A Bride for His Convenience

What happens when you marry for convenience but then fall in love... with your own wife? In A Bride for His Convenience by Edith Layton, the couple at the heart of the story are in for a rocky beginning to their "bought" marriage. Lord Ian Sutcombe is looking for a woman of substantial money among the commoners, as no one of the higher classes would marry someone as penniless as he is. Reduced to a poor state of finances due to a horrid stepmother, Ian must find someone willing to exchange money for his title. Hannah Leeds has just had her heartbroken when marriage to Lord Sutcombe is suggested. Wealthy, but common, she fits the requirements - someone with money, a family that would benefit from her new title and isn't atrocious. What starts off as a very polite, if boring marriage, gradually changes into more. Sizzling sex, confusion as things are said and not said, as well as the return of Hannah's heartbreaker, make for a fiery romance. I thought 'A Bride for His Convenience' was well written, with a realistic pacing of the feelings between the two protagonists. The action moved along and the characters were enjoyable. There were times I wanted to smack the couple and make them come to their senses, but that is what makes for an enjoyable read. Niki Lee Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

When his father died, Ian Sutcombe became a Marquis only to learn that his dad thought with his wrong head; apparently his sire's second wife left the estate broke. Sutcombe feels the weight of the world on his shoulders once he learns of his obligations and explores his options with businessman Mr. Foster. He has one, marry for money quickly. He selects the daughter of an affluent merchant as his spouse. Miss Hannah Leeds has no say in the negotiations between her dad who dances to the idea of a title in the family and her future husband, who makes it clear their relationship will be one of convenience only. Hannah accepts the marriage of convenience arrangement as she disdains love having given her heart away once before Timothy Atkins trampled it. Still she begins to care for and ultimately falls in love with her husband although he behaves at all times as a rigid patrician. When Timothy confesses to Hannah he made a mistake and wants a second chance, she considers her options while Ian wants to inform his wife he loves her and needs a real passionate marriage but fears rejection. The theme has been used a zillion times in historical romance novels, but master magician Edith Layton refreshes the marriage of convenience premise with excellent characterizations. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing whose relationship changes seem genuine while the support cast enhances the era or in the case of Timothy causes a wedge between Ian and Hannah. A BRIDE FOR CONVENIENCE is an entertaining historical. Harriet Klausner