
The attention to detail in the time and places shows the amount of research that went into the book. Any artistic licence is explained in an author's note at the end of the book.
This is a really fabulous story and I definitely recommend it!
March 27, 2023
Lily’s brother, Anthony, saved Oliver’s life when they were young and Oliver feels indebted to him. So, when Anthony is dying of consumption, he knows the future for Lily is dim and doesn’t want to see her forced into a bad marriage. Therefore, Oliver secretly marries Lily and provides her with a home. The marriage is in name only. After 3 years, Lily moves to Paris and begins a new life for herself. Now, 8 years later, she has returned to England to ask Oliver for a divorce so he can seek happiness in a real marriage.
As the new Marquess of Rashfield, Oliver isn’t interested in the title as he has his own very profitable businesses. But, he wants to see the title turned over properly but he must be married to gain it. Therefore, he and Lily put their heads together to see how they can resolve this dilemma.
Lily and Oliver are wonderfully strong and mature characters. The fact that each of them have had successful careers is such a plus when they come back together. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to be apart again and was certainly rooting for them to find a way to be together for the rest of their lives.
Once again, this talented author has penned a thoughtful and clever book that shows how older couples can have fulfilling and happy lives together. Well done! Enjoy!
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As the new Marquess of Rashfield, Oliver isn’t interested in the title as he has his own very profitable businesses. But, he wants to see the title turned over properly but he must be married to gain it. Therefore, he and Lily put their heads together to see how they can resolve this dilemma.
Lily and Oliver are wonderfully strong and mature characters. The fact that each of them have had successful careers is such a plus when they come back together. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to be apart again and was certainly rooting for them to find a way to be together for the rest of their lives.
Once again, this talented author has penned a thoughtful and clever book that shows how older couples can have fulfilling and happy lives together. Well done! Enjoy!
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 19, 2023
Once again Marguerite Kaye has cast a spell over me with this wonderful romance!
His Runaway Marchioness Returns is a refreshingly original marriage of convenience love story, unlike others in this trope this is so new yes we have a marriage (or two) of convenience which binds Oliver and Lily together but that is where the stereotypical storyline from the trope stops. Lily and Oliver married in secret a decade before in a way to protect Lily once her beloved brother had died, he wanted Oliver his best friend to take care of his sister and as it was in those days boom, they were married!
Only they parted Oliver staying in England and Lily hopping over to France and their marriage was hushed up and more-or-less forgotten. Only Lily wasn't sitting idly by spending the allowance Oliver sent her every month, far from it she made a name for herself a business a reputation one she is proud of and very reluctant to give up.
Ten years later, they are reunited when Oliver inherits the title, Lily hearing the news of this thinks this is the perfect time to return and grant him the divorce she believes he deserves. only she finds out about the issues he has with taking control of his inheritance, this beastly trust is a right old pain in the rear end for Oliver! Lily being Lily with her smart and quick-to-solve problem brain finds the solution, and they will marry again just long enough which will benefit everyone and then part ways forever.
I really, really loved these two, from the moment when Lily step's down from the carriage and sees Oliver waiting for her there is an instant sizzle in the air, a crackle of mutual respect and appreciation and lust - oh, yes Oliver certainly has Lily lusting, which isn't surprising seeing as he is one hell of a seductive man.
Oliver is a wonderful man, gorgeous, kind charismatic, and handsome - I have always loved a big hairy bear of a man who has made his own way in the world. He's not your usual Marquess, he wasn't made for the part he is a self-made man, in fact, I got serious John Thornton feels about him (who is one of my all-time favourite characters from North and South). He is s really good man, not only for marrying Lily years before when her brother died so she wouldn't be destitute, but also for his determination to look after the tenants on the estate his plans are refreshingly new - I liked the insight into where the idea for Oliver's plans came from in the authors note.
Lily is my kind of heroine; self-assured, independent, proud, determined, smart and savvy. she knows her own mind, her own business and she is confident to traverse in a man's world. though I thought at times when she is thrust into their new life together there were moments where the mask slipped and her very few well-hidden insecurities come through. Brief moments where her thoughts wander and you see there is more to this woman and that intrigued me; she is classy, self-assured and incredibly likeable woman!
There are some beautiful scenes between Lily and Oliver, private moments which are caught off guard and which prove just how much they not only mean to each other but how well they are made for one another. Theirs is a real and genuinely lovely relationship, one which is so full of passion I did wonder how they would ever reach their happily ever after though seeing as Lily is so determined to live her own life in Paris, how can that work? But the way Marguerite Kaye brings them together and that ending is perfect for them.
Finally, can we take a moment to fully appreciate this cover, I am in absolute love with it. Everything about it captures Lily and Oliver perfectly. Plus it's (or should that be he) rather easy on the eye, again I do live a hairy bear of a man!
On a final note, I loved the author's note at the end, which explains a great deal of the history behind certain aspects of the story. You can always rely on Marguerite Kaye for insightful and knowledgeable historical nuggets and then we have the flawless historical detail which captivates and whisks you away to Oliver and Lily's world.
Overall, this is wonderful - gorgeous characters, an interesting plot with a spellbinding love story, loved it!!
His Runaway Marchioness Returns is a refreshingly original marriage of convenience love story, unlike others in this trope this is so new yes we have a marriage (or two) of convenience which binds Oliver and Lily together but that is where the stereotypical storyline from the trope stops. Lily and Oliver married in secret a decade before in a way to protect Lily once her beloved brother had died, he wanted Oliver his best friend to take care of his sister and as it was in those days boom, they were married!
Only they parted Oliver staying in England and Lily hopping over to France and their marriage was hushed up and more-or-less forgotten. Only Lily wasn't sitting idly by spending the allowance Oliver sent her every month, far from it she made a name for herself a business a reputation one she is proud of and very reluctant to give up.
Ten years later, they are reunited when Oliver inherits the title, Lily hearing the news of this thinks this is the perfect time to return and grant him the divorce she believes he deserves. only she finds out about the issues he has with taking control of his inheritance, this beastly trust is a right old pain in the rear end for Oliver! Lily being Lily with her smart and quick-to-solve problem brain finds the solution, and they will marry again just long enough which will benefit everyone and then part ways forever.
I really, really loved these two, from the moment when Lily step's down from the carriage and sees Oliver waiting for her there is an instant sizzle in the air, a crackle of mutual respect and appreciation and lust - oh, yes Oliver certainly has Lily lusting, which isn't surprising seeing as he is one hell of a seductive man.
Oliver is a wonderful man, gorgeous, kind charismatic, and handsome - I have always loved a big hairy bear of a man who has made his own way in the world. He's not your usual Marquess, he wasn't made for the part he is a self-made man, in fact, I got serious John Thornton feels about him (who is one of my all-time favourite characters from North and South). He is s really good man, not only for marrying Lily years before when her brother died so she wouldn't be destitute, but also for his determination to look after the tenants on the estate his plans are refreshingly new - I liked the insight into where the idea for Oliver's plans came from in the authors note.
Lily is my kind of heroine; self-assured, independent, proud, determined, smart and savvy. she knows her own mind, her own business and she is confident to traverse in a man's world. though I thought at times when she is thrust into their new life together there were moments where the mask slipped and her very few well-hidden insecurities come through. Brief moments where her thoughts wander and you see there is more to this woman and that intrigued me; she is classy, self-assured and incredibly likeable woman!
There are some beautiful scenes between Lily and Oliver, private moments which are caught off guard and which prove just how much they not only mean to each other but how well they are made for one another. Theirs is a real and genuinely lovely relationship, one which is so full of passion I did wonder how they would ever reach their happily ever after though seeing as Lily is so determined to live her own life in Paris, how can that work? But the way Marguerite Kaye brings them together and that ending is perfect for them.
Finally, can we take a moment to fully appreciate this cover, I am in absolute love with it. Everything about it captures Lily and Oliver perfectly. Plus it's (or should that be he) rather easy on the eye, again I do live a hairy bear of a man!
On a final note, I loved the author's note at the end, which explains a great deal of the history behind certain aspects of the story. You can always rely on Marguerite Kaye for insightful and knowledgeable historical nuggets and then we have the flawless historical detail which captivates and whisks you away to Oliver and Lily's world.
Overall, this is wonderful - gorgeous characters, an interesting plot with a spellbinding love story, loved it!!
February 26, 2023
A marriage of convenience from altruistic motives has allowed Lily and Oliver to prosper separately. Lily is a successful businessperson who wants to end her marriage. Oliver marries Lily to save her from a life of poverty; circumstances mean that he needs to remain married longer, but will Lily agree? This is a romance of equals, something rare in Victorian society. Oliver is a philanthropist, and Lily is an entrepreneur. Their relationship moves from convenience to emotionally committed whilst they try to secure Oliver's unexpected inheritance. The historical detail is fascinating and immersive. The passionate romance and clever twists make this an engaging read. I like the setting, the dynamic between Lily and Oliver and the passion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 3, 2023
Lily and Oliver had a marriage of convenience. Married on her brothers death bed because he wanted his sister to have security. When they reunited years later she wanted a divorce because he had just inherited. But fate had other plans.
Lily, is such a strong character and I loved her background in the theatre world. I loved how they had to act and pretend to be together to pull off that they were really married and you could feel the sparks fly as they practiced closeness.
Lovely romance read, with two gorgeous main characters. A little spice, an entertaining storyline and a lot of romance made this the perfect read.
Lily, is such a strong character and I loved her background in the theatre world. I loved how they had to act and pretend to be together to pull off that they were really married and you could feel the sparks fly as they practiced closeness.
Lovely romance read, with two gorgeous main characters. A little spice, an entertaining storyline and a lot of romance made this the perfect read.
March 17, 2023
Smashing historical romance with everything you would expect from Mills and Boon and Marguerite Kaye.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
As always, I love the characters! Great personalities and "equals" in every way, the heroine and hero find a way to make their circumstances work. I always love the stories written by Ms. Kaye. This one did not disappoint. Please keep them coming.
March 10, 2023
Loved it. Such a brilliant and modern historical romance. She was amazing
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