A marriage born of passion and scandal turns into something more from the bestselling author of Marry in Secret.When a duke denied . . . The proud and arrogant Duke of Everingham is determined to secure a marriage of convenience with heiress, Lady Georgiana Rutherford. He’s the biggest prize on the London marriage mart, pursued by young unmarried ladies and their match-making mamas, as well as … and their match-making mamas, as well as married women with a wandering eye. He can have any woman he wants. Or so he thinks. . .
…Hunts an independent lady . . .
Lady Georgiana Rutherford–irreverent and unconventional–has no plans to marry. Having grown up poor, Lady George has no intention of giving up her fortune to become dependent on the dubious and unreliable goodwill of a man. Especially a man as insufferable as the Duke of Everingham, whose kisses stirs unwelcome and unsettling emotions . . .
…Sparks are sure to fly
The more she defies him, the more the duke wants her, until an argument at a ball spirals into a passionate embrace. Caught in a compromising position, the duke announces their betrothal. George is furious and when gossip claims she deliberately entrapped the duke–when she was the one who was trapped–she marches down the aisle in a scarlet wedding dress. But the unlikely bride and groom may have found love in the most improbable of places–a marriage of convenience.
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Amazing Gracie turns the usual Regency tropes on their heads, spins them around, and tilts them upright again on her terms. She does it with delicious wit and fabulous characterization. Another winner!
What a story, what a finish to a series, oh I loved this one so much Anne Gracie is a must read author for me and she has never disappointed me, I have been looking forward to George’s story since this series started and it was worth the wait, I hope I get this review right because this book and the series is a must read, beautifully written with witty banter and a sensual romance it is fun, moving and filled with joy, smiles and sighs.
Lady Georgiana Rutherford had been bought into the ton and a family she didn’t know she had kicking and screaming, because George was much happier with her horse and dog, but it didn’t take her too long to feel the love of her family and get used to living in London, but one thing that George was determined was that she would never marry that life was never going to be for her, well that is until the Duke of Everingham decides he wants her and goes all out to get her.
The Duke of Everingham, is arrogant and always gets his own way and after being stood up at the alter by one of the Rutherford Gels he now decides that he wants a marriage of convenience with Georgiana Rutherford, but George is not going to be easy to convince that this will be the best option and this leads Hart to take drastic action and ensure that they are caught in scandalous situation that should end in marriage and any other gel would be pleased with this but not George.
I loved George so much, she is beautiful caring and strong as well as being honest to a fault, I love that she will say what she feels and is not afraid to do so and Hart struggles as she continually stands up to him and she makes him realize who he really is, there is a very sensual pull between the two of them and Hart starts to realize what he has done and is there when the ton turns on George. Seeing Hart become the man he really is and fall head over heels in love with George was a beautiful journey, their joining in love and as a family was awesome, truly I loved this story so much, I laughed and smiled throughout, I cheered George as she stood her ground and as for Hart he turned out to be the best man for George.
Thank you MS Gracie for another story that will stay with me for a long time to come, I really loved this one and the series and I look forward to many more stories from you.
4.5 Stars
Lady Salter together with the Duchess of Everingham orchestrated the wedding of the year – maybe even the decade when they paired Lady Salter’s niece, Lady Rose Rutherford and the Duchess’ son Redmond Jasper Hartley “Hart”, the Duke of Everingham– too bad the bride was already married! Unwilling to lose bragging rights to the wedding of the decade – Lady Salter aka Aunt Agatha, offers Lady Georgiana Rutherford to the duke – who firmly refuses.
Lady Georgiana “George” Rutherford was not raised to be a lady, hidden away and kept secret, she didn’t even know she was a “lady” or had a family until her uncle Cal, Earl of Ashendon found her and brought her kicking and screaming into the family. She has participated in several seasons and enjoys London, she has had several offers of marriage, but has turned them all down, she has no desire to marry and her heart’s desire is to retire to the county, raise dogs and horses and live an independent life. So, when she learns that her aunt has offered her up, she is very clear – she will not marry anyone, especially not the cold and arrogant Duke of Everingham. A thought she makes crystal clear to him as well, and she means it – she just wishes his kisses didn’t set her aflame.
Hart has no desire to marry George, but why is she pretending like she doesn’t want to marry him and how did he never notice how attractive she is or how different from all the other ladies of his acquaintance? At first, he tells himself that he is trying to talk to her because he wants to buy her horse, but when he kisses her to supposedly test a theory, he knows – George will be his duchess. The fact that she doesn’t want to marry isn’t a problem – he wants her and he always gets what he wants.
But George is no society miss overly concerned about her reputation and her family stands by her come hell or high water, so for the first time in his life, Hart faces the possibility of not getting his way! But when her aunt and his mother interfere again and use George’s tender heart to get their way – George resigns herself to a loveless marriage – but Hart surprises her and soon they both realize they both want what they never expected, happily ever after.
This was a well written, perfectly paced, fun story with lots of emotion and humor. The story has wonderful characters, warm love scenes, some shocking surprises, an unconventional, stubborn heroine and a hero who wouldn’t want her any other way. Hart and George are perfect for each other and their interactions and reactions were so much fun to read, that you can help but root for them to get their HEA and when they do, SIGH… and if that isn’t enough for you, the epilogue was incredibly sweet and the perfect ending to this series. The book isn’t perfect, George was not the easiest heroine to like at the beginning and there are a couple of title errors, but by the end of the book, I loved George and didn’t really care about a couple of errors. I am happy to recommend this series and this story especially. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher*
Very good book. Even though it is the fourth in the series, it works fine as a stand-alone, with enough backstory provided so that I wasn’t lost. However, I will go back and read the earlier books because I want the whole story. In the previous book, the Duke of Everingham was left at the altar by Rose Rutherford when her first husband turned up alive. The duke is in no hurry to try again, except for the fact that he is now the quarry of every unmarried woman in London. He is appalled when his godmother suggests Georgiana Rutherford, the niece of his former fiancée. That is until a close encounter with her stirs his interest.
George has no interest in getting married and has made that clear to the men who have pursued her. She is determined to maintain her independence and live life on her own terms. George has an uphill battle in front of her as she tries to convince her great-aunt that she is serious, especially when it comes to the duke.
The duke, known to his friends as Hart, is wealthy and arrogant. When he wants something, he succeeds in getting it. His first real encounter with George is when he sees her riding her stallion and decides he must have it. I laughed out loud at his stunned disbelief at her refusal. In-person discussions aren’t any more successful. However, it does succeed in arousing his interest, as she is the only female he’s encountered who doesn’t bore him to tears. With her stated interest in living in the country with her horses and dogs, she would be perfect for him. He ignores her comments about not wanting to marry anyone. In his experience, women always have hidden motives. He doesn’t believe that she’s not interested in him – he’s a duke! And rich!
The development of the relationship between George and Hart is a tempestuous one. George doesn’t like him at all at the beginning. She thought he was a cold fish when he was engaged to Rose. His superior attitude grates on her nerves, and George calls him out on it often. Hart wholeheartedly believes that she is playing games with him, pretending disinterest when she has every intention of accepting his suit. A spontaneous kiss shocks them both with the feelings it stirs up. Hart is disturbed by his loss of control but is sure that it is a temporary condition. George is just plain confused about why she forgets everything else when he kisses her. Her discussion with her Aunt Dottie about those feelings is a riot. Determined to have his way, Hart arranges a situation that compromises her, thus trapping her into marriage. George is rightfully furious and lets him know it. She’s ready to stick to her guns until a third party gets involved.
Having given her word, George is ready to move ahead. I loved the part describing the marriage settlements and Hart getting a different view of her. There is also a fantastic scene where George points out Hart’s hypocrisy in how he set her up. It was an eye-opening moment for him. I liked that he was man enough to accept the truth and apologize for his actions. He still had a bit of learning though, as it was George’s reputation that suffered because of them. It took a comment from a friend for Hart to realize what George was going through, and he went all out to make up for it. George doesn’t exactly sit back and suffer in silence either. Though done in a moment of temper and disgust, she makes a very bold decision regarding her wedding. Hart won me over entirely with his support and understanding at the ceremony, and with the stop they made between the wedding itself and the wedding breakfast.
After the wedding, Hart and George finally have some time to truly get to know each other. There is still some push and pull as Hart adjusts to George’s way of doing things. There is a bit of trouble at the end involving Hart’s ward, who is briefly mentioned at the beginning. I liked how George and Hart worked together and found a solution that worked for everyone. There was a brief misunderstanding at the end that could have sent their marriage down the wrong path. Fortunately, Hart was able to get past his pride and tell George how he felt. I loved seeing everyone together in the epilogue.
I loved this book. I’ve enjoyed every one of the “Marry in” series and have been anticipating Lady Georgina’s story ever since the beginning. The stiff and dour Duke of Everingham thinks George will be the perfect wife, one he can ignore because she’ll be busy in the country with her dogs and horses. But he doesn’t count on the sparks between them and the determination of his intended bride. Oh, and the sparks do fly, in more ways than one. Witty and sensual and romantic, this book may just require a second read.
The final book of this wonderful series is about Lady Georgianna Rutherford. From her unconventional upbringing, her outspoken but honest personality, her independence, her determination to never marry and her fierce love of her dog and horse, not to mention her loyalty to her newly discovered family makes Lady George unique and a constant topic of gossips. Not that she cares in the least. The proud and arrogant Duke of Everingham is pursued by all unmarried ladies for his wealth and title. But he is looking for a marriage of convenience, without emotional ties. He can have anyone – but he wants the original Lady George. Caught in a compromising situation (he planned), George is furious when he announces their betrothal. Once again George is center of malicious gossip claiming she deliberately entrapped the duke. Given little choice George weds the Duke, but gives them something to talk about when she walks down the aisle, not in the traditional white or cream gown, but scarlet! Her first indication that the Duke is not ‘heartless” as he is known in the ton, is when he takes her hand from her uncle, removes her glove and kisses her hand. They both do not want emotional ties, but neither can they deny their mutual sizzling attraction. The more they are together, the more true understanding and trust and passion invades their relationship. George was blessed to know love and companionship, especially with her new found family. But the Duke’s childhood was lonely and he learned people only saw the title, not the man – until George. Enchanting and romantic story of how powerful love is between family members and married couples. To love is to accept, forgive, heal and bring joy to the heart. The saga of the Rutherford family should not be missed! Thank you Ms. Gracie!!
4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1ew
Lady Georgiana Rutherford was raised in the country, without parents, and only recently learned that she has other family members. George, as she insists on being called, has reluctantly learned how to function in society and give the appearance of being a lady. Underneath, she’s still the untamed girl who only longs to ride her horse and frolic with her dog, Finn. Though she’s been popular with gentlemen, she’s made it clear that she has no intention of marrying. When she receives her inheritance at age twenty five, she plans to move back to the country and set up her own household.
Redmond “Hart” Hartley, Duke Everingham, is the epitome of an aloof nobleman, well aware of his own importance. He recently was left at the altar, when his fiancée’s supposedly dead husband returned to halt the ceremony. Hart only felt annoyance, since it was a marriage of convenience, but he’s decided to put matrimony on the back burner. He’s tired of debutantes being thrown in his path, schemes to entrap him, and deceitful females, like his mother, who play their little games to get his attention.
Despite his assertions, Hart’s attention is captivated by George, who doesn’t seem the least bit impressed by his person or his title. She doesn’t care that she’s considered odd, and isn’t shy about her opinions. On a hunch, Hart maneuvers a stolen moment with George, where he kisses her, curious to see her reaction. He thought he sensed some sensual interest underneath her prickly exterior, and her response tells him that he was correct. Now that he knows she’s not indifferent, Hart decides that he will marry after all. He believes that an independent woman like George will be content to live her own life, while he continues to live his as he pleases. They’ll occasionally meet in the bedroom to indulge in the passion that Hart senses will be very satisfying, then go on with separate lives.
Hart soon learns that George was serious about not wanting to marry, but he’s not a man to be denied. He engineers a meeting with George, and plays on her attraction, luring her into an embrace that becomes very public very quickly. Hart calmly announces their engagement, overriding all her denials, then blatantly publishes notice in the newspaper the very next morning. Despite all this, George still refuses him, until yet another scheme finally causes her to give in and agree to marry him. However, she’s going to do it on her terms, negotiating her own marriage settlement.
The first time I felt that there was some hope for the arrogant duke, was when George railed at him for his schemes and deception. She made him see that he disdained females for their supposed games, while he was actually indulging in plotting of his own, despite what she wanted. The moment that self realization hit Hart between the eyes, and he actually apologized is when I started to fall a little bit in love with him. While he now feels honor bound to release George from their engagement, she feels honor bound to go ahead with the marriage.
Time after time, Hart is quick to come to judgment, thinking that George is merely playacting, only to find that she is totally true to herself and has never deceived him or portrayed herself as something she’s not. A lifetime of walls and self preservation aren’t going to vanish instantaneously, but Hart soon opens up a little to his unconventional wife, even admitting to having some uncomfortable feelings about her. As for George, she comes to realize that she’s fallen in love, and has no desire for the convenient marriage she originally agreed to.
MARRY IN SCARLET is a very fitting title, as George is as unique and bold as her wedding dress. I love her honesty and her sense of honor, as well as her self acceptance. When her feelings grew and changed, she didn’t try to hide from them, but embraced them. Hart showed tremendous personal growth, and I particularly adored how he showed his public support for George, and eventually was brave enough to be the first to admit his love. MARRY IN SCARLET is a warm and satisfying romance that I loved reading, and I believe will appeal to readers who enjoy strong characters and a lovely happy ever after.
Lady “George” Rutherford has adamantly been against marriage since her presentation to society, but thanks to the machinations of her Aunt Agatha, Redmond Hartley (the jilted Duke of Everingham in the previous book), and his mother, she finds herself compromised spectacularly into a marriage of convenience. The Duke won’t believe that she doesn’t care to marry and society thinks she’s a tramp who set out to entrap him.
I found George to be an interesting character to read about–she’s not just a convention-flouting tomboy, but a strong, loyal woman trying to please her new-found family while never losing sight of who she is inside. I was pleased with her growth throughout the novel and impressed at the way she was able to retain her composure and tongue in many scenes. The Duke was the hardest character to stomach (incredibly I ranked him below Aunt Agatha) because of his manipulations and his complete disregard for her desires; he became more honorable and understandable, but it took quite a while to accept him. I’m not sure if I ever actually warmed up to him. There was a lot of tension in this book as the two implacable leads were continually misunderstanding or mistrusting each other and it got old fast for me.
One aspect of the tension was sexual as George discovers some things about desire, but honestly I’d rather there have been less focus on the sex. My biggest pet peeve was her immediate family being so nonchalant about George’s indiscretion–it doesn’t take much more than a kiss to ruin someone at this time and the ideas for image repair and dialogue sounded more radical than I found plausible. I’d expect normal people who are comfortable talking about passion and love would have no problem helping George dissect what happened and how she wanted to proceed from there–not just say everything was fine. I’m not sure there was more sex than usual in Gracie novels, but I found the way it was handled more off-putting.
The last problem I had with the novel was pacing. I’m glad the two came to rely on and trust each other before they were married, but it was weird for most of the novel to take place in a month, then rush through the wedding and problems with Everingham’s ward. I’d rather have read another thirty or forty pages to make the parts equal in depth and interest.
A few negatives I felt strongly about, but it held my interest the same as her other novels (meaning I finished it practically in one sitting) and it was certainly exciting. George and Hart were good characters together and I was glad to see someone who could accept George’s outrageousness. It was also nice to understand more about sweet Aunt Dottie and I felt the series was well-finished by the time I reached the end.
Marry in Scarlet by Anne Gracie is book 4 in the Marriage of Convenience Series. This is the story of Georgiana ‘George’ Rutherford and Redmond Jasper Hartley ‘Hart’ the Duke of Everingham. This book was a standalone book for me. Georgiana has set her sites on being a spinster who lives in the country breading horses and dogs. Georgiana has little faith in men and she is happy with the family she has so she feels secure in her wishes. Hart has learned from the best…his mother, that women are not to be trusted. Hart’s mother is the picture of deceit to his father and to him. But he is aware that he has to marry which lead him to a good settlement with a women but she up and left him at the alter. No, Hart’s heart was not broken but his pride did take a slight hit. When he settles into find another match for what he wants in a wife it takes a turn when Georgiana enters the picture. But she isn’t going along with any plans he has and she fighting back causing passion to flair so much that they get caught. Of course they have to marry but Georgiana is going out in a blaze of red. Loved this author’s writing and of course this book. I cannot wait for more from her.
Marry in Scarlet is the fourth and final book in the Marriage of Convenience series. It is highly recommended to have read the previous books since there are many references to characters and situations from the previous stories.
Georgiana (George) Rutherford grew up largely on her own, never knowing she is the legitimate daughter of an earl. In the previous books she is united with her loving family and tones down her hoydenish ways. The arrogant Duke of Everingham is still reeling from being jilted by George’s cousin. But when he gets acquainted with George he is intrigued by her and decides that she would make a great wife. The only problem is that George has determined never to marry.
I liked the book and it kept me reading to see how this relationship evolved. However, I feel like there were some issues with the flow of the story. Everingham was not very likable through most of the book and George was a bit TSTL (too stupid to live). Yes, the author went great lengths to explain why George was the way she was, but her cluelessness was a bit tiring. Marry in Scarlet was a solid ending to a good series, but not the finest Gracie book I have read.
ARC provided through Edelweiss.
Series: Marriage of Convenience #4
Publication Date: 5/26/20
Number of Pages: 336
Whew! What a delightfully entertaining and lustful couple Hart and George turn out to be. I absolutely adored each of them and could easily see why they were so very skittish and protective of their hearts. Thank goodness for manipulative and interfering family members who end up making the right thing happen for all of the wrong reasons.
When we last saw Redmond Jasper Hartley (Hart), the fifth Duke of Everingham, he was being left at the altar by his betrothed (Marry In Secret). He has a very low opinion of women and being left at the altar did nothing to soften that opinion. After all, he and his father had been manipulated by the champion manipulator, his mother, and he had no reason to believe any female would be different. No, he didn’t love his betrothed, but he had negotiated in good faith and he’d been livid at being left standing at the altar. Yes, he has a reputation of being cold, unfeeling, arrogant, and aloof – and he believes he is – just as everyone else does. When he decides to seek another bride, he has specific criteria – she must be independent minded and not hang off his sleeve, one who would like to retire to the country and keep out of his way, they need have few interactions other than conjugal visits.
Lady Georgiana (George) Rutherford loves her newly found family and has absolutely no intention of giving them up. She also has absolutely no intention of marrying. Men are a worthless, faithless lot and she sees no reason to subjugate herself to one. It is her desire to live in the country and breed horses and dogs and to care for other animals. She doesn’t give a fig about what any male has to offer her – money, prestige, titles – she doesn’t want any part of it.
George and Hart are really two kindred souls – both a product of their unhappy experiences early in their lives – but neither of them can see that. When Georgiana is brought to Hart’s attention – in the most manipulative of ways, of course – he is incensed. But then, when he sees her – and kisses her. That does it for him – he decides she is the one who will be his bride – whether she wants to or not. So, he begins his own plan of manipulation and entrapment.
I loved watching Hart and George at war with each other. Neither was going to give in and each was bound and determined to win. When Hart compromised her and then announced their betrothal, she was incensed. But, later, when he offered her the opportunity to get out of the betrothal, she decided to let it stand. She didn’t know why. What had possessed her?
They are two very passionate, very caring people and it was a delight to get to know them and to see them find their way to a loving, passionate life together. I hope you’ll enjoy this story as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Marry in Scarlet
Marriage of Convenience Series #4
Anne Gracie
https://www.facebook.com/AnneGracieAuthor/
Release date 05/26/2020
Publisher Berkley
Blurb :
When a duke denied . . .
The proud and arrogant Duke of Everingham is determined to secure a marriage of convenience with heiress, Lady Georgiana Rutherford. He’s the biggest prize on the London marriage mart, pursued by young unmarried ladies and their match-making mamas, as well as married women with a wandering eye. He can have any woman he wants. Or so he thinks. . .
…Hunts an independent lady . . .
Lady Georgiana Rutherford–irreverent and unconventional–has no plans to marry. Having grown up poor, Lady George has no intention of giving up her fortune to become dependent on the dubious and unreliable goodwill of a man. Especially a man as insufferable as the Duke of Everingham, whose kisses stirs unwelcome and unsettling emotions . . .
…Sparks are sure to fly
The more she defies him, the more the duke wants her, until an argument at a ball spirals into a passionate embrace. Caught in a compromising position, the duke announces their betrothal. George is furious and when gossip claims she deliberately entrapped the duke–when she was the one who was trapped–she marches down the aisle in a scarlet wedding dress. But the unlikely bride and groom may have found love in the most improbable of places–a marriage of convenience.
My review :
This is my introduction read to Mrs Anne Gracie’s world. I just needed a new rekease to come to finally get my hands on one of her books.
I very much liked the writing style and humour, I was less fond of the knee weak heroine and the pushover duke at the beginning.
I loved George’s independence and freedom of speech and thoughts. Why I was afraid when she began to suffer from the wobbling knees affection, unable to dampen her lust for the icy duke. And while she was lust driven for most of the book, she in time is able to retrieve control from her brain.
I very much loved her, while she is younger, her upbringing matured her beyond her years. It also set her determination to never marry.
Hart was lucky she is a woman who never back down on a promise.
Of course, as a romance, she will come to see marriage to the right man can fulfill her life as much as she had hope as a spinster, even more as it my bring children in the lot.
Yet her aunt is the perfect proof that love whatever its form is the most achieving sentiment.
My gaze was more lukewarm about Hart. He was not the most cheerful and sunniest man to like. His haughtiness and arrogance did not precisely hearten me to like him even a bit. And until the far end, he very much not once let transpire his feelings.
George suspects but sees nothing of what in his heart.
I hated he tried to trick her in a marriage of convenience because he wanted her and refused to accept she did not. Why I was surprised that when he learned the true reason behind George acceptance of the match, he did not stay quiet and instead he did help her to see how she had been deceived.
He was the one who changed less, after he is a duke, no lowly peer, it is expected from him to be arrogant, still with George he will see a side of himself he did not like and so he will curb a bit his actions to prove her he can be more than the facade he shows to the world.
I was just disappointed the blurb revealed too much, as three quarters of the story is summarized in it. It was not really a marriage of convenience tale as it did occur only in the last quarter. The last end twist surprised me a bit as it was a very far removed plot that was suddenly reawakened.
Yet in all, it was a very enjoyable read, with a few unexpected turns and two very different characters everything seems to oppose.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Berkley, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/628828394373002/?d=n
When Lady Georgiana Rutherford is caught kissing Hart, the Duke of Everingham, she rails against having to marry him just because they kissed. George is independent, willful and against being told what she must do. Hart was determined to marry George despite her reluctance. Can these two reconcile their feelings and admit they are attracted to one another?
I enjoy Ms. Gracie’s books and read one of the other books in the series as well. I liked George more than Hart who was so stiff and stuffy for the first 3/4 of the story. I would have liked more about Hart’s earlier life to really get a sense of him. The wedding scene was great, but there was no following up either through gossip or at the wedding breakfast about her dress or anything about her being an unconventional duchess. I thought that was a missed opportunity for George to have the last word in Society. Also, the last part of the book was about Hart’s ward which I thought veered off the plot of the couple’s relationship. Even the epilogue focussed on a family reunion more than just about Hart and George. That’s what knocked the book down to 3 stars instead of 4.