The Irish Earl

I enjoyed this book immensely. The strong-willed Felicity makes a daring stand for her heart in her marriage of convenience to the Earl of Kilgarvan who is passionate about his people & his land. This passion that initially appeals to Felicity, is the same passion that later creates a wedge in their friendship & love.Felicity determined to find a place to call home...uses her monies, stubbornness, along with her keen patience, as well as clever twist to the marriage contracts on the impoverished Kilgarvan to make herself a welcome part of his life & his heart. Her attempts to do so eventually emotionally exhaust her to the breaking point. Though the tension between them at times becomes a bit strained, the genuiness of them both shines through to their very souls.One of the highlights of this book is how Patricia Bray brings the landscapes of Ireland alive. Enjoyable to read. A wonderful exodus from the London scheme of ballgowns & dances. Recommend.

I enjoyed reading this novel very much, and will be on the lookout for more of Patricia Bray's novels. Here she writes about two strong-willed and practical people who enter a marriage of convenience that slowly develops into so much more ... In contrast to some of the other reviewers, I thought the battle of wills between Felicity and Kilgarvan believable and interesting to read about - it is what you get when two equally strong-minded people who are both used to getting their own will are matched. I also enjoyed reading descriptions of Ireland and the Irish that were sympathetic without being sentimental. All in all, a very pleasant read!

A marriage of convenience is a conventional Regency plot, but the author has made this her own through her vibrant characters and the unique richness of the Irish setting. I enjoyed the clash of wills between Felicity and Gerald, two people who have strong opinions and are unused to bending to suit others. A nice change from the ordinary. Highly recommended.

Patricia Bray turns her sharp eye and sharper wit on Regency Ireland in her latest novel. The rootless Felicity is shopping for a husband with whom to create a home. The Earl of Kilgarvan catches her attention when the impoverished (but hunky!) noble is the only one to give money to a beggar. They soon discover they have much in common, including a pragmatic streak that lets them calmly arrange a marriage that will give them both what they want... Kilgarvan gets Felicity's money, and Felicity gets a home of her own. But Felicity's lawyers have crafted a marriage contract that keeps her money firmly in her control, and Kilgarvan wants to leave Felicity in Dublin with his mother. Their efforts to build an understanding are thwarted at every turn by their steadfast insistance that they know best, and their indomitable pride that prevents them from admitting when they don't. Set in the "wilds" of Ireland (hoping to convince her to stay in civilized Dublin, Kilgarvan takes Felicity to the estate using the most roundabout route he knows), the beauty and challenge of the countryside comes through clearly. The lifestyle and manner of the people is deftly sketched with telling details, and the Irish are portrayed neither condescendingly nor with sentimental sugar coating. I enjoyed seeing such a strong female character, especially one who is so convinced of her selfworth that she is willing to take a hard line and stick to it, rather than diminishing herself by caving to societal pressure.