Marry in Scandal

1000% my catnip, this book did not disappoint. Marriage of Convenience is my favorite romance trope, and this book had it all: lovely set up, wonderful characters, smooth romance that was distinctly low on the angst meter. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to discovering the other ways she stretches this trope (and how she's going to pair off the stubborn Georgiana!).

I liked this slight variation on a "marriage of convenience" romance. Usually examples using this trope have the hero and heroine discovered in some scandalous situation and they are forced to marry. In this one, the circumstances surrounding the scandal are more complex and take up much of the novel; to wit, Lily is abducted by a baddie who wants to force her into marriage so he can gain her inheritance, but she is rescued by her brother's friend and must accompany him back to London. During the journey, the two get to know a bit about each other, so the eventual marriage wasn't as cringe-inducing as they sometimes are in historical romances. Both Lily and Ned are keeping secrets, but all is overcome and they live happily ever show more after.

This was an above-average historical romance read for me. It's the second in a series, so I will definitely go back to read the first. show less

Title: Marry in Scandal
Author: Anne Gracie
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Marry in Scandal" by Anne Gracie

My Thoughts...

This was quite a enjoyable unique historical romance read where I found these characters well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader quite a engaging good read of some strong Regency England women. I liked how Lily and Edward were drawn together with her being 'intuitive, sweet, shy and smart, but however, illiterate lady of the noble birth [dyslexia] and him being a wounded soldier suffering with 'PTSD' and having much war guilt.

It was quite a read of how Lily is thrust into an engagement, then a marriage to a gallant war hero who had rescued her from a show more kidnapping attempt. By the end the read the reader is see the growth of these two relationship and their developed trust and camaraderie that will become between them as Lily moves to save Edward just as he is their to save her.

So, if you are looking for a delightful historical romance I would definitely recommend 'Marry in Scandal' by Anne Gracie. show less

This was very enjoyable. I like that the heroine was a very sweet person, but not helpless. And that she had a few significant challenges to deal with. It took a bit longer for me to find the hero all that special, but I did enjoy all the perspective we got in his head- a cool facade outwardly, a not nearly so reserved inner world. =D The more he started cracking and showing his feelings on the outside the more I liked him. It was also fun to see some cameos from the Chance Sisters series.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

If you read the first book in this series, Marry in Haste, you will be familiar with Lady Lily Rutherford. If not, this book will still be sure to captivate your attention as Lily's story is quite engaging. Lily isn't looking for marriage, but she certainly hopes for true love. Instead, she is not pleased to find herself facing marriage to Edward Galbraith, due to a scandal. It really is disturbing to her that he is a rake with quite a reputation.

At the tender age of 18, Lily is more than a bit naive. Lily must face one fact ... she is more than drawn to him. So agreeing to marry Edward might not end up being the worst thing that could happen to her. Now, if she could just get him to have feelings for her. However, show more Edward has had a difficult past, and does his very best to keep his heart under lock and key.

As far as how Lily and Edward got together. Well, he was her savior. After rescuing Lily, all he wanted to do was to keep her safe until he could return her to her family. Meanwhile, there was a man who put Lily in danger, and that is something that Edward will never forget. Although he is more than honorable, and despite the fact that he worked hard to maintain Lily's reputation, the pair do end up together.

One thing about Lily is that she has never been able to learn to read, and this is a huge part of who she is, and therefore, this becomes part of this story. Meanwhile, since this is part of a series, we see Lily's family occasionally. What's more is there is a special character who I was rather fond of, and that it Edward's grandfather. So, just as in the first book in series, family connections were part of this story.

I love how Lily's learning disorder was handled, and also enjoyed how Edward was able to face his past. This was a terrific read and a delightful part of an enjoyable series. The next book, Marry in Secret, was another very good read. show less

Lilly Rutherford can't read or write despite her best efforts. When she is handed a note that she can't read but is supposed to be from her sister at a ball, she is then tricked into a carriage where she is abducted. Fortunately, Edward 'Ned' Galbraith comes to her rescue and brings her home, not without some scandal erupting in the Ton.
Much like the first book in this series, I enjoyed the story very much. Both Lilly and Ned are interesting characters. I do wish a bit more time had been spent on Ned; most of the book was from Lilly's POV. My one quibble was when Ned finally realizes his feelings for Lilly, it seems very abrupt.
Marry in Scandal is a quick read and pleasant one.

comfort read. The only real problem is that this author's characters can seem very similar from book to book.