Jove
Featuring: Lady Ariana Boxstall; Earl of Kynaston
384 pages ISBN: 039958353X EAN: 9780399583537 Kindle: B01LWU53NN Mass Market Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
MERELY A MARRIAGE is set in the world of Jo Beverley's
Company of Rogues series without actually being a
book in that series. In this story, the death of Princess
Charlotte gets the main characters obsessing over and
agonizing over thoughts of marriage and childbirth. This
book also focuses on the many annoyances of having to deal
with high society and the gossip that permeates it. Lady
Ariana Boxstall and the Earl of Kynaston fall hard for each
other, going against their better judgment and public opinion.
Lady Ariana Boxstall is determined to get her brother to the
altar, even if it means she is forced to take the plunge
herself first. Ariana has an extremely strong personality to
fit her statuesque frame. Jo Beverley does a wonderful job
of showing the reader Ariana's secret self-doubts and
insecurities that make her more than just a mercenary
aristocrat. Knowing that Ariana has sensitivities as well as
a spine of steel makes her more three-dimensional. This is a
great book for readers who enjoy stories with a hero and
heroine who have a past and a slightly antagonistic
relationship with each other initially. Kynaston seems like
something of an enigma to me in the beginning of this story.
I couldn't quite make out what his true feelings for Ariana
are. I'm thankful that Jo Beverley decides to tell MERELY A
MARRIAGE from alternating perspectives since the two main
characters keep their true feelings close to the vest.
The supporting characters in MERELY A MARRIAGE make this
book truly exceptional. I like shrewd female characters who
are not easily ruffled, and this story has those in
abundance. Ariana's sturdy companion Ethel Burgis and
Kynaston's sister Phyllis may be worlds apart in some ways,
but I love their pragmatism and intelligence. Mr. Edgar
Peake is another gem of a character. Peake's quirkiness,
and a keen eye for human foibles as well as unique
collectibles, make him a good friend for this hero and
heroine to have.
MERELY A MARRIAGE is part Regency romance and part
Shakespearean comedy. The sexual tension between Ariana and
Kynaston through much of this story is intense. The
secondary romance in MERELY A MARRIAGE helps spur the story
and relationship between Ariana and Kynaston forward. I love
a good epilogue, so I find it very satisfying that Jo
Beverley follows up on loose ends at the conclusion of this
book and checks in with favorite characters. This book has
the witty dialogue and multifaceted characters I look for in
a historical romance.
The New York Times bestselling author of The
Viscount Needs a Wife returns with another roguishly
delicious Regency romance...
As England mourns the death of Princess Charlotte, Lady
Ariana Boxstall has another succession in mind. Her brother,
Norris, is a strapping young man, but he’s also happily
unmarried and childless. Norris agrees to take a wife on one
condition: that Ariana take a husband first. Although she
realizes she risks a lifetime in a loveless marriage, for
the sake of her family, Ariana accepts his challenge.
When the Earl of Kynaston met Ariana eight years ago, he
broke her heart. Since then, his own heart has been broken,
and he’s sworn off love...until he sees Ariana all grown-up
and his resolve is threatened.
Could Ariana’s bargain with Norris actually lead her to
happiness? With real love on the line, she must win over the
one man who refuses to be had.
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