A Comfortable Wife

Antonia Mannering knows what she wants. She wants to be a wife. At 24, she's had 8 years to think about it, while effectively cloistered away with her grief-stricken mother and much younger brother. Now, following her mothers death and their year of mourning, Antonia is ready to put her plan in action. Further, she wants to be the wife of her childhood friend, Lord Philip Ruthven, whom she `objectively' considers to be in need of a wife. Antonia knows what is expected of a society wife, and has every intention of being a comfortable wife, one that fits well within the boundaries of their mutual station, one who knows what is expected of her and conforms to them nicely. That's the plan. Until at last Philip and Antonia meet again, and everything begins NOT to work to plan.This is a glowing, feel good read. The feeling that these two have for each other is established early on, at least for the reader. Each is very honest with the other - they have been friends forever, after all. Yet somehow neither understands what the other thinks about marriage, specifically their own planned marriage. Philip has a well deserved reputation with women, but even Antonia, eight years removed from his circle, knows how he needs a wife. A fact that Philip himself has only recently discovered, following the example of his friends the Lester's. Each is no young, green thing, their maturity in temperament, even as they are occasionally adrift in confusion, is obvious. Comic moments are sprinkled throughout the book with Laurens customary light yet deft touch. Sometimes it is the conversations the two have, sometimes a bit of physical comedy, sometimes that Antonia and Philip are talking at cross purposes. There are some very poignant moments too - when Antonia discovers she may not be able to be a comfortable wife, after all, for example.There are no hidden subplots here - the romance between the two and how they sort out their unconventional conventional marriage is the focus of the story. It deserves to be - both these individuals are admirable in themselves and a true force combined. The passion is there, but it is not a sensual tale - they do not consummate their relationship other until close to the end, so if you're looking for a spicy tale, this isn't it. What it is a warm, truly Romantic tale with a capital R.

They don't seem to be written anymore,which is a shame. In this book you will find no women dressed wearing tight "stable boy" trousers (don't you wonder why it is they never can find pants that fit?), no murder mysteries, no spys, no smugglers. Nope, none of that! How refreshing! You get, hold your breath, a COURTSHIP! You get interaction between two adults who aren't acting childishly every other page, that you'd like to slap silly because they act like such brats! Yes, this is the real thing. Write more of these, Ms. Laurens, please!

This is a great regency romance in the classic style. The plot revolves around changing generational expections. The aunts largely view marriage as a political and financial union--the purpose of marriage is to protect, preserve, or further a family's influence. The younger set is just beginning to see marriage as personally fulfilling. This is not a milk and water novel about a very young heroine and older man. The main characters are mature people capable of making rational decisions. Highly recommend it!

This book is NOT a Cynster novel. It is the last current book in the series that runs "The reasons for marriage", "A Lady of expectations", and "An unwilling conquest"...The book also runs along the regency style of writing, not themore risque/explicit Cynster writing. The love themes through the book restrain themselves to the usual regency passionate kisses and breast fondling scenes. The "bridle" night does not get explicit, merely poetic. So, if you are looking for Cynster spicyness, wait for Amanda's novel in April 2002, "On a wild night".If you are looking for "tame" regency style romance, this is the book for you. How Antonia Mannings finds out what Philip truly wants in a wife is very entertaining. At no time is the heroine portrayed as flighty, blind, or cowardly. She is portrayed as very astute and intent on having Philip as her husband. Philip balks at manipulation, but in the end, its fun watching him do the pursuing.Enjoy!

This book was very good.It showed the begining of the Bar Cynister Family and I enjoyed the entire series.She writes like I likethem very sexy and heart warming,with a good story to go along with the romance