BB’s Review: No Marriage of Convenience by Elizabeth Boyle
Written By: BetaBabe on November 29, 2008
One Comment
No Marriage of Convenience by Elizabeth Boyle
“Inventive, enthralling, with a cast of lively, impulsive and endearing characters, Ms. Boyles latest is sure to leave you smiling.” Stephanie Laurens
“Fast-paced and predictable, No Marriage of Convenienceis a sexy romp by master storyteller Elizabeth Boyle.” Christina Dodd
Ms. Boyle makes an indelible mark on the genre.” Romantic Times “Captivating.” Publishers Weekly
From the inside cover: Mason St. Clair, the new Earl of Ashlin, has inherited a title for which there is no fortune, thanks to his older brother. Steeped in debt, with three ungainly nieces to marry off, Mason fears that he will have to wed a rich heiress to save his family from ruin. Desperate for relief, Mason doesn’t expect it to arrive in the breathtaking form of Madame Fontaine, a woman of questionable reputation but irresistible allure, who glides into his study. Though Riley’s most certainly not bridal material, she does suddenly seem to be the solution to his troubles. In an impetuous–and inspired–act, Mason hires Riley to transform his reluctant nieces into charming Originals…but never does he anticipate that the seductive lessons of this temptress would fill him with an unbridled passion. And suddenly, his heart hungers for no marriage of convenience, but on of love.
I really enjoyed reading this book. London 1772 – It starts out in the beginning telling the story of Elise, the daughter of a Countess, who eloped with Geoffrey Stoppard. The Countell did not approve. When Geoffrey dies in an accident and Elise returns home, the Countess finds out that Elise is pregnant. Elise is happy, but her mother isn’t going to have it. The Countess forces her daughter into exile and pretends she died. There was no proof of the marriage because the papers were burned in the accident. The Countess would not have Geoffrey’s family tied to hers–they weren’t good enough, and the family fortune would never be passed to any of them. There is much more story involved at this point to keep you totally interested. London 1798 – the beautiful Riley Fontaine shows up at the home of the handsome new Earl of Ashlin, Mason St. Clair. She’s learned his brother died and must set up a payment schedule with Mason to repay the money the former Earl had given to her for her theater company. Mason thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. To her, he looks bookish with his glasses and plain outdated cloths, but oh so handsome. They have an immediate attraction which they try not to show. Mason is now the new Earl and must take charge of his cousin Felicity and his three unmannerly nieces. They have no social graces and no chance at marriage. His brother left nothing but debt and he had to fix it. He makes a deal with Riley to school his nieces so that they have a chance at an acceptable marriage. She agrees. When Mason meets her theater group, he realizes what a flamboyant group they are. Riley is beautiful, but has such a bad reputation, he tries to stay away from her…not showing any emotion. Hiding it quite effectively. Who is Riley and what of her past? Finally, they kiss and the sparks fly. He knows then that he wants passion in his life, not just a marriage of convenience. The kind of passion he feels with Riley. There is sooooo much more to the wonderful story, you have to read it. The characters are so diverse and some a bit shady–you’ll love it.
Because I loved the characters of this wonderful story – I give this book 3 cocktails!
Tags: book, Book Reviews, Elizabeth Boyle, romance
This is one Elizabeth’s I didn’t read yet. I discovered her later on and did get this one and its been in my TBR too long! I’m making a list of some reads I really want to read for 2009 that I put off, so this is going to the list! One of my many goals of reading for 2009. Great review you did!