A trio of sizzling historical romances that prove passion is timeless . . . Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end their mothers’ insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the … marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel . . .
THE DUKE’S TREASURE by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she’s ever met had eyes only for Jo’s erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau’s trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn’t been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down . . .
THE INCONVENIENT COUNTESS by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson’s only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
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I loved all these stories and look forward to reading more like them from these authors. Each story had it’s own special something and they were all enjoyable. I definitely recommend them and these authors.
Mischief and The Marquess, by Sylvia Day is a steamy historical romance that you will want to cozy up to. As usual Sylvia brings her amazing ability to write an intriguing story with a lot of steamy, oh so hot scenes. Her book shares the budding romance between Justin and Sophie. These two has had eyes for each other since they where young ones. As the years go by and they grow older, the two grew apart. Welcome nosy mama’s. With the ever so conspiracy trap between the two mothers. They try to have their two children fall in love. Well Sophie is having none of it, but Justine, he has caught on to the ruse and decides to play along with the trap. Justin sets out to win the hand of Sophie with his smooth charm. This book is a short read, but a hidden pleasure read in every sense of the word.
The Duke’s Treasure, by Minerva Spencer is a sweet story that her devoted readers will enjoy. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
This book was all heat and no substance. You can have both with some effort
was a good read bit naughty.
I don’t normally care to read short story collections, because they are short stories and therefore leave me wanting, but since I was offered a free ARC from NerGalley.com and I like these authors, I decided to give it a try. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
The three stories were all well written and the authors managed to develop the characters and the plot well, despite the short length. However, the book was also full of teasers, which I did not realize until I finished the single chapter and was not pleased. Because of that, I don’t know that I would recommend buying this book.
I requested this book because I have become a big fan of Kristin Vayden, I like Sylvia Day and Minerva Spencer too but honestly I requested this three for one book/s because of her because even though I probably would have requested anyway, but honestly because of her and I have to say she saved it for me. I am going to say that I found it to just have too much sex, yup I said OH my! is she a prude, hell to the no, however that being said it just had some unnecessary scenes that could have been avoided and actually they could have dedicated that time and space getting to some more answers.. Yes you can pass the time and you will enjoy it, dont get me wrong I did but again Kristen saved the day for me..
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author… (netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
This is a collection of very steamy historical romances. While I enjoyed the Day and Spencer nouvellas the best, I will admit there was not much of a story line to either since the majority of the writing involved the love scenes. If you are looking for an in depth storyline or characterization, these are not it. If you are looking for a quick, rev your engine afternoon read, then this arrangement may fit the bill.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
3.5 stars–My review covers MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS by Sylvia Day.
Told from several third person perspectives including Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS follows the rebuilding friendship and relationship between former childhood friends. Lady Sophie Milton-Riley is a single mother who lost the love of her life before her son was born, leaving her reputation tattered and in ruins. Hoping to see their children fall in love, the Dowager Lady Fontaine, and Lady Sophie’s grandmother the Countess of Cardington arrange a meeting between Sophie and Justin, a matchmaking that will hopefully rekindle the attraction and romance from years before. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Justin and Sophie, as Justin prepares to save Sophie’s reputation and the dowry she never knew existed.
Mischief and the Marquess is a quick read; a fast paced, novella of insta-lust to love between two people who have known one another most of their lives but went their separate ways when Sophie fell in love with someone else. Sophie believes her reputation will destroy the Marquess’ good name, while Justin is determined to make an honest woman of the girl he has always loved. The premise is cute and engaging; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is passionate and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines.
The Arrangement was three steamy reads that let you escape today and travel back to a time when marriages were arranged for convenience and love was an after thought.
I love reading arranged marriage stories. Stories where the couple is matched out of need (not the nice passion kind of need), where they don’t think this will be anything other than a business arrangement and then they find themselves tumbling head over heels in love. The arrangement of the each of the three marriages in this book happens for a different reason and how the couple falls in love is also unique to each story. This helped keep each story fresh and entertaining.
All three of these tales by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden captured my attention, had me breaking out a fan and left me with that great feeling of romance and love found. The Arrangement left me clamoring for more books from each of these three talented writers!
This fantastic trio of authors have written three of the best historical romances I’ve read in a while. Three couples, three arranged marriages and great epilogues make this an entertaining read. I’ve read Sylvia Day books before but Minerva Spencer and Kristin Vayden are new to me authors but I will be checking them out in the future.
The Arrangement by Sylvia Day; Minerva Spencer; Kristin Vayden. This is a three book box set by three different authors, that total almost 340 pages. This is a great box set if you haven’t yet read stories by these authors. It a great introduction to their writing, or if you already have become a fan of them it a must have for your collection. I totally am in love with this set!
The books that you will be getting are as follows with the publishers book blurb:
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end their mothers’ insistence that they should marry. Yet the more they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, the more surprisingly, irresistibly right things feel . . .
THE DUKE’S TREASURE by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him. But the most beautiful man she’s ever met had eyes only for Jo’s erstwhile friend, who betrayed Beau’s trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn’t been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down . . .
THE INCONVENIENT COUNTESS by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson’s only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. But does she dare entrust her future to a scoundrel? Does she dare not to?
Great collection of three stories that will keep you reading until the end!
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
This is the first I have read by this author and this second chance romance was full of humor and a sizzling attraction. Justin had been so attracted to Sophie when they were younger but misunderstandings had kept them apart. Years later they meet up again and they are in the sights of a matchmaker. Will they find love this time? Fun story.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Love Minerva Spencer and knew I would enjoy this story! Wonderful story of marriage of convenience for money! Beau must marry since coming back from war and finding the Dukedom in financial ruin. He decides to marry Jo, the daughter of a merchant and make the best of it. What he doesn’t know is that Jo has had a tendre’ for him for many years as she saw him out and about! This was such a wonderful story with great characters, a sizzling romance and a great journey to an HEA. Such a great storyline with excellent writing and I could not put it down!
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristen Vayden
A marriage of convenience between Charles, Earl of Barrington and Diana who was desperate to have help with taking care of her family since their estate was almost destitute since the death of her father. Charles was rake and had lived as such which left his reputation well known. Unfortunately there is a business deal he is counting on and he needs a wife to give him the air of respectability and having given up his wicked ways! As the two come together, something wonderful happens as they become attracted to each other and find that their marriage may not be so bad after all!
What a wonderful collection of stories, from a soldier whose brother dies and he inherits and he marries for money to Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington who has an important deal for property in Jamaica and must marry to clean up his reputation.
They are interesting, keep your attention, and written in a nice easy style. The characters are fun, serious and endearing. I really enjoyed the tales and might have found a new author. This definitely for the adult reader.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Justin, the Marquis of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley, are completely ill-suited to one another. But they will have to prove it in order to end to their mothers’ insistence that they should marry. A hot short story that I read in a sitting
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Plain, prickly Josephine Loman has loved Beaumont Halliwell, the Fifth Duke of Wroxton, since the first time she saw him five years ago. But the most beautiful man she’s ever met had eyes only for Jo’s erstwhile friend Victoria, who betrayed Beau’s trust by marrying his brother. Beau hasn’t been home in years, but when his brother dies in an accident, he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down. Oh my this novella packs a punch, very well written, strong characters, I found it to be a page turner & read it in a sitting. My Only quibble was that I wished it had been longer
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
As the eldest in a poverty-stricken family of daughters, Miss Diana Katherine Lambson’s only option is a marriage of convenience. Her only prospect is a rogue with a miserable reputation. Her only true desire: freedom. And that is exactly what Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is willing to offer, in return for the respectability their union will give him. He will even provide Diana with a contract. Different from the other two novellas but still a well written engaging read with strong characters & it flowed effortlessly.
Three well written novellas from authors who I love & these short stories didn’t disappoint.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Arrangement by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer & Kristin Vayden
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of steamy historical romances!
MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS BY SYLVIA DAY
Fun romp that sees two people that were probably meant to be together earlier finally get together in spite of the choices they made earlier in life. My take on this was that the two assumed many things about one another that were not true and once those “things” were dismissed they ended up having much in common allowing themselves the HEA they so richly deserved.
THE DUKE’S TREASURE BY MINERVA SPENCER
Marrying for money is what Beau must do to fix his recently inherited dukedom. He knows he wants more from marriage than his parents and others of his class have managed so sets out on the path to a happier relationship with Jo than she was expecting. She is feisty and he has a heart of gold. Enjoyed this one.
AN INCONVENIENT COUNTESS BY KRISTIN VAYDEN
This is probably my favorite. I loved the way this couple found more than they bargained on when their marriage of convenience was arranged. The first laugh in the carriage after the nuptials was so much fun and it only got better from there. I truly enjoyed meeting Brock and Diana and felt they were well matched and would have a happy life together forever.
Did I enjoy these stories? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Arrangement is comprised of three stories by three authors: Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden.
First story: Sylvia Day’s “Mischief And the Marquess” is about Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley agree they are completely ill-suited for one another and set out to convince their mothers just that. As they attempt to demonstrate how wrong their union would be, they find themselves irresistibly drawn together. Maybe mothers do know what’s best after all.
Second story: “The Duke’s Treasure,” Minerva Spencer tell a story about plain, prickly Josephine Loman who loves Beaumont Halliwell, the fifth Duke of Wroxton since she first saw him. They are both deceived by Jo’s so-called friend who married Beau’s brother. Beau leaves and never returns until his brother’s death, only to discover he must marry to save the impoverished dukedom. And Jo is the overlooked heiress who will turn his world upside down.
Third story: “An Inconvenient Countess: (Kristin Vayden) is a delightful story where Diana Lambson’s only option to save her poverty-stricken family is a marriage of convenience—no other than the Devil’s Bachelor, Charles Brook, Earl Of Barrington. Brook’s goal is to achieve respectability his union with Diana will give him. But does Diana dare entrust her future to a scoundrel?
I thoroughly enjoyed each story with its own plot, characters, and theme. The steamy bits were very well done. Kudos to Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden for their excellent teamwork. I received The Arrangement from Minerva Spencer in exchange for my honest review.
The Arrangement is three stories from three authors with one connecting theme, and marriage of convenience is a very favorite trope of mine.I think my favorite story was An Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden.
Charles Brook, the Earl of Barrington, also known as the Devil’s Bachelor, is ready to turn over a new leaf and needs a wife and an image makeover.
“It was strange how he had been searching for a wife, never once expecting to find something vastly more important.
A friend.”
His neighbor, Miss Diana Lambson, needs to find a way to help her family out of financial trouble so Brook suggests a mutually advantageous agreement.
“He should have known that this marriage of convenience was going to be bloody inconvenient.”
I really enjoyed these three easy to read and entertaining stories.
-4.5 Stars!-
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Lady Sophie has known the Marquess of Fontaine, Justin, since she was a kid. She mistook his sincere protectiveness as aloofness and superiority. So much that when it came time to marry she chose another, never knowing Justin had been in love for years. After her betrothed passes, leaving her with a tattered reputation, she leaves the ton, only to return to visit Justin’s family with her grandmother. Knowing its a scheme to get them together, she enlisted Justin’s help to show how unsuitable they really are. Problem is the more she tries to show they aren’t a match the more she thinks they might be. It is a friends to lovers story and worth the read.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
The story of Beaumont Halliwell, Duke of Wroxton, and Josephine Loman is a very quick novella. It starts out at their wedding, Joesphine is elated as she has loved the duke for years, secretly of course. The marriage is one of convenience and happens because the Duke needs the money her dowry will provide. It was nice to see them fall in love gradually and was a good cute novella.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Diana Lambson’s family is destitute after her father’s passing. Willing to do whatever is necessary to take care of her four siblings she agrees to marry Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington. The Earl has led a hard life that has naturally led to a bad reputation, this reputation is what is keeping him from a lucrative business deal. Thus the marriage of convenience is required to bring him respectability. Their love is quickly found, which is a little off-putting as i would like to have seen more hints of it before we were told it was there. But it is a good little novella.
Overall I enjoyed the three novellas and look forward to reading more from these authors.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day: Childhood friends Justin and Lady Sophie have always been opposites and are surely ill-suited. Their mothers think differently and Justin, now the Marquess of Fontaine, is coming to agree with them. He’s always loved Sophie, but with her scandalous reputation, convincing her they can have a future together won’t be easy.
I’m a sucker for the ‘I’ve loved you for years’ premise and this was a sweet second chance story. It’s a novella, so of course everything came together rapidly but Justin was a lovely hero and he and Sophie made a great couple.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer: Former solider Beaumont Halliwell has finally returned home after his older brother’s death and must assume responsibility for the impoverished dukedom. As the new Duke of Wroxton, Beau is drowning in debt and must marry for money. Shrewish, plain-looking Josephine Loman has been fixated by Beau since she first saw him, but he doesn’t even remember her. Beau is filled with rage at his entire situation and, especially since his former fiance betrayed him to marry his brother, Beau has no use for marriage. Though their situation is forced, Jo finally has the man of her dreams and Beau just might find himself happy as well, if he can see the benefits of his unwanted circumstances.
I love this author and her writing is great, but this one was not for me at all. I couldn’t stand Beau as a hero, he had to many other woman issues for me, and shrewish Jo wasn’t much better. I did appreciate their maturity in communicating with each other, but that was about it, not to mention her father’s death hanging over the whole thing along with an abrupt ending, although even fleshed out into a full length book, I’m still not sure I’d have liked the main characters.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden: Diana Lambson is the eldest of five sisters and with the death of their father and the despondency of their mother, it falls to her to save the family. Charles Brook, the Earl of Barrington, needs to repair his reputation to ensure the completion of a business deal. When he proposes a marriage of convenience to solve both of their problems, Diana is hard-pressed to refuse and even more surprised to find she actually likes her new husband.
I enjoyed this short story; it’s always nice to see a reformed rake and the friendship that developed between Diana and Brook was endearing.
This was a solid set and I especially enjoyed the first and last stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
It has been a wile since I have read a book by Sylvia Day. I missed this story in her historical catalog so it was fresh and new to me. Wow, for a short story I thought this one packed a huge punch and I love how Justin did not let other people’s small-mindedness keep him from declaring and pursuing his love. Justin and Sophie are destined to be together. The ending was so lovely with their growing family. My problem is I wanted more of their story.
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
At the start of this story I thought “oh no, a misunderstanding that goes on way too long”. How wrong I was. Beau is very upfront with his thoughts and ideas and satisfyingly enough so is Josephine. Their discussions were always on-point and very refreshing. Thank you Ms. Spencer. This is a wonderful story of love blossoming on Beau’s part and coming to fruition on Josephine’s part. I loved this story. Once again, I wish it were longer.
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
Unbelievably good! WOW! Ms. Vayden really brings out all of the stops in this story. It has a marriage of convenience, a naughty hero and heroine and a wonderful story to pull it all together. Brook and Diana are perfect and their story is such a delight to read. I have read a few of Ms. Vayden’s books and this one, even short as it is, is right at the top.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.