Anne Gracie | A Marriage Of Convenience
January 10, 2012
I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. I love everything about them. I've written quite a few of them and read heaps, and one thing I love is that no
two stories are the same. It all boils down to who the bride and groom are,
under what conditions have they married and what expectations do they have about
each other — and the marriage. Also, since I mostly write historicals set in the Regency, it's very suitable to
have MofC stories, as they were so common then. Marriages then were less about
love and romance — they were practical arrangements, made to protect
property, to consolidate wealth, to make alliances, to maintain class barriers,
or to achieve a rise in class. It wasn't always the upper classes who made convenient marriages, either. Poor
people and those of the middle classes married for security, or to improve
family status, too, Even a milkmaid had to have some sort of a dowry to attract
a good match. And a good match meant security. But for me as a romance writer, marriages of convenience are glorious
opportunities for fun. I love it when the expectations of the bride and
groom are mismatched, where one or both of the participants fight against the
growing intimacy, fearing love, fearing the vulnerability it brings, and the
loss of control or power, but undermined by unexpected and inconvenient lust
— because sex inevitably comes into it. It's a marriage and it has to be
consummated, regardless of how well they know each other. So it's like those old science class experiments — place your hero and
your heroine together in a glass beaker, then add heat. . . I love seeing a hero wriggling frantically on the hook, hopelessly lust-ridden
by a bride who's apparently oblivious, or being slowly reeled in as they
gradually get to know each other and love grows, sure and strong. My new book, BRIDE BY
MISTAKE, is a marriage of convenience story, with a slight difference. The
marriage was made in the middle of the war (Napoleon) when my nineteen year old
soldier hero Luke rescued a thirteen year old Spanish girl who was being
attacked. She was orphaned and fleeing a hateful forced marriage so to protect
her, he married her himself. For her own safety he left her in a convent school.
He didn't expect to survive the war. But survive it he did, though not unscathed. Now eight years after the marriage,
his application for an annulment is refused. He must collect Isabella, his
virtual stranger bride. At least, having been raised in a convent, she'll be
docile and obedient. Reader, she isn't. Here's an excerpt of when they first meet.
This, then was her husband. Isabella tried not to stare.
He was even more beautiful than she remembered. Eight years ago
she'd seen him with a child's eye but she was a child no longer and he was... he
was breathtaking. Tall, dark, his skin burnished with the sun, a rich dark-gold
flush along his cheekbones and such fine cheekbones they were. His nose was a
strong, straight blade, his mouth, severe and beautiful. And his eyes, dark, so
dark they looked black, but she knew from before they were the darkest blue she
had ever seen. There was no sign of blue now.
All those nights dreaming of him... and now. He was not the
same.
She remembered him as very tall and strong with a loose, elegance of
movement. Now he seemed bigger, more... solid, his shoulders broader, his chest
deeper. A man, rather than a boy, with a soldier's bearing—no, a hunter's
bearing. Alert, tense, wary.
She could see other changes in him, now she looked. The brightness,
the resilience of youth had been burned away, leaving the hardness of bone and
bitter experience behind. And cynicism, she thought, looking at the hard,
chiseled mouth.
The war had left none of them untouched.
Lieutenant Ripton might be as beautiful as an angel — a stern
one, as Sister Josefina had said, but there was a darkness in those eyes of his
that had nothing to do with any angel. Even a broken one.
His eyes, the eyes that had danced in her memory, now watched her
with a flat, assessing look.
She swallowed and held her head higher, knowing what he would see in
her, knowing they were ill-matched. The girls had done their best to make her
look as beautiful as they could. It wasn't their fault she looked as she did.
She knew she'd never make a beauty. She desperately wished she looked pretty for
him.
But she could see in his eyes she didn't.
Dear God but it was Mama and Papa again, Papa the handsome eagle
soaring high and Mama the plain, dowdy little pigeon, bleeding with love for a
husband who never looked twice at her.
Mama's words rose unbidden to her mind. Guard your heart, my
little one, for love is pain. Love is nothing but pain. BRIDE BY MISTAKE is a
convenient/inconvenient marriage story, but it's also a road trip, an adventure
and a story above all, about facing the past, and about love and redemption. I
loved writing Luke and Bella's story and I hope you enjoy reading it. What about you — do you enjoy Marriage of Convenience stories or not? If
you could have an arranged marriage with anyone — dead or alive, real or
fictional — who would you choose? I'll give a copy of BRIDE BY MISTAKE to someone
who leaves a comment.
Comments
79 comments posted.
Re: Anne Gracie | A Marriage Of Convenience
Oh I have to read this one! I wouldn't call my self a romance reader so much because not just any book can grab me, maybe I just haven't quite found my true type of book passion however I also do love a marriage of convience. with that said I do hope I win this fab book I would love to read it and tease all the girls at work with the bits and pieces of story. (Dulcie Bowyer 3:20am January 10, 2012)
Hi Dulcie, I'm a pretty wide-ranging reader myself, and read all kinds of books, not just romance. But mail-order bride or a marriage of convenience will always suck me in. (Anne Gracie 3:53am January 10, 2012)
Looks Amazing! I enjoy reading "Marriage of Convenience" books because I like how the characters slowly discover how much they love each other. In other words, I'm a sucker love stories! Though, I'm not sure who'd I personally would like to have an arranged marriage with. I could pick an actor or a sports figure I guess... (Joelle Beebe 5:17am January 10, 2012)
Hi Joelle, I probably made that question too tough -- too much choice is always difficult, I think. But if I said, who would you choose out of... Sean Connery, Mr Darcy, David Bowie, Tarzan or Mackenzie from Linda Howard's Mackenzie's Mountain -- that might be easier. ;) (Anne Gracie 5:42am January 10, 2012)
Sounds great can't wait to read it (Alisha Woods 7:42am January 10, 2012)
Thanks, Alisha. Hope you enjoy it. (Anne Gracie 7:53am January 10, 2012)
I loved the excerpt and can't wait to read Bride By Mistake. I'm partial to dark and broken heroes and a fight for a HEA. This is my kind of romance. (Christine Stack 8:28am January 10, 2012)
I love MofC stories. Can't wait to read "Marriage of Convenience" to see what happens between Luke and Isabella. (Joanne Balinski 9:08am January 10, 2012)
This book sounds so good. I just bet Isabella is tame :-)I enjoy reading about marriage stories. Interesting to see how they turn out especially with two stong willed independent people come together. If I lived in a different county, I would like a prearranged marriage- would be interesting, especially with a duke, earl, lord. Congrats on the release Anne. (Christine Arcidiacono 9:09am January 10, 2012)
I love the concept and this sounds like a great book! (Renee Pajda 9:11am January 10, 2012)
Hi Siang, yes, I think I'd want to be the one doing the picking, too, but I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. (Anne Gracie 9:17am January 10, 2012)
Hi Christine, I hope you enjoy it. I think Isabella is the only one who can bring this dark and wounded hero back...
Joanna, it's a bit of an adventure — a marriage of convenience, part road trip and part revenge/redemption story. (Anne Gracie 9:19am January 10, 2012)
Hi Christine A -- yep, Luke's in for a delightful shock. She's not the slightest bit tame. :) So, you have a yen to become a titled lady — sounds like fun. Thanks for chatting.
Hi Renee, I hope you enjoy the book. (Anne Gracie 9:22am January 10, 2012)
MofC stories aren't my favorites in historical romance, but I am intrigued by the set-up of this one. I've never read one that begins with such an act of off-field heroism by a soldier hero. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for visiting. (G S Moch 9:44am January 10, 2012)
Sure, I love to read about Marriage of conviences..they can get very interesting. If I could have an arranged marriage with anyone.hmmm..that is a very tough question...I can't say off the top of my head, but now you got me thinking!! lol (Dawn Staniszeski 9:51am January 10, 2012)
I would arrange a marriage with a handsome rake. (Beth Elder 10:08am January 10, 2012)
Sounds like a great book - and I'd love to win a copy. Best of luck with the book - and a happy 2012. Nancy (Nancy Reynolds 10:16am January 10, 2012)
Love marriage of convenience stories. :) But what a tough question! I can't imagine myself in an arranged marriage... unless of course I know the guy is a terrific catch.... But if I know the guy already, it doesn't seem like an arranged marriage... (May Pau 10:45am January 10, 2012)
I do enjoy marriage of convenience stories. I like the fact that often the last thing the characters expect is to fall in love. I can't imagine anyone that I would pick for an arranged marriage. It is just such a foreign concept to me. (Maureen Emmons 10:56am January 10, 2012)
I never tire of marriage of convenience stories, and I am especially intrigued by this one! (Cheryl Castings 11:03am January 10, 2012)
Fascinating! Now I am anxious to get a copy of BRIDE BY MISTAKE to discover how Isabelle and Luke made this into a real marriage. (Anna Speed 11:33am January 10, 2012)
I love books of marriage of convenience stories. I am gonna put this one on my wish list. so many i want to get to read and not enough funds to get them. Thanks for the chance to win. (Tammy January 12:08pm January 10, 2012)
I love marriage of convenience stories, they are some of my favorite books. I can't imagine being in an marriage-I doubt that many of them end up in the "happily ever after" that they do in books....although I have always been rather fond of Sean Connery..lol (Kris Bowers 12:25pm January 10, 2012)
Marriage of convenience are one of my fav types of books... seeing how the characters interact with each other and how they come to their HEA... your book sounds like I would enjoy! (Colleen Conklin 12:43pm January 10, 2012)
Oh this looks great. I would love to read this. (Rebecca Hagan 1:25pm January 10, 2012)
I really like marriage of convenince stories especially if there are underlying feelings. However, there is no way I would enter into one. :) (Kim C 2:28pm January 10, 2012)
This poor girl has been dreaming of her husband for eight years! And then he tries to annul the marriage! The pain and the interesting story that will insue. I can't wait to read this. (Kathleen Bianchi 2:38pm January 10, 2012)
This book sounds great! I enjoy most marriage of convenience stories. I'm not sure who I'd want a marriage of convenience with. (Cheryl McEwen 2:48pm January 10, 2012)
This sounds like a really interesting story! thanks for the giveaway..!!! (Cate Sparks 2:49pm January 10, 2012)
Sounds quite interesting! (Ann Blake 3:47pm January 10, 2012)
Hello Anne! I adore marriage of convenience stories. I like that the couple may hate each other in the beginning. They bicker and fight. The heated exchanges usually lead to passion. Love it! (Stacie Deramo 4:55pm January 10, 2012)
I do enjoy marriage of convenience stories, pre-arranged marriage, or mail-order bride stories are all good, and how the characters slowly discover more about each other and grow, then fall in love. This story sounds great and I enjoyed what I've read so far from the excerpt. If I could have an arranged marriage with someone (even tho this actor is married...but let's pretend he wasn't), I'd choose Johnny Depp. I love his enthusiasm and his abilities to play so many terrific roles in movies, and he's good-looking. I definitely want to read this book to find out more about Luke and Isabella through their marital journey! (Linda Luinstra 5:24pm January 10, 2012)
Wow! Lots of comments have come in while i was sleeping...hmm, great title. ;) GS Moch said: "I've never read one that begins with such an act of off-field heroism by a soldier hero." It was a kind of 'dream' of that scene that inspired the book. I often get scenes come to me like that, and it takes some time before I work out what the story is about. I hiope you enjoy the book. (Anne Gracie 5:45pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Dawn, yes, I seem to have stumped a lot of people with that question. Clearly it needs to go. The whole idea of one's own MofC is a bit off-putting. LOL. Thanks for visiting. (Anne Gracie 5:47pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Beth, a handsome rake, eh? Sounds good, especially if he's the kind of rake who then becomes a devoted husband, having sown his wild oats. Maybe like my Gideon in THE PERFECT RAKE.
Hi Nancy, thanks for leaving a comment. Good luck in the draw (Anne Gracie 5:49pm January 10, 2012)
Marriage of convenience stories always pull at my heartstrings. The angst makes it hard to get through sometimes but the happily ever after makes it worth it. The struggles the couple has to go through, and the reader knowing how perfect they would be together if they just let it happen, always pulls me in. If I had an arranged marriage I would definitely be the bride that runs away and meets a handsome knight in shining armor who would protect me from the terrible arrangement lol :). Bride by Mistake is on my definite tbr list. (Sharon D 5:53pm January 10, 2012)
Hi May, yes, I know, the question is a bit of a dud -- sorry about that. It's too hard. But it's not necessarily true that if you know the guy it's not an arranged marriage — it can happen when people know each other already. But then it's more of a friends to lovers story.
Hi Maureen, yes, we're too used to choice to really imagine it. I think that's what makes it such a good plot device — and why it's always popular in a book — it's quite a scary concept, being married to a virtual stranger. (Anne Gracie 5:53pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Cheryl, yes, this MofC is a bit different in how it starts off. I had someone ask me if it was a medieval, with the young age of the bride. But no, it's definitely Regency-era. I hope you enjoy it.
Hi Anna, it's a bit of an adventure, but watching Luke and Bella slowly fall in love is fun. Well, it was fun to write. I hope it's fun to read. (Anne Gracie 5:56pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Tammy, isn't that aways the way — too many books, not enough money to buy them. And for some who have the money, it's 'too many books not enough time to read.' One day... And anyway, you might win the draw. Good luck. (And BTW I don't choose the winner – the computer does, I think.)
Hi Kris, actually marriages of convenience are far more common, even today, than many people think. And they have a pretty good survuval rate — better than marriages made by people who are in love — or think they are. Possibly it's because the expectations are clearer — and so are the roles of husband and wife. And love grows slowly.
Hi Colleen, I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake. Thanks for commenting. All the best in the draw. (Anne Gracie 6:00pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Rebecca, thanks for dropping by. Good luck in the draw.
Yes, Kim, I agree with you, I wouldn't want an arranged marriage. But several of my friends' parents had arranged marriages and you'd never know it. They're like any other long married, affectionate, happy couple. (Anne Gracie 6:03pm January 10, 2012)
Kathleen, you're so right. Poor Bella was totally humiliated when she realized Luke had tried to annul the marriage. She was the kind of heroine who really caught at my heart. I loved her, loved writing her story and loved watching her and Luke bring out the best in each other. I hope you enjoy it.
Cheryl, Cate and Ann, thanks for leaving a comment. Good luck in the draw. (Anne Gracie 6:06pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Stacie, thanks for your comment. I'm not sure they hate each other at the start, but there are certainly strong and mixed feelings and a good deal of disagreement. I hope you enjoy it.
Linda I used to read a lot of westerns and I love the mail-order-bride story. I wish they'd publish more of them. I miss them. Glad you liked the excerpt — there's another one on my website, of Isabella in the convent the day Luke arrives.
And, Johnny Depp!!! Yes!!! Excellent choice. (Anne Gracie 6:09pm January 10, 2012)
It sounds tantalizing. It resembles so many of the stories of royalty, yet since it is ordinary people (be it in a very different time), I can relate to it more. Alright, I'm hooked. (Trisha Kilpatrick 6:51pm January 10, 2012)
Sounds fabulous, heard some really good things about this book. I love Marriage of Convenience stories so I would love to read this one. My choice of marriage would be Kevin Costner or Sam Elliot. (Gail Hurt 7:04pm January 10, 2012)
For 20 years or more I've loved Richard Gere, but I don't think I could live with him, we are both so different.. I'm very happy with my husband, we get along so well. I enjoy marriage of convenience stories,and can't wait to read this one. (Deb Pelletier 7:06pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Trisha, thanks for commenting. I hadn't thought about royalty, but yes, they certainly were arranged marriages. Hope you enjo the book.
Thanks, Gail, delighted to hear there's some some buzz about it. I've had some lovely reviews and comments from readers.
Love your choices for a MofC — what a hard choice to make.
Hi Deb, yes, you're probably right — Richard Gere is probably more "male mistress" material than husband material. ;) Thanks for playing. I hope you enjoy the book. (Anne Gracie 7:41pm January 10, 2012)
This would be my first Marriage of Convenience story I've ever read, so I have nothing to compare it to. The story sounds like a good book to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa about now, and perhaps have a box of kleenix handy at times. It's just the right book for my mindset right now!! As for an arranged marriage, the person that came to mind for me would be Beethoven. I know he wouldn't have been the easiest person to live with, but I can understand his pain, and perhaps ease it a bit. I also love his music, and love his passion for it. I would do what I could to keep his passion going and as well as the expression, since I believe he was a great artist. I also love that era. (Peggy Roberson 8:26pm January 10, 2012)
I'm a rather voracious reader, but I especially enjoy stories with happy ending- that includes science fiction! This story sounds like fun, with many bumps in the road to keep me engaged. I look forward to reading it. (Debra Mowatt 8:44pm January 10, 2012)
Thanks for posting the excerpt - I love all your books and am loking forward to reading Bride By Mistake. (Mary C 9:00pm January 10, 2012)
Peggy, what a wonderful thought. It's so sad that so many of those wonderful composers died lonely or miserable. But I wonder whether those extremes come with that level of genius. Maybe, maybe not. (Anne Gracie 9:46pm January 10, 2012)
Sounds like a great read. Enjoyed your blog. (Sheila True 9:47pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Debra, I'm a voracious reader, too and I love a bit of variety in my reading diet, but I have to confess, I do love a happy ending. I get cross with some novels where there's a miserable ending for no other reason than that the author thinks it's a more "realistic" or more "literary" way to go. I don't agree. I'd much rather read a book that gives you hope and a good feeling at the end than one that leaves you emotionally gutted.
Hi Mary, thank you for reading my other books. I'm so pleased you liked them. I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake. (Anne Gracie 9:50pm January 10, 2012)
Thanks, Sheila. Good luck in the draw. (Anne Gracie 9:50pm January 10, 2012)
I love "marriage of convenience" stories. The sexual tension between the two is usually quite palpable!!! And if I "had" to be in an arranged marriage, Gerard Butler would be my man!!! (Laura Henderson 9:52pm January 10, 2012)
Love your books. I'd love to win won. (Molly Wilsbacher 10:33pm January 10, 2012)
Hi Laura, I'd have to agree with you on both counts — MofC stories are fun, and Gerard Butler is The Man.
Hi Molly, thanks for saying that. You're in the draw (as is everyone who left the little box checked). I hope you enjoy Bride By Mistake. (Anne Gracie 11:10pm January 10, 2012)
Anne - the book sounds great! Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the drawing! (Rhonda Dennis 11:32pm January 10, 2012)
I think this sounds awesome. I don't know that with my hot temper and independent hard-headedness that I would have let my family "marry me off" like they did years ago. But maybe raised in a different time I wouldn't have been so bad. {shrug} But there are a few men out there I wouldn't have minded on sight alone and if my family really needed me to take one for the team I might have done that. (Patti Paonessa 11:47pm January 10, 2012)
An arranged marriage seems without so much merit nowadays at least in this culture. MofC stories however ar fun to read and follow the blodlines and the money. (Alyson Widen 4:47pm January 11, 2012)
I really like the excepts of the books,i can't wait to read the whole book too. (Debra LeBarron 5:21pm January 11, 2012)
I enjoy reading about marriages of convenience, but I am not sure I would want to be in one with anyone. I spent a long time choosing my husband and enjoyed the picking. LOL (Gladys Paradowski 12:24pm January 12, 2012)
I'm rather fond of MofC books, though I doubt I'd have wanted one for myself. I had neighbors from India who were in an MofC and it seemed certainly no worse than most marriages based on love. The getting-to-know-one-another phase just happens after the marriage. Of course, there is less room for error. (Sigrun Schulz 12:42pm January 12, 2012)
I do enjoy reading stories about marriages of convenience. If I had to choose for myself, I would not want anyone famous. Just an honest, decent, hard working man who I would grow to love & he me. (Mary Preston 4:41am January 12, 2012)
Rhonda, thanks for dropping in. Good luck with the draw.
Hi Patti, I'm chuckling at the idea of you taking one for the team. From what I've seen of arranged marriages these days, they families try very hard to match the couple well, so the idea of a forced arrangement is not as common as some people think. Taking one for the team OTOH... (Anne Gracie 6:30am January 12, 2012)
Hi Alyson, I hope you find Bride By Mistake an enjoyable read. Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Hi Debra, I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpts. Good luck in the draw, and thanks for coming by. (Anne Gracie 6:32am January 12, 2012)
Hi Gladys, it sounds like you did a good job in the picking, too. And yes, an arranged marriage is probably more fun on paper than in reality.
Sigrun, you're right. I think lots of modern arranged marriages are very successful, and it's as valid a base for marriage as any other. As I said, it's all about expectations, and if two people make up their minds to make a marriage work, that's the main thing, regardless of how they first got together. (Anne Gracie 6:34am January 12, 2012)
Mary, what a gorgeous comment -- "an honest, decent, hard working man who I would grow to love & he me.
" Perfect. Thanks so much for joining in the discussion. Good luck with the draw. (Anne Gracie 6:35am January 12, 2012)
Marriage of convience with anyone, Cary Grant he's probaby done it on screen a few times and I just finished reading a book that reminded me of him. (Theresa Norris 6:42am January 12, 2012)
Anne- thanks for the excerpt! This book looks great. It's going right onto my TBR list! I love MoC stories. Watching the characters grow from indifference or dislike to falling in love is always fun, especially if the tension is there between the characters. They're best when there's a strong, opinionated heroine. Some of the greatest snarky dialogue comes from stories like these! (Debbie Burdeen 7:43am January 12, 2012)
I love this excerpt and definitely enjoy MoC stories!! Hmmmm, if I had to have a MoC, who would I choose? Well, I do have a few "dream guys" I would marry in a heartbeat - however, I would also choose Clark Gable/Rhett Butler - or Tyrone Power. :-) (Felicia Ciaudelli 8:07am January 12, 2012)
Give me a marriage of convenience story any day because you know there will be friction followed by sexual tension followed by true romance. Sigh...who could ask for more? Anne Gracie is an awesome author. I'm so looking forward to reading "Bride by Mistake." Thanks for sharing! (Connie Fischer 8:53am January 12, 2012)
I love marriage of convenience stories. Those and mail-order bride stories have a lot in common. I love to discover just what makes these marriages work. That said--I JUST LOVE YUR BOOKS!!! Thank you for providing so many hours of enjoyment and pleasure. (Sandra Spilecki 10:54am January 12, 2012)
I think most romance readers like marriage of convenience stories becajse they are just the perfect romanctic sotires---the people don't know anything about each other and you just know they will fall in love. (Sue Farrell 11:19am January 12, 2012)
Wow the excerpt sold me! I like the dark and broken heroes and a fight for a HEA. With the set up of the war rescue of the heroine it shows his romantic-hero character no matter how hurt he was after. This story intrigues me.
My MoC would be to a Scot like Sean Connery or the wonderful Nathan Fillion with his smoldering looks, terrific sense of humor and the urge to dig into a womans psyche to heal hurts. Enjoy your new release! (Lenna Hendershott 1:08pm January 12, 2012)
yes, I like marriage of convenience stories. I don't know if I could pick a particular person but I would want him to be compassionate and passionate, honest, have a sense of humor, honorable and above all, think highly of me lol. (Jeanne Sheats 4:56pm January 12, 2012)
This book sounds wonderful! I also like marriage of convenience stories. If I had to pick someone, I think I'd pick the Duke of Wellington. I went to London last year and saw his house and thought he was pretty handsome (the hook nose didn't bother me at all). Also, sounds like his own marriage wasn't the greatest. : ) (Sharyn Lewis 8:08pm January 12, 2012)
I don't think that I would ever enter a marriage of convenience. But, I do love the stories about these marriages. It forces the couple to stay together long enough to really get to know each other. (Kathleen Yohanna 7:06am January 13, 2012)
Anne Gracie is such a wonderful author and I wish I had this book in my hands right now! My favorite plot in a novel is a marriage of convenience and this one sounds like it would be such a satisfyingly perfect read. Three cheers for Anne Gracie as she has obviously written another gem! (Connie Fischer 10:06am January 15, 2012)
I love marriage of convenience stories and this one has a little different twist to it. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for giving us a choice - I would choose Mackenzie from Linda Howard's Mackenzie's Mountain. I love that family. Thanks for the giveaway. I love your stories. (Phyllis Crabtree 2:37pm January 16, 2012)
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