Victoria Alexander
Love With the Proper Husband (2003)
Author: Victoria Alexander
Genre: Romance (Historical Regency)
Plot Summary:
After the death of her father left her penniless Gwendolyn Townsend left for America to become a governess. After five unsuccessful years, she is summoned home to learn that she was not left penniless, she has three orphaned nieces, and that her father had arranged for her to be married to Marcus, Lord Pennington. Gwendolyn is reluctant to marry due to past experiences and only agrees for financial reasons. After the marriage she and Marcus must learn how to admit that they are in love and learn to trust one another.
Geographical Setting:England
Time Period:1820
Series:Ladies for the Betterment of the future of Britain(unofficial)
Appeal Characteristics:
The book is fast paced and quite funny at times. Alexander's writing is light and feels very modern both in terms of language and characterization. The historical Regency setting and highly likeable characters make the book a compelling read. The arranged marriage is a staple of the genre and is well done. Gwen's relationship with her nieces and how they affect her relationship is also very interesting and a pivotal point to the story.
Read-alikes:In Pursuit of Marriage Alexander brings Marcus' friend of Lord Berkley. Jo Beverly's Unwilling Bride is set in Regency England and also features an arranged marriage between reluctant characters. Georgette Heyer is a classical author of the genre and her novel Bath Tangle deals with an arranged marriage with stipulations attached and an inheritance at stake. Jean R. Ewing's Folly's Reward features a governess trying going to great lengths to protect her ward. Finally Mary Balogh's Slightly Married features a penniless woman marrying into the aristocracy and overcoming the complications that follow.
Red Flags:Sexual situations
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