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jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
A collection of three early 19th century British-set historical novellas. The headliner of the collection is Sylvia Day, with "Mischief and the Marquess," an opposites-attract novella from 2007. As a younger man, stiff, stodgy Justin, Marquess of Fontaine, nursed a keen infatuation for the vivacious Lady Sophie Milton-Riley. But while he waited for her to grow up, another lord beat him to the punch of proposing to her. Since then, an unspecified scandal have cast Sophie out of polite social circles. In spite of this, Justin's mother and Sophie's grandmother are conspiring to make a match between the two. Sophie convinces Justin to contrive with her to demonstrate to their matchmaking relatives that they are simply not meant for one another. Several rather uninspired schemes later convinces them that they are. One can understand why Day switched from historical to contemporary romance after reading this story; her voice here often feels awkward and overwritten ("his blond hair was a maternal trait"; "She could not predict how he would respond to the gross deviation of propriety she had committed so many years ago"), and her plotting less than compelling.
Minerva Spencer's entry, "The Duke's Treasure," features the forced marriage trope, although the force here is not propriety but money and honor. Beaumont ("Beau") Halliwell, the new Duke of Wroxton, agrees to marry "the Potted Meat Princess," one of the richest women in England, despite her lack of a noble pedigree. Why? Because his family's coffers are empty, and because his now-dead brother broke his promise to Mr. Loman that he would wed his daughter. For her part, Josephine ("Jo") Loman has been longing after the gorgeous former second Halliwell son for five years (ever since she saw him having sex with another woman at a house party they both attended). Even his coldness, obvious contempt, and lack of memory of their earlier meetings can't "quench her burning desire to possess him." Their relationship doesn't improve when Beau insists they set out for the country, leaving Jo's dying father behind. Of course, readers know that he is only doing so because he promised her father to keep Jo from witnessing his decline. With such an inauspicious beginning, as well as an evil other woman to make their relationship even more fraught, can the two make anything out of their marriage? Spencer's strong writing, erotic sex scenes, and message that forging a strong bond requires open and honest discussions combine to make this story the standout of the collection.
Kristin Vayden's "An Inconvenient Countess"
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is in need of a respectable wife, so that another man will sell him an estate in the Caribbean (why the owner of what is presumably a sugar plantation worked by enslaved Africans would scruple to sell it to a rake is a bit of a puzzle). Since his reputation in London is so bad (for unspecified reasons), he heads to the country, and discovers a candidate in the eldest daughter of his neighbor, Diana Lambson, the eldest of five girls. With a recently deceased father and an ill mother, it is up to Diana to secure her family's future. Barrington's offer of a marriage of convenience (not the typical, no-sex kind, but one without emotional attachments) is the perfect answer to her problems. Neither is expecting to love the other, but they quickly fall into an easy friendship. But when Barrington's business deal falls through, will their new relationship founder, too? Despite occasional poor word choice and awkward phrasing ("if it's so simple, why such articulate planning?"; "It would only serve his purpose to have his marriage a well-known occurrence"), a solid historical novella.
Day's story: 2 stars
Spencer's story: 4 stars
Vayden's story: 3 stars
Minerva Spencer's entry, "The Duke's Treasure," features the forced marriage trope, although the force here is not propriety but money and honor. Beaumont ("Beau") Halliwell, the new Duke of Wroxton, agrees to marry "the Potted Meat Princess," one of the richest women in England, despite her lack of a noble pedigree. Why? Because his family's coffers are empty, and because his now-dead brother broke his promise to Mr. Loman that he would wed his daughter. For her part, Josephine ("Jo") Loman has been longing after the gorgeous former second Halliwell son for five years (ever since she saw him having sex with another woman at a house party they both attended). Even his coldness, obvious contempt, and lack of memory of their earlier meetings can't "quench her burning desire to possess him." Their relationship doesn't improve when Beau insists they set out for the country, leaving Jo's dying father behind. Of course, readers know that he is only doing so because he promised her father to keep Jo from witnessing his decline. With such an inauspicious beginning, as well as an evil other woman to make their relationship even more fraught, can the two make anything out of their marriage? Spencer's strong writing, erotic sex scenes, and message that forging a strong bond requires open and honest discussions combine to make this story the standout of the collection.
Kristin Vayden's "An Inconvenient Countess"
Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, is in need of a respectable wife, so that another man will sell him an estate in the Caribbean (why the owner of what is presumably a sugar plantation worked by enslaved Africans would scruple to sell it to a rake is a bit of a puzzle). Since his reputation in London is so bad (for unspecified reasons), he heads to the country, and discovers a candidate in the eldest daughter of his neighbor, Diana Lambson, the eldest of five girls. With a recently deceased father and an ill mother, it is up to Diana to secure her family's future. Barrington's offer of a marriage of convenience (not the typical, no-sex kind, but one without emotional attachments) is the perfect answer to her problems. Neither is expecting to love the other, but they quickly fall into an easy friendship. But when Barrington's business deal falls through, will their new relationship founder, too? Despite occasional poor word choice and awkward phrasing ("if it's so simple, why such articulate planning?"; "It would only serve his purpose to have his marriage a well-known occurrence"), a solid historical novella.
Day's story: 2 stars
Spencer's story: 4 stars
Vayden's story: 3 stars
luchikreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
3 novellas in 1 book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
jeannethinks's review against another edition
4.0
Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day
Sophie Milton-Riley, wants to prove how wrong it would be to marry Justin,
the Marquess of Fontaine and that they wouldn't suit. However, he does not feel the same and realizes that he has to take a unique approach to win her heart.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Josephine Loman is the answer to the, Beaumont Halliwell Duke of Wroxton prayers whether he wants her to be or not. As the title is lofty but the estate is impoverished. Taking on a bride who is an heiress will solve his problems.
Josephine is determined to take on the role despite the fact that her husband has no recollection of meeting her five years ago. Can they overcome the past and deal with the future together?
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
With little options available to save the family estate Diana Lambson decides to accept the devil's bargain. The devil bachelor that is. Charles Brook, Earl of Berrington is exactly what Diana needs. He makes the bargain to close a deal but he gets much more than he expected in his wife. This marriage of convenience truly becomes a match.
Sophie Milton-Riley, wants to prove how wrong it would be to marry Justin,
the Marquess of Fontaine and that they wouldn't suit. However, he does not feel the same and realizes that he has to take a unique approach to win her heart.
The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer
Josephine Loman is the answer to the, Beaumont Halliwell Duke of Wroxton prayers whether he wants her to be or not. As the title is lofty but the estate is impoverished. Taking on a bride who is an heiress will solve his problems.
Josephine is determined to take on the role despite the fact that her husband has no recollection of meeting her five years ago. Can they overcome the past and deal with the future together?
The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden
With little options available to save the family estate Diana Lambson decides to accept the devil's bargain. The devil bachelor that is. Charles Brook, Earl of Berrington is exactly what Diana needs. He makes the bargain to close a deal but he gets much more than he expected in his wife. This marriage of convenience truly becomes a match.
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
3.0
3 books for the price of 1. Over all, nice concise stories- like Bridgerton but with a little more spice. Marriages of convenience, which is my favorite plot of the genre.
cnewby927's review against another edition
4.0
Mischief and the Marquess - Sylvia Day - 3 Stars
This was a good story but it felt rushed. The turn around from being a couple is a terrible idea to lets get married gave me whiplash. There were definitely some funny moments though! When Sophie blew pepper into Justin's face, I died! Favorite quote: "Lord save me. The horror of discussing my carnal proclivities with you is upsetting my sensibilities. The urge to flee is now overwhelming."
The Duke's Treasure - Minerva Spencer - 4 Stars
I loved reading this short story! I wish there was more to read about Jo and Beau. Even though it is a short story, I liked that this wasn't an insta love story. Beau and Jo's marriage did not start as a love match but it did turn into one. I also loved that Beau was the one to lay down the fact that he wanted their bed to be a place of love and emotion. Who doesn't love a strong man who can also show emotion!
The Inconvenient Countess - Kristin Vayden - 4.5 Stars
This is my favorite story out of all three! For this being a short story, it didn't feel rushed. Brook and Diana start as a marriage of convenience. Obviously, that doesn't last. This one wasn't a insta love and you get to see it go from strangers to friends to more. Just a joy to read!
This was a good story but it felt rushed. The turn around from being a couple is a terrible idea to lets get married gave me whiplash. There were definitely some funny moments though! When Sophie blew pepper into Justin's face, I died! Favorite quote: "Lord save me. The horror of discussing my carnal proclivities with you is upsetting my sensibilities. The urge to flee is now overwhelming."
The Duke's Treasure - Minerva Spencer - 4 Stars
I loved reading this short story! I wish there was more to read about Jo and Beau. Even though it is a short story, I liked that this wasn't an insta love story. Beau and Jo's marriage did not start as a love match but it did turn into one. I also loved that Beau was the one to lay down the fact that he wanted their bed to be a place of love and emotion. Who doesn't love a strong man who can also show emotion!
The Inconvenient Countess - Kristin Vayden - 4.5 Stars
This is my favorite story out of all three! For this being a short story, it didn't feel rushed. Brook and Diana start as a marriage of convenience. Obviously, that doesn't last. This one wasn't a insta love and you get to see it go from strangers to friends to more. Just a joy to read!
bookishlynomes's review against another edition
4.0
The Arrangement is a wonderful anthology of sweet, heartfelt historical romance novellas. It includes Mischief and the Marquess by Sylvia Day, The Duke's Treasure by Minerva Spencer and The Inconvenient Countess by Kristin Vayden. While each story may be short, they certainly pack a punch and I absolutely loved each one.
The Mischief and the Marquess is a story of second chances and choices. Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, has been in love with Lady Sophie since they were young children but things didn't work out. Now all grown up, fate (and meddling family members) have other plans for the recently widowed Lady Sophie and Justin as they attempt to prove how ill-suited they are for each other. I loved Sylvia's writing style in this story and enjoyed Justin's pursuit of Sophie immensely. It was a novella that didn't feel like a novella because it contained quite a lot in so few words. A solid 4 stars!
The Duke's Treasure was incredibly delightful! Josephine Loman may consider herself plain but the lovely woman is anything but. She has been in love with Beaumont Halliwell, Duke of Wroxton, for years but he has unfortunately been smitten with her "friend" and therefore never paid her any attention. Now circumstances have changed and the two become wed for their own personal reasons, thus beginning the process of starting over. I think this story was my favourite of the three. I found Josephine to be so sweet and down to earth despite her hardships growing up and loved the way she and Beau really talked things out to ensure they made the best of the marriage. Communication is one of those things that can be lost in many books these days but Minerva really tackled this so well! 4 stars!
I adore the marriage of convenience trope and The Inconvenient Countess delivers in spades. Miss Diana Lambson is the eldest in a poverty-stricken family and needs to marry to help her loved ones. Despite his scoundrel reputation, Miss Diana enlists the help of Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, and a sweet relationship blossoms. This story was by far the shortest and I wished there was more but I thoroughly enjoyed what I read. I adored Diana and Charles so much and loved their relationship's development. There was no insta-love and it didn't feel rushed at all which can often happen in short stories. Another 4 stars!
If you enjoy regency romances and want some fun, fast-paced stories, I highly recommend The Arrangement!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Mischief and the Marquess is a story of second chances and choices. Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, has been in love with Lady Sophie since they were young children but things didn't work out. Now all grown up, fate (and meddling family members) have other plans for the recently widowed Lady Sophie and Justin as they attempt to prove how ill-suited they are for each other. I loved Sylvia's writing style in this story and enjoyed Justin's pursuit of Sophie immensely. It was a novella that didn't feel like a novella because it contained quite a lot in so few words. A solid 4 stars!
The Duke's Treasure was incredibly delightful! Josephine Loman may consider herself plain but the lovely woman is anything but. She has been in love with Beaumont Halliwell, Duke of Wroxton, for years but he has unfortunately been smitten with her "friend" and therefore never paid her any attention. Now circumstances have changed and the two become wed for their own personal reasons, thus beginning the process of starting over. I think this story was my favourite of the three. I found Josephine to be so sweet and down to earth despite her hardships growing up and loved the way she and Beau really talked things out to ensure they made the best of the marriage. Communication is one of those things that can be lost in many books these days but Minerva really tackled this so well! 4 stars!
I adore the marriage of convenience trope and The Inconvenient Countess delivers in spades. Miss Diana Lambson is the eldest in a poverty-stricken family and needs to marry to help her loved ones. Despite his scoundrel reputation, Miss Diana enlists the help of Charles Brook, Earl of Barrington, and a sweet relationship blossoms. This story was by far the shortest and I wished there was more but I thoroughly enjoyed what I read. I adored Diana and Charles so much and loved their relationship's development. There was no insta-love and it didn't feel rushed at all which can often happen in short stories. Another 4 stars!
If you enjoy regency romances and want some fun, fast-paced stories, I highly recommend The Arrangement!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
3.0
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.
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.
sunnyxviii's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Duke’s Treasure by Minerva Spencer
🔥 4/5
❤️ I do like that they actually communicated early on in the relationship.
💔 Victoria was useless as a villain, plot point. Was also quite flat as a character.
🔥 4/5
❤️ I do like that they actually communicated early on in the relationship.
💔 Victoria was useless as a villain, plot point. Was also quite flat as a character.